Stuccalow--No Mas!

Amongst the most misguided remodeling or "modernizing" efforts is the application of stucco over wood clapboard. Contrary to stubborn belief, stucco neither acts as an insulator nor protectant, nor does it add to property values. It is however, quite decharacterizing and can also lead to an increase in--sometimes hard to detect--termite issues. Nor is stucco a low maintence product, frequently developing cracks, and requiring paint as often as wood siding.

Louis and Lisa are just the latest to embark on a de-stucco-ing campaign.



The stucco is usually applied over chicken wire, nailed to the clapboard. The stucco can by cut, by a diamond blade on a circular saw, or simply smashed with a hammer to permit a hand hold, and then pulled or pried loose. A wire cutter can be helpful too, to sever the chicken wire, often exposing a poor surface bond, with allows the stucco to be pulled away in large chunks.



Ordinarily the clapboard is only damaged at the bottom, or skirt, near the ground where the stucco is applied most heavily. Holes in the clapboard can be filled easily and then normal paint prep pursued. Sometimes stucco is used to mask deficiencies in the siding, like covering a hole in the floor with a rug; still even then, siding can be replaced ("patched") by a carpenter of average skill.