Stucco can be applied directly to brickwork, transforming the appearance of your home and offering benefits such as freshness and durability. However, it is important to ensure that the brick is in decent shape and done correctly to avoid problems. Stucco can also be used to modernize the look of concrete block walls by removing form board lines.
Stucco and brick are both masonry products, bonding effectively, but some pollutants or certain paint chemicals may affect the bond. For a 1000-square foot house, the cost of stucco over bricks ranges from $8,000 to $10,000. Stucco can be replaced with bricks, but much of the work is done for you, with the masonry base and scoring already done.
To apply stucco directly over brick, ensure that the brick surface is clean, free of dust, and completely dry. Stucco will adhere to masonry better than using lath, and many older Eastern US homes were brick houses that were stuccoed. However, be wary of applying stucco directly to brick, as perfectly sound brick firmly mortared can disintegrate over time.
Stucco is a durable and long-lasting cement coating, typically lasting 30-50 years when cared for properly. Stone/brick is a high-end finish compared to stucco, and there is potential that the stucco may damage your beautiful stone/brick over a long period. In summary, stucco can be applied to brickwork to transform your home’s appearance and provide benefits like freshness and durability.
📹 Stucco over brick walls
We share some tips for spreading or applying Stucco over a brick wall. This application can also be used over a brick fireplace For …
Should you brick or stucco first?
The order of construction is typically brick or stone, stucco, Hardie Plank (horizontal lap fiber cement siding), or Hardie Panel (sheet fiber cement siding), and this sequence is generally followed.
Does stucco add value to a home?
Stucco is a durable exterior material that offers aesthetic appeal and is highly fire-resistant, wind-resistant, and withstands weather extremes better than wood or vinyl siding. Its color persists longer before fading, resulting in lower maintenance costs and fewer repairs over the home’s lifetime. Stucco’s structural integrity and resilience contribute to higher property values. Additionally, it offers insulation properties, regulating interior temperatures and preventing drafts or heat loss.
The dense concrete-based mix helps regulate interior temperatures, lowering utility bills. To ensure quality insulation and sealing, it is recommended to speak with qualified contractors and evaluate the home’s structure before application. For expert stucco services in Colorado Springs, CO, contact Quality Stucco and Stone.
What is the best thing to cover brick with?
In order to enhance the appearance of an exterior brick wall, one may consider painting it for a fresh look and protection, installing vinyl or wood siding for a new appearance, using climbing plants like ivy or other plants for a natural look, or applying stucco for a textured finish. Such an approach can enhance the appearance of the wall, provide protection, and impart a distinctive character to the space.
What is the cheapest way to cover brick in a house?
Brick siding costs vary depending on the material used and the required work. Vinyl siding is the most affordable option, costing between $2. 50 and $4 per square foot. Higher-quality vinyl siding, which can add value and curb appeal, costs $12 per square foot. Fiber cement siding, which costs between $5. 00 and $13. 50 per square foot, is ideal for improving energy efficiency but is more expensive than vinyl.
These materials are waterproof and can withstand harsh weather conditions, but they don’t need to be painted or stained. Overall, the cost of brick siding depends on the specific needs and budget of the homeowner.
How thick is stucco over brick?
The traditional hard coat stucco, which is typically ⅞ inches thick, is typically applied in three layers: a ⅜ inch scratch coat, a ⅜ inch brown coat, and a ⅛ inch finish coat. This method is in accordance with the building codes’ thickness requirements.
Can you stucco directly over brick?
Stucco is a versatile material that can be applied over brick in several steps. It begins with a metal lath, followed by a scratch, brown, and finish coat. Stucco offers various textures and colors to match your style, making it a versatile choice. It is low maintenance but requires occasional cleaning and inspection for cracks. Proper maintenance ensures the stucco remains beautiful and durable, making it a versatile choice for any home.
What are the pros and cons of stucco over brick?
Stucco and brick are both durable materials, but they age differently under different conditions. Stucco is better suited for temperate and dry areas, where it resists dust and termites, while brick can withstand colder weather and earth vibrations. Both materials are strong and long-lasting, but stucco has a predictable lifespan of 50 years, while brick can last centuries if properly installed and maintained.
Brick is better at keeping heat in, keeping it cool during hotter weather, and containing fires in case of an outbreak. Both materials are strong and long-lasting, but brick offers better safety and protection.
What is the most serious problem with exterior stucco?
Cracks in stucco walls can cause water seepage, a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Replacing stucco with an alternative material like siding can prevent this issue. Staining from poorly installed stucco can ruin the home’s appearance, and it is best to protect it from water. Windblown rain can pound stucco from all directions, making it difficult to withstand moisture from any angle.
Mold is another issue that can lead to water infiltration, and stucco is the worst offender. Preventing mold growth is crucial for a homeowner’s health, and improperly installed stucco makes this difficult.
Is brick resale value better than stucco?
Brick is a material that offers a higher resale value than stucco due to its low maintenance, fire resistance, and durability. As a result, brick is a material that is often preferred by home buyers.
How to cover up brick exterior?
Cement board and metal lath sheeting are frequently utilized materials for the repair of existing brick structures. The installation of these materials is facilitated by the use of masonry fasteners, which ensure that the material is securely anchored in place.
Is it cheaper to stucco or side a house?
Stucco is a costlier material than siding, with longer application times and leg work. It is also susceptible to stains and cracks, especially in areas like California prone to natural storms or disasters. Stucco’s thick and durable nature makes removal difficult, making it a potential choice for future remodeling needs. Despite its cost, stucco is easy to apply and can be a cost-effective option. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
📹 Should I stucco over my brick exterior?
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Great article. Curious if this stucco trick could be used for a brick walkway? Our home is brick and so is all of the hardscaping so a bit overwhelming visually. Looking for a cost-effective way to change the hardscaping in the walkway and backyard pool surround without having to rip and replace everything lol the homes brick exterior was already stained to change the color but if there is a way to use stucco as a way to make the appearance of the brick disappear that would be awesome
Love these articles! Helpful! I have a brick on my front steps that have old glue from carpet and and are just old and ugly. Is there anything I could coat over it? Everyone says def no concrete b/c it will crack. Im a one woman show but have done a lot myself around the homes I’ve owned and am up for a challenge.. I just need to save money so I dont want to have it redone or put wood over or tile over it. Any helpful suggestions much appreciated!!
You didn’t tell me what type of cement to use.k irk your one of the best.Ok I now know how to put it on the brick. WHAT AM I PUTTING ON THE BRICK. You didn’t tell me how to mix or what to mix to put on the wall. East coast MIKE HADUCK tells me what types of morter to mix for what type of weather STEP BY STEP.
I am doing something on a much smaller scale and it might be a dumb question (bear with me here). I bought a small container of stucco in hopes of applying it to the pots for my balcony garden. I hate looking at crappy plastic and bare terra cotta, so I was attempting to go for a stoney-concretey type look. Question, will it adhere to them without anything between? Also, should I put any sort of protective coating on top of it? I have zero knowledge in this field, I am an artist but not when it comes to home exteriors, Lol. I need all the help I can get at this point.
Kirk can you use this same process over Painted Exterior Brick? Also if you don’t mind, I have had two contractors in the Dallas Tx area give me bids and one insist that the proper way is to mount cement board over existing exterior brick then stucco while another is saying mounting wire mesh and then stucco is the only way to go. On also insist he is adding an “Insulator” into his stucco mix…. is this an up sell? Any advice suggestion you have would be greatly appreciated, unless you happen to be in the DFW area and want the job.
Do you have to repoint all the brick, or can you use the “skim coat” and push it into the joints if it’s bad and falling out? I had a “skim coat” that was done horribly, all cracked and falling out. I simply used a hammer and taped it and it just crumbled off in most places. The joints are all dust and falling out in 90% of the bricks. I’m guessing they didn’t clean off the wall before hand and that’s why it didn’t stick the first time they did it. But to repoint all the brick is going to take me 2 days. It’s just me and my moms boyfriend redoing it. I used a high pressure hose and got all the dust and dirt off. Can we just go a little heavy and push down hard to fill in the spaces or do we have to repoint it first?? I would imagine just pushing the stuckko down hard is going to fill most of the spaces. I did have to relay 3 different spots that were so bad I could literally just pick the bricks up. I actually took them all out and restacked and remortored them myself. A cpl bricks were so bad I had to replace them. But this was in the places the down spouts were and they all ended way too high so I imagine it was all the water damage that caused them to deteriorate. The rest of the wall is in good condition and still holding tight but in a lot of the wall (ok most of the wall) they are missing most of the mortar in the joints. You can see on the stuff that fell out the old skim coat was pushed into the joints but it fell out with the rest. Again I’m sure this is because they didn’t clean it before hand.
Kirk I have a recurring problem no one can fix. Built house in 2000 using aerated autoclaved concrete walls on cinder block foundation and chimney. Stucco on mesh on block peeled away and had to replace. Removed with needle gun put fixing agent on block and stucco again. It’s blistering and peeling off on the chimney only. Worst blowing rains from southwest pound it. Tired of redoing. What is a permanent fix. [email protected]
Greetings from Greece Mr Giordano, some questions for you : any use of Bonding agent ?, Hydrate first ? whats the average time before floating ( over brick ) ? will a simple first hand stucco do the job ( we have e.g. marmocrete bond here among others sika and Isomat ) ? after how long we paint ? Thank you in Advance ! Pavlos .
Clean work. Thanks for sharing your craft. I’m about to skim coat brick on the sides of my front stoop. Then put stone veneer over it. Can you recommend a product that will work best. It’s only being used to smooth the surface and level for the stone veneer after. Also how long before I can cap the skim coat with my veneer? Thanks so much Rob
Kirk I’m sorry…I can see areas that are to thick and to then….and all you keep saying …on as long as there is a half each….I’m sorry been floating and running mud fir a long time….so stop saying I am going to show off…how about doing it right my brother run your scratch and then run your brown…stop saying dont worry its getting painted…you should know just like do if you have a shitty float job…you will see it when you paint it and you know this….that’s all I am saying pal.
Hey Kirk, I’ve watched a lot of your articles. my question for you involves a 125 year old chimney with some sort of cement the was troweled over brick (i’m guessing to help seal it) its crumbling in places and my local mason suggested chicken wire with a Portland cement/sand mix, then a second layer. do you find this adequate ? I will be covering over the chimney, so its more for structure than aesthetics. Thank you!
Aloha Kirk and many thanks for all of your great advice and articles. I do have a question for you that I need some help with. I want to stucco over the Old cement block exterior wall of my garage that the 1929 stucco has been crumbling off of. I was thinking of first scraping off all the loose stucco the number to power washing the number 3 skim coating with at least a half inch to an inch a mud which I’m thinking 1 to 3 ratio and possibly putting some lime for x-ray vision what do you think about the addition of lime? Also, I was thinking about a finish coat of white Portland and sand what do you think about that? I’m looking forward to your Insight on this project thank you so much.
I like how you explain things and quality of work looks good. Love that you use a thick coat vs a thin 1/8″ or 1/4″ that’s going to crack and flake off in 5yrs like a lot of hacks will do. Note to home owners looking to have this done. Ask the contractor how thick of coat he will use. If he says less than 1/2″, don’t even bother getting his bid. However as a bricklayer, and understanding you’re just doing what a client wants, I’d like to slap people who want brick covered up vs tuck pointing/restoring it. I just think brick looks much better than stucco.
Hey Kirk and Jay you fellows are a huge inspiration. I am building a 25 1/2 x 31 1/2 detached garage. Block construction. And I’m having the outside stucco. After perusal you and Jay I decided to do it myself.I know it’s a learning curve but, with your advice the first coat on the front came out great. Thanks for all your help.
Hey Kirk, thanks so much for the articles! Entertaining and very informative. Question for you: are there any precautions that need be taken when working with old brick (early 1900s)? I’ve been told that modern mortar (containing portland cement without any lime) can destroy old soft brick because it doesn’t leave room for thermal expansion. Is this a concern when using modern stucco on old brick, especially when the brick mortar joints are chiseled out?
Kirk, first let me say am a big fan and thank you for you articles I have been able to complete jobs the correct way .. I have a question for anyone that can help . I have a job that requires eifs over painted stucco . It’s a existing wall that has really old course painted stucco and the cliente wants a smoother finish . So it seems to be to difficult to just skim it and new finish . So can I apply eifs over this painted walls . Or do I need to remove paint first . And if so can I sand plastic it off ?? Thank you
Kirk, first of all thanks for being so generous with your as well as your families time. I’m sure the more time you spend making articles and responding to comments and questions they create, the less personal time you have. That said, let me take some of your time if you will allow me to! Warning! Long post! I have a small covered porch on a corner of my brick house. I plan on screening this porch in and because I of a design/decore choice I’m making I have chosen to stucco the two brick walls of the porch. They house has a brick that I can’t find a match to. I may have a need for matching brick down the road and I’m thinking that putting stucco over this brick would be a waste of what might be valuable “donor” brick. So maybe I remove the brick? Here’s the issue. Were I to take the brick down I’d be exposing sheathing as well as have a 4″ deep void and trim issues around the doors and windows. My thought is to fir the wall out within 1/2″ of the original depth and then skin with Durarock or some other cement board then stucco over that. What do you think? Thanks again for your time.
Kirk, how are you mate? Still waiting for you to come to Liverpool 🙂 Beers waiting for ya mate in Leeds! I was doing some plastering and I was so happy I have seen your article’s. The plasters came of the old 1920’s building exposing the wooden lath’s and being a DIY I said to Mrs, you know what? I’m doing it Kirk style and boy did your articles helped hahaha. Mrs thought I was crazy following an American but no UK plasterers willing to tackle this issue all insisting plasterboard but i didnt want straight lines and perfect finishes in a old house. You know what i mean Kirk? 🙂
I am redoing a garage attached to my house it is wood framed on cinder block foundation that comes up about 3 feet off the ground, once the outer boards 4×8 1/2 inch plywood was put on it overlapped the cinder block by one foot. When I do the stucco what would/should I have on the bottom of the plywood to hold the stucco in place on the bottom of the wall?
I have an interior wall and fireplace surround in which I want to cover with stucco. This is the first article I’ve seen that clearly shows the layer and thickness…thank you so much! My question for you though is, since this is an interior wall, what would be the best way to clean it? Pressure washing it really isn’t an option (I don’t think?)…because there is an electrical outlet on the wall. The brick is 48 year old and doesn’t seem to have ever been cleaned. I’m currently using a $7 deck brush (stiff nylon bristles) from HD and there’s just seems to be a nasty film coming off the wall no matter how many times I go over it (currently 3)…and it still feels like there’s a thin film of debris over sections of the wall. I’m so anxious to get started putting up the stucco, but I certainly want to make sure the wall is properly prepped before I do. What should I do?
I want to first of all thank you for all your articles! They help me and my father in fixing up our house! Thank you! If I may ask question, I’d appreciate some input. My dad and I are trying to do something over some drywall someone installed years ago, and what they did looks like a disaster! Their drywall is all wavy with many holes and such. It’s secure to the studs but we’d like to put a veneer over it to at least give it a “country” look as opposed to a “crappy” look! Itll never be smooth, but hopefully we can makw it better! Some of the low spots and joints have almost quarter inch depth. My question is what product would you recommend that’s strong and will dry quick, and can be applied for my issue! Any help at all will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!
I have a few questions but first I’d like to thank you & your family for the years of GREAT Instructional articles… It’s very generous of you to share all your extensive experience & expertise with the world! I’m currently remodeling my grandmothers house in Torrance, Ca. to get maximum value for it after her recent passing. I plan on re-stuccoing the entire house & the surrounding block walls. The back part of the house had siding over a medium float finish but that was removed about 3 or 4yrs ago & a crapy patch & paint over the holes by someone who wouldn’t know the dangerous end of a hammer if he was repeatedly hitting himself with it! & the front of the house has a kind of a cat faced/ freestyled finish that I don’t believe has ever been painted (Or if it was it was over 10 or 15yrs ago?) I want to go over the whole house to make it all the same “Heavy float finish” & my questions are 1. After pressure washing everything can I achieve this by just laying a new color coat on a lil thick (1/4″ or so where needed to smooth the old rough finish? Do you recommend I use a bonding agent &/or an additive in your mud & a place to get it at a reasonable price? & For the block walls, if I have it right you recommend applying about a 1/2″ Brown coat first then going over that a few days later with the color coat?
Hi Captain Kirk. I’m amazed at the beautiful areas out there in CA. especially the views! Stucco finishes are Nice! Are there replacement IFS/EFS systems to move from manually applied (by hand) finishes to modern techniques, (i.e. cultured stones, rocks, stack ledges, stucco panels, etc.?) Keep Doing Great.
hey kirk I have to paper and wire on to a new footer that was added and then try to paper under this disintegrating exterior corrugated drywall now the footer is about 3 feet tall should i use bitchathane membrane up to my bottom plate and then paper down from my tie-in if I can get that paper in under that corrugated drywall whats the code on that? and how should I install my wire on to the footer? and should I use diamond mesh or stucco wire? thanks just wondering what you would do.
Sinsei- I would ask why you are not using a go-devil but you have taught us the reason why is you must key in the material. So today’s question is why didn’t you coat the brick with weld Crete material I believe it is called weld crete,where you paint it and it forms a bonding agent between the stucco and the brick
That is just what I have on the front of my house, a low row of bricks in the front. I’d be afraid in the Bay Area that they will crack because of earthquakes or settling. But in any case I would not have the guts to try it myself for sure! I do like the sand finish terminology better than the float finish terminology because it finally describes what it is.