5 Stucco Questions to Ask a Siding Contractor About Installing or Replacing Stucco Siding

If you’re planning on installing or completely replacing stucco siding, you probably have a few stucco questions. Before you begin the project, you’ll need to discuss your budget, timeline, and project details with your siding contractor. Here are five questions you should cover in your discussion.

1. What type of siding do you have today?

You can’t install stucco over existing siding because it needs a flat surface to adhere to. That means that if you have existing siding on your home, your siding contractor will need to remove it before preparing the exterior walls for the stucco application. This can add time and money to the project, so be sure to prepare accordingly.

If you already have stucco siding but are thinking of replacing it, your contractor will assess the condition of your current stucco. In some cases, they might be able to repair the existing stucco siding, but they may need to completely remove it and start fresh.  

2. When do you need to have this work done?

Installing or replacing stucco siding will likely take at least a week, so it’s important to plan ahead and contact your local stucco contractor well before you need the project completed. Weather also plays a role in the installation process. It can’t be too hot, too cold, or too wet, otherwise the stucco won’t adhere to the substrate properly. While you can’t predict the weather, your siding contractor will work with you to choose the best time.

3. How many stories is your home?

The size of your home will affect the cost of installing or replacing stucco siding because it will determine the amount of materials and labor needed to complete the project. Multi-story homes will take longer and require more equipment to ensure the contractor can reach the top of the building.

4. Where is your home located?

Whether you learn how to install stucco yourself or hire a contractor, stucco needs the right conditions to cure properly. This means that the temperature needs to be right—between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit—for about a week after the project is complete to allow the stucco time to cure. Stucco also holds up better in areas with a drier climate, as the freeze-thaw cycle and wet weather can cause the stucco to expand and contract, leading to cracks and moisture damage.

5. What can I do to prepare for this project?

Installing stucco siding can be a lengthy process, and you may have contractors working on your home for a week or more. To help the project go more smoothly, ask your stucco siding contractor what you can do to prepare for the project. You’ll likely need to clean up the area around the house, removing everything that isn’t fixed in place so they have easier access. You may also need to keep vehicles clear of certain areas while they’re working.