If you want to drive up to your house and be proud of its curb appeal, you are one of many.
But that stucco siding is just an eye store that sticks out to you every time.
You want to give your house an update, and siding would do just the trick.
But, can you put siding over stucco?
We’ll answer that question in this article and share …
- What the experts suggest in terms of siding
- Common siding options you can choose from; and
- Whether to DIY or hire a professional
… so you can finally look at your house with pride.
Table of Contents
- Can Stucco Be Covered With Siding?
- Is it a Good Idea to Put Siding Over Stucco?
- Benefits of Putting Siding Over Stucco
- What Are the Best Types of Siding to Put Over Stucco?
- Other Types of Siding to Cover Stucco
- How to Install Siding Over Stucco: 5 Steps
- Take Your Home to the Next Level With New Siding from Elite Home Exteriors
Can Stucco Be Covered With Siding?
In short — yes!
A stucco exterior can be covered with siding for an updated look.
However, because of the process that must be done to cover stucco properly, this project should really only be completed by a professional.
Is it a Good Idea to Put Siding Over Stucco?
Many homeowners look into changing the exterior of their stucco home. Provided that the stucco exterior doesn’t have any water damage or cracks, putting siding over stucco shouldn’t be a problem.
If there are existing problems, though, this can lead to big problems for your home in the future.
You’ll want to keep an eye out for:
- Any cracks on your stucco siding
- Stains around the corners of the windows
- Dark spots where the wall and roofline meets
- Visible mold and mildew
- Watermarks or stains on the stucco
Elite Home Exteriors offers a free inspection and a free siding replacement or installation estimate for your home — so you can feel confident before starting your project.
Benefits of Putting Siding Over Stucco
Stucco homes can be very prone to moisture damage and mold.
Stucco is also susceptible to cracking that can allow water to get inside — opening your home’s structure up to wood rot.
Siding provides a durable replacement and will protect your home from the elements.
What Are the Best Types of Siding to Put Over Stucco?
Luckily, you aren’t limited to one type of siding to replace your stucco exterior. You’re able to choose the best type of siding for yourself.
Homeowners choose from the following popular options that are commonly recommended by professionals:
- Wood siding
- Hardie board siding
- Vinyl siding
- Metal siding
You’re able to choose which siding option is best based on your:
- Style preference
- Budget; and
- Location
Read on to learn more about the options for updating your home’s exterior.
Putting Wood Siding Over Stucco
The look and feel of finished, stained, or primed and painted real cedar wood siding is a long-time favorite of homeowners.
New-growth cedar siding is available for all types of siding styles.
Something to consider, especially in the Oregon/Washington region, is that cedar and other wood siding tend to rot quicker. The moisture gets in the siding behind the cracked paint and caulking.
If cedar wood siding isn’t primed well before painting, the cedar siding will blister, bubble, and peel quickly.
Benefits of Wood Siding
Cedar wood siding provides many benefits for homeowners who chose this siding option.
Wood siding:
- Is durable in the elements
- Can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance
- Can be easily customized — it can be stained, primed, and painted
If you like the look of wood siding and it provides the benefits you’re looking for, contact Elite Home Exteriors for your free estimate today!
Putting Hardie Board Siding Over Stucco
James Hardie fiber cement siding is a common choice to replace stucco exteriors.
In stark contrast to stucco, Hardie board siding can’t rot because it is a type of fiber cement siding.
Because of this factor alone, it is often the most popular siding option to have installed.
Fiber cement siding:
- Is designed to perform exceptionally well in damp year-round weather
- Is impact resistant
- Can last for decades (typically, up to 50 years) with little maintenance
And, the advantages to fiber cement composite siding are numerous:
- Durable
- Provides lasting color
- Is easily customizable — choose colors or primed options
- Can replicate the look of wood
Benefits of Hardie Board Siding
James Hardie siding is a smart and popular option to cover a stucco exterior due to its:
- Durability
- Affordability
- Class A fire rating; and
- Ability to hold paint well
The James Hardie company created the HardieZone System to ensure all Hardie siding will stand up to the specific weather conditions in different regions.
HZ10 siding, which includes the Portland and Vancouver areas serviced by Elite Home Exteriors, is formulated for superior performance in areas that experience:
- Both strong sunlight and high winds
- Hurricanes; and
- Storms
Hardie siding is also designed to resist damage from moisture, which includes:
- Cracking
- Splitting
- Rotting; and
- Swelling
Another benefit to Hardie siding is the minimal maintenance, requiring only three things:
- Annual power washing
- Caulking around joints as needed; and
- A new coat of paint after 25-35 years
Aside from those small tasks, you can forget about your fiber cement siding after it’s been installed.
In terms of environmental impact, fiber cement is known to be one of the most sustainable products available in the siding market.
In fact …
Hardie siding was recognized as the “Greenest Siding Brand” on Green Building Media’s Readers’ Choice survey for six years in a row.
Other Types of Siding to Cover Stucco
Aside from Hardie siding and wood siding, there are a few other common options for replacing your stucco siding.
Vinyl and metal siding both come with advantages and considerations that should be weighed before moving forward.
We’ll review them below.
Putting Vinyl Siding Over Stucco
Vinyl siding is an engineered plastic panel that locks together and imitates wood siding.
It is manufactured primarily from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and is a popular option in the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, areas.
Considerations for Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding provides some attractive benefits — mainly its affordability.
But there are a couple of things to keep in mind as well:
- Vinyl siding is not as strong or weather-resistant as wood siding or fiber cement composite (like Hardie siding).
- Vinyl siding is not as insulated or impact resistant compared to other siding options.
In short …
Vinyl siding is a good option for homeowners on a budget — but won’t be able to provide the durability and longevity as Hardie siding or wood siding would.
Putting Metal Siding Over Stucco
Because metal (aluminum siding) does not swell or absorb moisture, it is a popular choice for homeowners who live in coastal communities with lots of humidity and moisture in the air.
Aluminum siding:
- Is not affected by the cold
- Provides good insulation
- Is essentially insect-proof
As with most types of siding, however, there are some potential “cons” to be aware of.
Considerations for Metal Siding
While metal siding can last for up to 30-40 years, it requires a lot of maintenance.
Expect to:
- Need to repaint
- Deal with dents and scratches
- Have difficulty replacing the siding due to problems color-matching
How to Install Siding Over Stucco: 5 Steps
While DIY is a common strategy many homeowners turn to to save money, installing siding over stucco can be a tricky job for the average person.
We’ll outline how to install siding over stucco below, but you should be aware that it’s best to leave this project to the pros.
Improper installation can lead to further water damage, energy leakage, and other issues to the home.
Let Elite Home Exteriors give you the curb appeal you’re looking for. Request a free inspection and siding installation estimate today.
Step #1: Repairing the Stucco
The first thing you’ll need to do when installing siding over a stucco exterior is prep the walls.
Initially, this means assessing and repairing any existing moisture damage.
Next, you’ll want to level the wall as best you can by:
- Scraping loose or crumbling pieces of stucco from the cracks; and
- Patching any cracks with mortar
Don’t focus on the appearance as your new siding will cover up any patched areas.
Step #2: Installing Furring Strips
When installing vinyl or lap siding over stucco, you’ll need to use furring strips.
These long pieces of wood provide a stable surface for you to secure your new siding.
Be sure to purchase strips (2-by-4-inch strips are most common) made from treated wood because any moisture absorbed by the stucco can be transferred to the furring strips.
Because most types of siding are attached every 16 inches, you’ll need to install a furring strip where each of the siding panels meet. To do this, you’ll need to use wood screws.
To install the furring strips:
- Start by pre-drilling holes into your furring strips roughly eight inches apart.
- Now, while holding the strip in place on the stucco wall, insert the screws through the holes and into the stucco.
Along with every 16 inches, you’ll also need to install furring strips:
- Next to each window
- Along the outer edges of your home’s walls
- Around any doors
This placement will help secure J-channel, brick molding, and end pieces.
J-channel is typically used wherever the siding meets existing walls, doors, windows, and inside corners to help cover up the cut pieces and provide a finished look.
Step #3: Installing Insulation
If you’re not looking to pay an arm and a leg for energy, you’ll need to insulate your home.
Once you’re done with your furring strips, you can work on installing insulation.
To create a flat surface for your siding, you’ll need to use insulation that is the same thickness or slightly less than the furring strips you used.
For example …
2-by-4-inch furring strips are actually 1.5 inches thick (when installed flat against the wall) so you’ll want to install 1.5-inch thick rigid foam insulation.
Using a rigid insulation board, install insulation between the furring strips by:
- Cutting each piece of insulation to fit between each furring strip
- Gluing the insulation with a specific stucco adhesive
Step #4: Installing the Siding
Now that you’ve installed the insulation, you’re ready to see your vision come to life.
To install your new siding:
- Start by installing the corner, window, and door trims.
- Beginning at the bottom of your existing stucco wall, install each siding strip to overlap the previous. Stop and check after each row is installed to help maintain a true horizontal line.
- Insert nails every 16 inches, but be sure they’re going into the furring strips.
- Place the ends of the siding directly next to the edge of each wall, window, and door frame.
As you’re installing the siding, be sure to measure each piece of siding to mitigate the chance of any gaps.
Step #5: Painting the Siding
Once you’re siding is installed, you can move on to the final, more superficial, details of the project.
Choose from either an exterior oil-based or water-based exterior paint to complete your new siding.
Take Your Home to the Next Level With New Siding from Elite Home Exteriors
Instead of turning to Google and searching, “Can you put siding over stucco exterior?” turn to the experts at Elite Home Exteriors.
We know how to install quality siding that will provide your home with a fresh new look that will last.
Serving the Portland and Vancouver areas, we’re here to help you find the right siding option to cover your existing stucco exterior.
We’ll walk you through your options and find the best one that fits your style, budget, and needs.
Contact us today.