Can You Insulate & Side Over Stucco?

Rationale

• More than one possible reason may exist for wanting to install siding over stucco. Aside from adding a decorative appeal to the home by giving it a completely different look, insulating and siding can be done for more practical purposes. For instance, over the course of time stucco can crack and chip, exposing blown-in insulation that is already in the home. If the walls are in bad enough shape, it may be impossible to add more insulation, thus necessitating an alternative method.

Preparation

• The method for preparing stucco walls for further insulation and siding generally follows one of two paths. On the one hand, you can remove the existing stucco and insulation, taking the wall down to its bare studs. The advantage to this is that it will allow you to avoid having to build out your window frames further to accommodate the new wall thickness. A second option is to use rigid Styrofoam insulation over the stucco itself, creating a second wind and weather barrier.

Siding

• Choosing the right type of siding for your home is another matter. Siding varies in quality and cost. Typical siding is between .040 and .045 inches in thickness. More durable brands can be as high as .055 inches. Vinyl siding tends to have a greater level of durability than hardy board siding and wood siding. It also tends to be lighter in weight and can provide an effective weather barrier. Cost-wise, vinyl siding is not usually the least expensive option.

Considerations

• As you begin to apply your insulation and siding exterior, ensure that you inspect the existing wood frame as much as you can. This will be harder if you are simply insulating over the existing stucco and adding the siding. If you decide to remove the stucco, the process will be simpler. The primary advantage to this latter option is that it will allow you to determine whether there is any wood rot or other major moisture issues, such as mold, that need to be addressed.