Hey everyone! I own a house built in 1955 here in Gatineau, Quebec, and it has this old flash rock stucco on the outside, which has started to deteriorate quite a bit. I've been patching it up with hydraulic cement and other stucco repair methods, but I'm at a crossroads about what to do next.
Most of my neighbors have just added siding directly over the stucco using furring strips, but I'm considering removing the stucco entirely to do it right. My main issue is that my house lacks insulation in the exterior walls, and I've heard of some local programs that can help with insulation costs.
Should I go the extra mile and remove the stucco, so I can do a proper home wrap and insulation, or is it okay to just put siding on top? I'm really wondering if the benefits of wrapping and insulating outweigh the hassle. Plus, will it be a nightmare to flash the windows and doors? Thanks for your thoughts!
2 Answers
I’d definitely suggest tearing it off. Going with 3-4 inch foil-faced polyiso foam sheets is a quick way to add insulation and it serves as an excellent vapor barrier too. It’ll help transform your leaky 1955 house into a pretty well-sealed space!
If you can swing it financially, I really recommend removing the stucco. It gives you a chance to insulate properly and sort out any hidden issues. Plus, you’ll be glad later on that you did it right!