Can Stucco Be Covered With Siding?

Absolutely – stucco can be covered with siding – and doing so can provide an entirely new look for your home’s or building’s exterior. But you’ll want to know what types of siding you can use, how the siding is installed, and what it will cost before you pull the plug and decide to install siding over existing stucco.

What Types of Siding Can I Have Installed Over Stucco?

The siding market provides a gorgeous array of colors, textures, and options so you can customize the look of your home or building. Not only is vinyl siding extremely durable and versatile, but color choices are amazing and the textures range from elegant and smooth to charming and rustic. Other siding types include metal, fiber cement, and composites like engineered wood. Stone and brick veneers are also popular.

How is Siding Installed Over Stucco?

We provide more details in the section, What Are the Steps to Place Siding Over Stucco? but in summary, it’s helpful to understand some basics:

  1. Siding cannot be nailed directly into the stucco. Why not? Because if you nail siding directly onto the stucco surface, the stucco can crack and chip, opening your home to damage from moisture, insects, and vermin.
  2. Inspect for damage. It’s critical to inspect the existing stucco for damage before the siding installation process begins.
    • Damage to the stucco must be repaired, otherwise, the cause of the damage can continue after the siding is installed and unseen problems can fester in your home or building.
    • Most homeowners don’t have the tools or experience to properly assess and repair stucco damage. You want to make sure there aren’t any cracks or holes that allow moisture to enter and cause mold, dry rot, or wood damage, otherwise, those problems will continue long after the new siding is installed.
  3. Furring strips and insulation. Furring strips are the best way to attach siding to stucco. The furring strips are 2′ x 4′ pieces of wood that are directly attached to the stucco every 16 inches. The insulation board is then glued onto the stucco between the furring. Now the stucco is ready for the siding.

Is It a Good Idea to Put Siding Over Stucco?

In most cases, it’s a great idea to put siding over stucco, especially when you want an entirely different look for your house or building, or the stucco looks tired and worn. Stucco has been used on buildings since ancient times. It’s beautiful, durable, and strong and can last from 50 to 80 years if it’s properly maintained. But if your stucco is past its prime and you don’t live in a stucco-friendly climate, covering it with siding is a great solution. Here are four solid reasons why installing siding over stucco can be a real advantage:

  1. To prevent water damage: Over time, stucco can become an eyesore due to cracks, fading, chips, gaps, or holes. And water damage can be an ongoing problem in humid or wet climates. Water damage can be very noticeable and lead to problems securing or maintaining insurance. Claims can be denied if you can’t prove the stucco was applied by a professional licensed stucco contractor.
  2. To improve your home’s curb appeal: Even if there is no water damage to the stucco, covering it with siding can definitely enhance your home’s value and curb appeal.
  3. Energy savings: The new insulation that will be installed between the stucco and new siding can be a game-changer in helping you save on utility bills. Insulation and home wraps combine to keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
  4. Less maintenance: Stucco is durable but requires more maintenance than many of today’s well-engineered, high-tech sidings. If you live in a wet or humid climate, installing siding over stucco is a viable solution to potential water damage.

How Much Does It Cost to Cover Stucco with Siding?

The cost of covering stucco with siding involves more than just the siding itself. Because installing siding over stucco is a process, you need to factor in the following:

  1. Damage that must be repaired prior to siding installation.
  2. The square footage of the building.
  3. The type of insulation and wrap you choose to go between the stucco and the siding.
  4. The type of siding you choose. Just to give you a ballpark, siding costs vary between:
    • $5 to $8 per square foot for vinyl
    • $7 to $11 per square foot for aluminum
    • $7.50 to $12 per square foot for engineered wood
    • $10 to $15 per square foot for fiber cement

To get a clearer idea of what it would cost to cover your stucco with siding, get a free quote from CLAD Siding. The complimentary quote is fast, allowing you to quickly start budgeting your siding project without having to guess and speculate. At CLAD Siding, we only work with reputable licensed and insured siding contractors who are experts at residential and commercial siding installation and repairs. You can trust that every step of your siding over stucco project will be completed to professional standards.

What are the Steps to Place Siding Over Stucco?

These steps outline the best way to attach siding to stucco:

  1. Inspect the old stucco for water damage, dry rot, mold, or other damage.
  2. Repair the damage. All stucco cracks, chips, gaps, holes, or water damage must be repaired.
  3. Add furring strips
    • Every 16 inches, 2 x 4 inch treated wood furring strips are installed. The furring strips provide a foundation and stability for the siding. Eventually, the siding will be attached to these strips.
    • It’s preferable to use concrete screws rather than a nail gun to attach the furring strips to the stucco. To use concrete screws, predrill holes in the furring strips that are 8 inches apart. Use a hammer drill to install the concrete screws in the holes and into the stucco.
    • Also, furring strips are installed next to every door and window frame and along the outer edges of walls.
  4. Glue rigid foam insulation board to the stucco between the furring strips.
    • Choose an insulation board that is the same thickness or a slightly thinner thickness than the furring strips so that there is a smooth flat surface under the siding.
    • Cut the insulation so that it will fit securely between the furring strips.
    • Use an adhesive made especially for stucco use.
  5. Depending on the climate, a water barrier wrap such as Tyvek or Typar can be installed over the insulation board. This wrap prevents external moisture from entering your house but allows internal moisture to escape. A waterproof membrane also provides air protection inside your house for lower heating and cooling bills.
  6. Door, window, and corner treatments
    • Door, window, and corner trim must be secured to the furring before the siding is installed.
    • These treatments are secured to the furring strips with ½ inch or ¾ inch wood screws.
  7. Install the siding
    • The first siding panels are nailed in place, flush with the sill plate, or at the bottom of the stucco wall. Each new piece overlaps the previously installed piece.
    • The end of the siding panel will go directly next to the wall edge, door, and/or window frames.
    • Measuring fit as the installation progresses is critical to avoid gaps.
    • Some types of siding panels, such as lap siding, will be painted after installation. Both enamel and water-based exterior paints are acceptable.

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Ready to cover your stucco with siding? CLAD Siding will help you find local, top-rated licensed, and insured siding contractors for your residential or commercial siding installation and repairs. Why wait? Request a fast free quote now!