Can You Put Siding Over Stucco?

The answer is yes: you can put siding over your stucco walls and siding. This process can be complicated and it’s important to ensure it is done properly. As such, we recommend working with a professional to install any siding atop your stucco. Prior to installing any siding over your stucco, it’s important to take a look at the condition of your stucco siding. If your stucco has no damage, including holes, cracks, or chips, it will work fine to install another type of siding on your home. If there is existing damage, it’s important to repair this damage prior to installation to ensure a smooth installation and no damage in the future. When it comes to siding over your stucco, some options are sure to work better than others. We recommend considering the following options, but ultimately, your choice should be based on your preferences when it comes to style, your budget, and the location where you live. The location and your climate play a big role in determining the type of siding that will work best for your home. Wood siding provides homeowners with a classic look and feel that has been appreciated and enjoyed for generations. Wood siding works well for the dryer climate of Arizona, as heavy rains or very moist climates tend to cause wood to rot quicker. Wood siding is durable in the elements and, with proper maintenance, can last up to 25 years. Wood is easily customizable; it can be stained, primed, or painted to match your style and vision. Hardie fiber cement siding is a common replacement for stucco siding since it is a fiber cement exterior and cannot rot, unlike the porous material of stucco. It is designed to perform well in a wet climate and is impact resistant. It is extremely durable and provides a lasting color to the exterior of your home, which is customizable with the variety of color options available. Hardie board can replicate the look of wood siding but provides a longer lifetime, lasting up to 50 years with proper maintenance. Vinyl siding is an engineered plastic panel that fits together and is designed to replicate the look of wood with less susceptibility to damage and rot. Vinyl may not be as insulated or impact resistant as other siding options, but it is known for being very affordable. It is extremely customizable and can provide you with endless options when it comes to colors. If you are looking to change the feel of your home on a budget, vinyl might be an excellent option to consider. Aluminum siding is another option that many homeowners may consider for their home’s exterior. Metal siding is not affected by cold weather and provides good insulation; it is also virtually insect-proof. Metal siding does require a bit more maintenance than other siding options, including more frequent painting and potential issues with dents or scratches, but it does have longevity when cared for properly, lasting up to 40 years. If you’re considering installing new siding over your stucco, it can be a big project and a big commitment for your home. It’s worth considering the pros and cons before starting the installation process for new siding. Stucco homes can be prone to moisture damage or mold development since stucco is a porous material that can become damaged and allow moisture to seep beneath the surface or into the stucco. Installing a new type of siding could provide your home with another layer of protection, especially one that might be less susceptible to water damage, mildew, and mold. Adding another layer of siding also provides your home with a fresh and new layer of protection from the elements. Depending on the type of siding you choose to install, it may provide even more protection than stucco. And, of course, installing a new style of siding gives you the ability to completely change the look and feel of the exterior of your home, providing you with a refreshed look and potentially increased curb appeal. There are some cons to consider when exploring options for siding over your stucco. If you have an older home, it may be more difficult to install siding; you may find it does not stick well to the more dated stucco. There is also more involved in the upkeep of some other siding options; things like regular painting, rot, or other issues other siding options are more susceptible to can be costly in the long run. Additionally, siding over your stucco can be a long and expensive project, so considering the options prior to beginning the project is important. If you are exploring the option of installing siding on top of your stucco, it’s worth taking a look at the steps required before taking on this project. The steps are as follows: The first step will be to prep the walls and repair any damage that has occurred to your stucco siding, big or small. Repairing any issues now will help you avoid any future issues after siding has been installed, which can be more costly. Scrape any crumbling pieces of stucco from any cracks or holes, then fill the cracks with caulk and let it harden and dry. This will ensure a smooth surface to begin your installation. Certain types of siding options will require the installation of furring strips, which are long pieces of wood that provide a stable base to secure your siding to. Purchase treated strips, 2 by 4, which are generally the most common, to ensure no moisture is transferred onto the strips. Using wood screws, you’ll need to install the strips along the exterior of your home according to the size of the siding you’ll be installing, generally around 16 inches apart. Once furring strips are installed, you’ll need to insulate your home. Use insulation that is the same thickness as or less than that of your furring strips to ensure a flat surface for your siding installation. A rigid insulation board can be used, and you’ll need to cut the insulation to fit between the furring strips, then glue the insulation with stucco adhesive. Install your siding starting at the corner, windows, and door trims. Then work outward, installing each piece of siding over the one before it. Insert your nails every 16 inches and ensure they are penetrating the furring strips for proper installation. Measure each piece of siding during installation to avoid any gapping. Once complete, you can complete your project with any aesthetic or design necessities, such as painting. You can use an exterior oil based or water based paint to complete your project if necessary for your chosen siding option. Once complete, step back and enjoy your refreshed home exterior.