Ways To Remodel Exterior Stucco

Stucco is a plaster-like material made from a mixture of sand, lime and water, and it is a valuable exterior building material because of its durability and aesthetic appeal. Remodeling a stucco exterior is particularly challenging because the plaster dries to an incredibly hard material, but remodeling your stucco can be simple if you understand the options available to you.

Painting stucco is one of the simplest options for remodeling exterior stucco siding. Painting is particularly effective for updating stucco because it doesn't require you to drill into the stucco, a process that can be difficult and may cause the stucco to crack or chip. Preparing your stucco for paint is one of the most important aspects of repainting stucco; thoroughly wash your stucco and fill in any existing pits or cracks so that the finished paint is smooth and consistent. Not all exterior paints are suitable for stucco; thicker paints that cover evenly are the best options, so ask your local hardware store paint professional for recommendations about the best brands for your job.

If you want a completely new look for your stucco exterior, siding is an option that covers your existing stucco so that it looks like it was never there. Vinyl siding is a versatile and durable option for covering up stucco, but re-siding your stucco should only be undertaken by a professional contractor. Prior to installing any type of siding, you may need to first install vertical furring strips to serve as a point of attachment; installing siding directly to stucco may cause the stucco to crack and therefore create an insufficient seal.

Like siding, a variety of veneers are suitable for covering up exterior stucco. Veneers are designed to resemble a range of finishes, including stone and brick, but they are much lighter, easier to install and less expensive than the authentic material. Depending on the type of veneer, a contractor may opt to install it in the same way that vinyl siding would be applied, or a thin layer of plaster over mesh may be placed between the stucco and the veneer to create a waterproof seal.