Stucco is a finishing material that is made from a Portland cement mixture and can be texturized or colored to provide versatile options for finishing the outside of your home. Stucco can be applied to wood and other non-masonry finishes using a metal structure called a lathe, but due to the fact that stucco and brick are both masonry products, stucco can easily be applied directly to the brick to finish the outer layer of your home. Our team of local Phoenix stucco contractors at Titan Stucco is breaking down the process of putting stucco over brick, how long it lasts, and if it is removable.
How Long Does Stucco Over Brick Last?
Stucco is a very durable and long-lasting cement coating, and when applied over brick it can typically last anywhere from 30-50 years when cared for properly. The different care that is necessary for your stucco siding depends on the type of climate you live in, but a typical rule of thumb to ensure your stucco stands the test of time is cleaning your stucco siding 2-3 times a year. This involves pressure washing or hosing your siding to remove dirt and debris, which prevents stains and buildup on your siding. It is also important to check your stucco occasionally throughout the year for large cracks, and repair stucco cracks as they come. Small cracks are normal but if the cracks begin to expand it is important to patch them to avoid any moisture buildup under the surface of your stucco. Proper maintenance techniques will help your stucco last 30-50 years and stay in good condition over time.How Much Does Stucco Over Brick Cost?
The cost of having stucco installed over your brick house depends on the size of your home, but generally on the low end it will cost around $5 per square foot and the high end will cost around $9 per square foot. For standard costs, you can estimate that for a 1,500 square foot house, you will pay anywhere from $8,000 to $13,000. For a 3,000 square foot house, you will pay anywhere from $16,000 to $26,000 and for a 5,000 square foot house, you will pay anywhere from $26,700 to $43,000.How to Stucco Over Brick
The process of installing stucco over brick can be timely, but generally worth it if you are looking for a way to up the curb appeal of your home with unique architectural elements and add other benefits to your home, such as protection from pests and a unique protection from fires. The process of installing stucco over brick will generally follow this structure:- Patch the walls: Before beginning the stucco process, it is necessary to patch any crevices in your brick walls using hydraulic cement. Any missing or cracked bricks, holes, or crevices need to be filled in order to have a smooth base layer to work with when applying stucco.
- Add flashing: Like all siding materials, stucco requires a layer of metal flashing for moisture protection. This should be fastened to the bottom of the brick to avoid moisture seeping through the stucco.
- Test the bond: Although stucco usually adheres well to brick, certain types of paint or other contaminants can cause issues with bonding. Before applying the stucco, test the bond by spraying the brick wall with water. If the water absorbs quickly, likely there will not be an issue with the stucco bonding.
- Apply the stucco: You can begin applying the stucco once all steps are followed above. Using a premixed stucco solution from the hardware store and mixing it per the instructions will be the best course of action at this step. Using a trowel, apply a ½ inch coat of the stucco onto the brick, then wait a few hours before using a rake to scratch lines in the surface of the semi-firm first layer. Allow the first coat to dry overnight, then apply a second layer, about a ¼ inch thick. Allow this layer to dry overnight before applying the final ¼ inch layer of stucco. You can experiment with texture on the final layer, until you find a texture that suits the design you like. While the stucco final layer dries, be sure to mist the stucco every 2-3 hours to slow the drying process and lengthen the lifetime of the stucco.
