Siding over stucco?

[Jakezilla]

Was the stucco applied back then? The systems they used then are different to now. I think my stucco (done 4 years ago) has a 1.5" to 2" thick foam behind it. It's pretty thick. I had to drill through it around my air conditioner, to get a new low voltage line back to the furnace ... it was crazy thick ... so I don't know how they secure the siding if it was that thick. Perhaps the older systems weren't as thick, but have them tread with care ... this could be one of those situations where they spend a lot of money and regret it in a year from now ... then they're stuck with a mess. Rather speak to the pro's.

Another option by the way is to apply a veneer on top of that stucco. Not sure if they thought of that ... or want that. But that would probably be a better option, as you are gluing onto the stucco. There's all kinds of veneer options now ... I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a faux wood plank option too ... which will give them a similar (and probably nicer) look than siding.

I am a plasterer by trade, family business. If the stucco was applied in the 70s it's probably plywood, maybe tar paper (been a long time) then wire mesh similar to expanded metal then a cement coat, then the finish coat. If it was more than about an inch thick on top of the plywood I would be surprised. If that is what she is dealing with it should be no problem strapping it.

If it's the new stucco like MarkB is talking about. Tell her to leave it, the foam is thick and it would be hard to get the siding fastened properly. I have worked with it and I don't like it, if anything happens to it, cracks or damage, you can't match the finish. It's good for commercial buildings but I don't like it for residential housing.

[greatwhite]

Thanks I have forwarded this to her

I am a plasterer by trade, family business. If the stucco was applied in the 70s it's probably plywood, maybe tar paper (been a long time) then wire mesh similar to expanded metal then a cement coat, then the finish coat. If it was more than about an inch thick on top of the plywood I would be surprised. If that is what she is dealing with it should be no problem strapping it.

If it's the new stucco like MarkB is talking about. Tell her to leave it, the foam is thick and it would be hard to get the siding fastened properly. I have worked with it and I don't like it, if anything happens to it, cracks or damage, you can't match the finish. It's good for commercial buildings but I don't like it for residential housing.

[greatwhite]

If she does have to remove it, how do you go about it? Does she just start chipping away at it?

[rick_iles]

If she does have to remove it, how do you go about it? Does she just start chipping away at it?

I would try a tile spade, similar to what roofers use to remove shingles...or something like this....
https://cf-t.com/garant-grs7d-roofer...-7-steel-blade

[greatwhite]

Thanks all

I guess my daughter did learn something from me after all, she has learn to do own work and find others who can also help for somethings.
She told me , that she remembered when I did the wiring in the garage at the old house and when I built the deck and when I use to repair my cars.

She's 29 now

[JoePa]

Why doesn't she just leave it the way it is - as long as it is functional - the old saying - don't fix it if it isn't broken - of all the options she has this might be the best -

[MikePal]

Why doesn't she just leave it the way it is - as long as it is functional - the old saying - don't fix it if it isn't broken - of all the options she has this might be the best -

or put a sign on her yard saying "All Lives Matter' and wait till they come and destroy her home with nasty Graffiti, then let the insurance company fix it. HaHa..

[greatwhite]

Because she's a girl. , I told her first to leave it and she said she doesn't like the look of it.

Why doesn't she just leave it the way it is - as long as it is functional - the old saying - don't fix it if it isn't broken - of all the options she has this might be the best -

That's what I would do.

or put a sign on her yard saying "All Lives Matter' and wait till they come and destroy her home with nasty Graffiti, then let the insurance company fix it. HaHa..

[greatwhite]

So I spoke to a few of my friends as well who are in construction and all feel she should remove it and do it the "Right Way" the first time.

I am going to suggest if they cannot afford to remove it then they should wait and do it a few years down the road. My daughter is like her mom and whats everything now although she is learning.

[MarkB]

So I spoke to a few of my friends as well who are in construction and all feel she should remove it and do it the "Right Way" the first time.

I am going to suggest if they cannot afford to remove it then they should wait and do it a few years down the road. My daughter is like her mom and whats everything now although she is learning.

Well, you and I both know ... this one is a BIG gamble ... she could very well be throwing away thousands and thousands of dollars, if she doesn't do it right. I would never take that risk ... she should wait until she can do it right.

By the way, did you tell her about the veneer option (cement stone, barn board, etc)? That could possibly work over the stucco if it is a thinner veneer.