Do you need house siding in Hatfield? Your home’s exterior significantly impacts its appeal and protection. If you live with a stucco exterior, you might be exploring different upgrade options. Perhaps the current look feels outdated, or the stucco itself is showing wear and tear after facing various weather conditions.
So, the big question is: can you add siding to a stucco house? The straightforward answer is yes, absolutely. This is a common home improvement project many homeowners undertake to enhance their home’s curb appeal or add an extra layer of defense against the elements.
However, installing siding over stucco is more involved than simply attaching new siding panels to the existing surface. This project demands careful consideration and precise execution to achieve the best results. Proper siding installation ensures your home not only looks fantastic but also remains structurally sound and protected for many years, potentially improving energy efficiency too.
Why Consider Siding Over Your Stucco?
You might find your stucco has lost its original charm, or you’re simply ready for a significant aesthetic update. There are several compelling reasons why homeowners choose to install siding over their existing stucco, ranging from visual enhancement to addressing functional issues. This decision can transform your home’s character and performance.
Giving Your Home a Fresh New Look
Are you tired of the current appearance of your stucco siding? Styles evolve, and a finish that was popular years ago might now seem dated. Siding offers a remarkable opportunity to completely revamp your home’s facade, boosting its curb appeal.
You can select from a wide range of siding materials, colors, and textures, allowing you to achieve a look that genuinely reflects your personal style. Many siding types, including vinyl siding and fiber cement siding, come in an extensive palette of color choices. Imagine your house having a vibrant, modern appearance that makes it stand out in the neighborhood.
Dealing with Stucco Problems
While stucco is known for its durability, it’s not impervious to problems over time. You might observe stucco cracks, from fine hairline fissures to larger, more concerning breaks. Sometimes, water can penetrate behind the stucco, leading to water damage and compromising the underlying structure.
These issues can become persistent headaches, often requiring ongoing stucco repair. Instead of continuous patching and maintenance, installing siding can provide a more comprehensive and lasting solution. Covering stucco effectively hides these imperfections, giving your home a fresh start and potentially alleviating concerns about frequent stucco maintenance.
Boosting Your Home’s Protection
Consider new siding as an additional protective coat for your house. It introduces another barrier against environmental factors like wind, rain, snow, and harsh weather. This extra layer can significantly help safeguard the structural integrity of your home from potential stucco damage or moisture penetration.
Certain siding types, particularly when installed with quality foam insulation or a proper underlayment, can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. This added insulation helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, which could lead to more comfortable living spaces and potentially lower utility bills. This enhancement works by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Increasing Property Value
Curb appeal plays a crucial role in a home’s marketability and perceived value. A residence with a modern, well-maintained, and attractive exterior typically commands a better price. Installing new siding can dramatically improve how your home looks from the street, making a strong first impression.
This upgrade is an investment that could lead to a notable increase in your property’s value. If you plan to sell your home in the future, new siding is a feature that can attract more buyers and potentially yield a good return on your investment. Homeowners achieve a significant aesthetic uplift which is highly valued.
So, How Exactly Can You Add Siding to a Stucco House?
The process of installing siding over stucco is not typically a simple weekend DIY project; it requires specific knowledge and skills. The siding installation generally involves several critical stages to ensure it’s performed correctly and safely. Understanding these steps helps in appreciating the scope of the work.
The Big Question: Siding Directly Over Stucco or Removal First?
This is one of the primary decisions you and your contractor will need to make. Can new siding be installed directly on top of the existing stucco surface? The answer depends on the condition of your current stucco.
If your stucco is in relatively good condition—free from major stucco cracks, bulging, or significant signs of water damage—then installing siding directly over it might be feasible. This approach can save on the cost and disruption associated with demolition. However, if the stucco is extensively damaged, shows signs of moisture issues, or its structural integrity is questionable, then stucco removal first is usually the recommended course.
Removing damaged stucco allows for a thorough inspection and repair of any underlying problems with the wall sheathing or framing, ensuring a solid base for the new siding. Stucco removal also prevents adding excessive thickness to your walls, which can sometimes complicate detailing around siding windows and doors. A professional siding contractor can assess your home and advise on the best strategy for your specific situation, considering factors like the type of existing stucco and local climate.
Key Steps in the Process
Regardless of whether you opt for stucco removal or decide to install siding over it, the project follows a general sequence. First, a comprehensive inspection of your current stucco exterior is essential. This assessment will identify any issues, such as cracks or soft spots, that must be addressed before the new siding installation begins; even minor stucco cracks in stucco that will be covered should be sealed to prevent future problems.
The next crucial step is creating a solid, level, and properly ventilated surface for the new siding. This often involves installing furring strips. These are thin strips of treated wood or metal attached vertically to the wall, over the stucco (if it’s left in place) or directly to the sheathing (if stucco is removed). Installing furring strips is vital because they create an essential air gap between the old surface and the new siding.
This air gap, created by the vertical furring strips, facilitates ventilation and allows any incidental moisture that might get behind the siding panels to dry out effectively, which helps prevent moisture issues. The furring strips provide a stable and flat nailing surface for the siding, ensuring it hangs correctly and performs as intended. These strips are typically secured using appropriate fasteners like concrete screws, which may require a hammer drill for penetration into the stucco if it’s being left.
A weather-resistant barrier, commonly known as house wrap, is another indispensable layer. This material is applied over the installed furring strips or directly onto the wall sheathing if the stucco was removed. It functions like a protective raincoat for your walls, effectively stopping liquid water from reaching the underlying structure while allowing water vapor to escape, which is important as stucco can be a porous material. Skipping or improperly installing this barrier can lead to significant water damage and mold growth down the line, compromising the siding install.
Only after these preparatory steps is it time to install your chosen siding. Installers must meticulously follow the specific guidelines provided by the siding manufacturer for the particular siding materials selected. Finally, new trim around windows, doors, and corners, along with any necessary soffit and fascia work, will complete the siding project, ensuring a polished and weather-tight finish. Proper flashing around all openings, including siding windows, is critical at this stage to prevent water intrusion.
What Siding Materials Work Best Over Stucco?
You have several excellent choices when it comes to siding materials for covering stucco. Each material presents its own unique aesthetic, set of benefits, maintenance requirements, and price point. Considering these factors carefully will help you select the siding choice that best fits your home, your style preferences, and your budget.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is an exceedingly popular option for many homeowners, primarily due to its affordability and low maintenance. It is one of the most cost-effective siding materials available per square foot. Vinyl comes in a vast wide range of color choices and styles, with some designs impressively mimicking the texture of wood grain.
A significant advantage of vinyl siding is that it requires minimal upkeep; typically, an occasional wash-down is sufficient to keep it looking clean. However, some perceive it as looking less premium than other exterior materials. It can also become brittle and potentially crack in extremely cold weather conditions or if subjected to a hard impact.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding, such as products from James Hardie, is another robust and highly recommended contender. This material is renowned for its exceptional durability and longevity. Fiber cement siding offers excellent weather resistance, standing up well to harsh weather, and is resistant to rot, insects, and fire.
It can be manufactured to closely resemble real wood siding, stone, or even a smooth stucco finish, offering design versatility. Fiber cement holds paint exceptionally well, meaning your chosen color can last for a very long time before repainting is needed. On the downside, fiber cement is heavier than vinyl siding and generally has a higher total cost for both materials and siding installation, often requiring specialized tools and techniques.
Wood Siding
For those seeking a truly classic, timeless, and natural aesthetic, nothing quite compares to real wood siding. Common choices include cedar, pine, and redwood, each offering distinct grain patterns and natural beauty. Wood siding provides a warm, traditional appeal and can be stained or painted in a multitude of shades to match any design vision.
However, wood siding requires maintenance more frequently than other options. You will need to repaint or re-stain it every few years to protect it from moisture, insects, and rot. This ongoing upkeep commitment is a significant factor to consider when weighing your siding choice.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding offers a compelling middle ground between natural wood and more synthetic options. It is manufactured from wood fibers combined with resins, waxes, and other binders. This composition makes it more resistant to moisture and insect infestation than natural wood siding.
It often comes pre-primed or even pre-finished from the factory, simplifying the installation process and initial finishing. Engineered wood can provide a wood-like appearance with somewhat less maintenance than solid wood, but it’s not as maintenance-free as vinyl or fiber cement. The quality and durability can also vary among different brands and product lines.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
Adding siding over an existing stucco exterior is a significant undertaking. Several critical details can make the difference between a successful, long-lasting job and one that leads to costly problems later. Paying close attention to these points throughout the planning and installation process is very important for protecting your investment.
Moisture Management is Everything
This aspect cannot be overemphasized. The most substantial risk when installing siding over stucco is the potential for trapping moisture. If water penetrates between the new siding and the old stucco (or the wall sheathing if stucco was removed), it can lead to severe issues like rot, mold growth, and structural damage to your home’s framework.
This is precisely why the installation of furring strips to create an air gap and a properly installed weather-resistant barrier are absolutely vital. These components are designed to help moisture escape and keep your walls dry by allowing airflow and providing a drainage plane. You need any water that might bypass the siding panels to have a clear path out, not a way to seep further into the wall assembly, which can negatively impact energy costs and create unhealthy indoor air quality due to moisture issues.
Proper Attachment of Furring Strips
Furring strips are not merely tacked onto the wall; they must be attached securely to provide a stable base for the siding. They should be fastened through the existing stucco (if applicable) and firmly into the wall studs or solid sheathing behind it. Accurately locating the studs is crucial for achieving a strong and durable hold for these vertical furring strips.
If the installed furring strips are loose or improperly attached, your siding will not be secure, potentially leading to panels dislodging or an uneven appearance. This step requires precision, the correct type and length of fasteners (often concrete screws for stucco applications, potentially requiring a hammer drill), and an understanding of building construction. How the furring strips provide support is key to the longevity of the siding.
Dealing with Windows and Doors
When you add furring strips and new siding panels, you are effectively increasing the overall thickness of your walls. This added depth means that your existing window and door frames might appear recessed or “canned.” To ensure everything looks aesthetically pleasing and functions correctly, you will often need to extend the window and door jambs and sills to match the new wall plane.
Furthermore, proper flashing around all openings—windows, doors, and any other penetrations—is absolutely critical. Flashing is designed to direct water away from these vulnerable areas and prevent leaks that could lead to water damage. This is a detailed aspect of the siding installation that requires skill and experience; issues around siding windows are common points of failure if not handled correctly. Sometimes, this is a good opportunity to consider window replacement if existing units are old or inefficient.
Building Codes and Permits
Most municipalities will require a building permit for a re-siding project of this nature, especially when covering or removing stucco. Local building codes specify how siding should be installed, including requirements for weather-resistant barriers, fastener schedules, and the attachment of furring strips. These codes are in place to ensure safety and structural integrity.
It is always best to check with your local building department before commencing any work to understand the specific requirements in your area. A reputable and experienced siding contractor will typically handle the permitting process for you, ensuring that the job is compliant with all relevant regulations. Failure to adhere to codes can result in fines or the need to redo work.
The Cost Factor
Installing siding over stucco generally involves a higher total cost than siding a new construction wall or even re-siding over old wood siding. The additional labor required for preparation, such as properly installing furring or the potential cost of stucco removal if necessary, contributes to the increased expense. The choice of siding materials also significantly impacts the overall price per square foot.
Vinyl siding is often the most budget-friendly, while fiber cement and quality wood siding will be at the higher end of the price spectrum. It is wise to obtain at least three detailed quotes from experienced contractors. Ensure these quotes clearly outline exactly what is included in their price, covering all aspects from material costs to labor, waste disposal, and any specific challenges related to covering stucco or working with your home’s architecture.
Should You DIY or Hire a Pro for Adding Siding to a Stucco House?
So, you might be contemplating tackling this siding project yourself to save on labor costs. The allure of a DIY approach is understandable. However, installing siding over a stucco house is generally not a suitable project for the average weekend warrior due to its complexity and potential pitfalls.
This job has several tricky aspects, particularly concerning moisture management, that, if executed incorrectly, can lead to very expensive problems down the line, including hidden water damage. It is important to think carefully and realistically assess your skills and the project’s demands before deciding to undertake the siding install yourself. The stucco process, if removal is chosen, adds another layer of complexity.
The primary risks associated with a DIY attempt revolve around moisture control. If you fail to create the proper air gap with correctly installed furring strips, or if the weather-resistant barrier and flashing are not installed meticulously, you could inadvertently trap water behind your new siding. This trapped moisture can cause rot, mold, and serious structural damage to your home, often progressing unnoticed until it becomes a major issue. Additionally, achieving a professional look, with siding panels that are perfectly straight, level, and properly overlapped, requires considerable practice and specialized tools that professionals possess for installing vinyl or other siding materials.
Hiring an experienced siding contractor offers significant peace of mind and typically yields a superior result. They understand the specific challenges of working over existing stucco and how to prepare the stucco surface correctly. They are knowledgeable about local building codes and the correct installation process for various siding types, ensuring your home is protected and the siding offers maximum durability and weather resistance.
Furthermore, professional installers usually provide a warranty on their workmanship, giving you recourse if issues arise. While the upfront investment is higher, having the siding installation done right the first time often saves homeowners money, stress, and potential heartache in the long run, helping them achieve the desired outcome effectively. Call us for house siding in Blue Bell, PA.
Conclusion
Adding stucco is an excellent way to update your home’s exterior appearance, effectively address problems with existing stucco, or simply achieve a fresh, new look that enhances curb appeal. Many homeowners have successfully made this transition and are delighted with the transformative results.
However, this is not a minor cosmetic alteration; it is a significant construction project that requires thorough planning, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering focus on proper moisture management. Whether you choose stucco removal or decide to install siding over the current stucco using furring strips, ensuring that air can circulate freely and any water can escape is paramount to the project’s success and the longevity of your home. Making the right siding choice for your specific needs, climate, and budget is also a key component of a successful outcome.
With the correct approach, appropriate siding materials, and skilled installers handling the siding installation, this upgrade can be a truly remarkable and lasting improvement for your home. It allows homeowners to achieve a beautiful, durable, and better-protected stucco exterior for years to come. Contact us today!
