How do you install siding over stucco walls?

Installing siding over existing stucco walls is a practical way to update your home's exterior, offering improved aesthetics and potentially better insulation. The process involves careful preparation and precise installation to ensure durability and proper water management.

The Foundation of Siding Installation Over Stucco

Before beginning the siding installation, it's crucial to prepare the existing stucco wall. This often involves ensuring the stucco is sound, addressing any moisture issues, and installing a weather-resistant barrier (WRB). A critical component in this type of installation, though not explicitly listed as an installation step in all guides, is the furring strip system.

The Critical Role of Furring Strips

Furring strips are essential when installing siding over stucco. These thin strips of wood or composite material are attached vertically to the wall, creating a crucial air gap between the stucco and the new siding. This gap allows for ventilation and drainage, preventing moisture buildup that could lead to mold, rot, or damage to the wall structure. More importantly, furring strips provide a solid, consistent surface for fastening the new siding. As highlighted by Elite Home Exteriors NW, when installing siding, you must "be sure [nails are] going into the furring strips." This emphasizes their necessity as the primary attachment point.

Step-by-Step Siding Installation Over Stucco

Once your stucco wall is adequately prepared with a weather-resistant barrier and furring strips in place, you can proceed with the siding installation following these key steps:

1. Installing Trims for Openings

The initial step is to establish the framework around all wall penetrations and corners. According to Elite Home Exteriors NW, you should: "Start by installing the corner, window, and door trims."

• Purpose: These trims provide a clean, finished edge for the siding, seal off potential entry points for moisture, and create a aesthetic frame around windows and doors.
• Practical Insight: Ensure these trims are properly flashed and sealed to prevent water intrusion. Using a high-quality sealant specifically designed for exterior use is vital.

2. Laying the Siding Strips

With the trims securely in place, the siding itself can begin to be installed.

• Process: "Beginning at the bottom of your existing stucco wall, install each siding strip to overlap the previous." (Elite Home Exteriors NW).
• Why Bottom-Up? This method ensures that each new piece of siding overlaps the one below it, creating a natural shedding effect for water, directing it downwards and away from the wall structure.
• Considerations: Maintain a consistent reveal (the amount of siding visible) for a uniform appearance. Use a level frequently to ensure strips are straight.

3. Secure Nailing into Furring Strips

Proper fastening is paramount for the longevity and stability of your new siding.

• Nailing Guideline: You must "Insert nails every 16 inches, but be sure they're going into the furring strips." (Elite Home Exteriors NW).
• Importance of Furring Strips: Nailing directly into the stucco is generally not recommended as it provides an unreliable and potentially weak attachment point. The furring strips offer a strong, consistent substrate. Nailing into them every 16 inches aligns with standard framing practices, ensuring the siding is firmly secured to the structure of the house through the strips.
• Nail Type: Use corrosion-resistant nails (e.g., galvanized or stainless steel) appropriate for your siding material and local climate.

Essential Considerations for a Successful Project

• Flashing: Proper flashing around all windows, doors, and other penetrations is non-negotiable to prevent water infiltration.
• Material Compatibility: Choose siding materials that are suitable for your climate and compatible with the stucco substrate and furring system.
• Ventilation: The air gap created by furring strips is crucial. Ensure adequate top and bottom ventilation behind the siding to allow moisture to escape.

By following these steps, ensuring proper preparation, and paying attention to detail, you can successfully install siding over your existing stucco walls, enhancing your home's appearance and protection.