Ways to Remodel Exterior Stucco

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Stucco exteriors tend to be white and slightly textured.

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.

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Painting

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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.

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Siding

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.

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Veneers

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.

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