How much does it cost to repair stucco siding?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Stucco siding offers long-lasting durability, but it can suffer from damage. Over time, and often due to weather issues, the material can crack and warp. It may also lead to water damage below it, contributing to other issues like mold. The most common method to fix it is to remove the damaged sections, inspect and repair the source of the damage if possible, then reapply new stucco to the area. The cost of the repair varies considerably based on a range of factors, such as the cause of the damage, the extent of the damage, and the type of stucco.

The national average cost range to repair stucco is $900 to $3,000, with most homeowners paying around $1,700 for repairing buckled three-coat stucco in a 10 x 10-foot area. The low cost for this project is $250 for fixing a woodpecker hole. The high cost is $5,000 for remediation of two full walls of EIFS stucco.

Stucco Siding Repair Prices

Stucco Repair Cost per Square Foot

Stucco repair has a very wide range of costs, from $8 to $50 a square foot. But some very extensive repairs with major water damage behind them can be as high as $120 a square foot. This is because there can be several different issues that cause problems. Some are simple and quick to fix, while others require removing and replacing the material on an entire wall. Many times, the issue that is causing the problem cannot be found until after an investigation. This is usually factored into the total cost of the repair. The bigger the issue and the harder it is to locate and fix, the higher your costs per square foot. Simple, small issues that can be identified quickly have lower costs per square foot.

Stucco Repair Cost by Type

Stucco repair ranges from as low as $8 per sq.ft to as much as $50 per sq.ft. This is because not all types are created equal. Some types are more prone to issues than others, which leads to a range of costs. Even within one type, you may find varying costs, depending on what the problem is, how affected it is, and what the process is to fix it.

Cement Stucco Repair

Cement stucco costs between $8 and $20 a square foot to repair on average. This is the most common type on the market. It is most frequently installed in a three-coat system, which builds up layers of cement and aggregate. It can also be used in thin-coat or one-coat systems, which use just a single coat of cement. Thin-coat is the more common of the two types to develop issues and needs more frequent repair, but three-coat systems can develop issues over time, as well. Depending on the cause and issue extensiveness, costs range for both types, although thin-coat generally costs at the lower end of the spectrum to repair than three-coat.

Synthetic Stucco Repair

Synthetic stucco has a range of issues stemming mostly from moisture, and it costs between $30 and $50 per square foot to repair. Both thin-coat and three-coat applications can make use of this type. However, the single most common use is with EIFS systems backed with insulation. It is made of acrylic and does not breathe the way that cement systems do. This can cause moisture to become trapped behind the siding, which in turn can cause stains, black spots, buckling, and mold. This system can experience significant, extreme issues; therefore, repair costs will be higher.

EIFS Stucco Repair

It costs between $30 and $50 per sq.ft. for EIFS stucco repair. A base layer of insulation is then covered with multiple coats of synthetic stucco. However, because it is made from acrylic, it does not allow air to penetrate. This means that moisture can become trapped behind the material, usually because of issues like missing caulk or a thin crack. When this happens, it can ruin the insulation, cause mold growth, and lead to issues like staining and wood rot. EIFS usually needs intensive repairs and invasive repair techniques that are not necessary with other types. It is common for people with this type to replace it entirely in the affected areas, a process known as remediation, to fix the problem.

Stucco Siding Repair Cost by Problem

Expect to pay between $1 and $50 per sq.ft or $250 to $450 per hole to repair stucco, depending on the type of issue you’re experiencing. It can develop several different issues. Some may be minor and cosmetic, but others can be indicative of a deeper issue. Repairs for many types of issues are often the same, and the damaged section must be removed, and the new material applied. Sometimes, surface repairs can be made, and at other times, the cause of the problem must also be addressed to correct the issue going forward, which impacts your final costs:

Discolored Stucco

The price to remove discoloration from stucco ranges from $1 to $5 per sq.ft. Many things can discolor it. Exterior mold, mildew, and algae can all create stains that can discolor it. Dirt, rust, and other particulates can also build up on the surface. The most common method of fixing this issue is to power washed it. Small discolored sections can be cleaned by hand using oxygen bleach and a scrub brush. However, for serious discoloration that covers multiple areas, the entire home should be power washed to save time and ensure the problem is corrected.

Repair Cracked Stucco Exterior

Repairing cracked stucco has a price between $8 and $20 a square foot on average. Cracks can be caused by different things. Cracks located in one area are usually a sign of water damage and require the entire section to be removed so that the issue can be addressed, and the new material can be installed. Thin cracks in many areas can be the result of settling or of faulty installation. Depending on the cause, it could be patched on the exterior or may need to be removed and replaced. This means that an inspection is usually required to determine the cause of the issue.

Stucco Foundation Repair

Stucco foundation repair ranges from $8 to $30 a square foot on average. Problems with your foundation can lead to buckling of the walls or widespread cracks in its surface. This usually means that you need to completely remove the material in the affected area to address the issue. Usually, a new lath is required, along with new stucco. If you only have one layer, your expenses are lower than if you have three layers. Likewise, if you have cement, your expenses are lower than if you have synthetic stucco.

Stucco Water Damage Repair

Stucco water damage repairs have a price between $30 and $50 per square foot on average. These issues are usually caused by one of two things. First, the caulk around windows and doors could have been missing. That can allow moisture to penetrate behind the material. Second, it is also possible that synthetic stucco is causing the problem. If water gets behind the material, you can experience wood rot, mold, black and green stains on the surface of your siding, or severe buckling. The only way to fix the issue is to remove it, repair the water damage behind it, and install new material in its place. Water damage is seldom localized, so these repairs may need to cover the entire walls of the home.

Black Stains on Stucco

If you have black stains on your stucco, the price to repair averages $30 to $50 a square foot. Black stains are a sign of water damage. It is sometimes referred to as “tears,” meaning that the material is weeping a black or dark green discharge that stains the surface. If you have black stains, it usually means that you have significant water damage behind them. Therefore, to remove the stains, you need to remove it, repair the area behind it, and then replace it with new material. While the stains may only show in some areas, water damage can sometimes be extensive, leading to the removal of large sections to make the repairs.

Repairing Woodpecker Holes in Stucco

Woodpecker holes in stucco have a price between $250 and $450 per hole to repair. This material is a favorite target of hungry woodpeckers, and triple-coated cement is their favorite type. They enjoy the noise and vibration that pecking at the stucco makes, and some may even try to nest in the hole they create. Depending on the hole size and damage, the holes can sometimes be patched from the exterior. Other times, the surrounding are needs removing and the entire area replaced. An inspection may be required to determine the extent of the damage before the repair can begin.

Labor Cost to Repair Stucco Siding

Homeowners can expect 75% ($1,275) of the average price of $1,700 to relate to materials and 25% ($425) to labor in most stucco repair projects. Siding contractors typically roll the expenses for labor and materials into one price. However, some may break out their prices on an hourly basis, particularly for more extensive repairs. In this case, it is common for contractors to charge between $40 and $50 an hour. This is most commonly the case if the repairs are extensive, meaning that the price of the labor will outstrip the price of the materials by a significant amount. For example, serious water damage that requires in-depth repairs prior to material replacement may mean the contractor chooses to charge hourly.

Most repair projects begin with an inspection. During this time, the contractor assesses the situation, determines the underlying problem, and recommends a course of action. Once you agree to the plan, the contractor begins the repair process, which can vary greatly depending on the underlying problem, the type of stucco, the degree of damage, and other factors. The final step for many repairs (not counting simple cleaning to remove stains/discolorations) is to clean up the debris and wrap up the job.

The exact price for repair is influenced by several things. The first is the type of damage. It’s simpler to patch and repair hairline cracks caused by settling through re-dashing the surface than it is to repair water damage to the substrate behind synthetic stucco. The type also plays a role. Thin-coat is more easily damaged, but it is less expensive to fix. Synthetic stucco is most commonly affected by moisture and can be expensive to repair. The location on the home also plays a role in your final expenses. Second-story repairs are more expensive than first-story repairs because of the need for scaffolding or ladders and the additional work.

Stucco Inspection Cost

Stucco inspections are a common part of the fixing process and have a price of around $100 to $500 on average. Unless the problem is very obvious, such as a woodpecker hole, you likely need an inspection as part of your reparation. This inspection is usually done during the beginning stages of the fixing process when the material in the damaged area has been removed. This allows the contractor to get a better idea of what is going on. Sometimes, the issue can be found nearby, such as missing caulk causing water damage near windows. Other times, the issue can be more difficult to locate, leading to a more invasive inspection. In most cases, the inspection price is rolled into the price per square foot to fix.

Why Does Stucco Crack?

Stucco is a fairly durable material, capable of lasting 100 years, when properly maintained. It can be damaged, however, by several issues. The first is moisture. Improper caulking around windows and doors can lead to moisture buildup behind the material. If it is synthetic, the moisture will build up even more, leading to mold, wood rot, and buckling. Impacts can cause small chips and cracks, particularly in older stucco. And woodpeckers are a very common cause of damage because they like to peck at the material for the sound and vibration it makes. Your home settling can also cause issues with the material, with cracking and buckling being the most common. Widespread cracking due to movement and shrinkage years after the work was done is often the result of incorrect installation.

Stucco Siding Maintenance

Stucco is a fairly easy-to-maintain material. It can get some surface stains, which you can clean with a hose or pressure washer. However, it needs several years to cure, during which time it can get lighter in color. Do not pressure wash until the curing process is over. If you have many small cracks or widespread surface issues, you can have the areas re-dashed. Re-dashing is essentially just applying a thin layer of stucco over a damaged area. It is less expensive and invasive than other reparations and stops some damage from becoming worse. Inspect your siding yearly, and make sure that all caulking around windows and doors is intact. Address issues as soon as you notice them to prevent bigger problems in the future.

Signs That It Is Time to Repair Your Stucco Siding

Stucco is long-lasting, but it can show signs of failure in several ways, many of them small. Long, thin cracks are one sign that the material may be developing issues. Staining or buckling can also indicate an issue, usually that water has seeped behind the material. You may also notice chipping or crumbling sections, as well as areas where the material may have come away entirely. If you notice any of these signs, it can indicate an issue that requires fixing. This material is easier to fix when you catch the problems quickly. Waiting can cause the problem to grow, requiring an even more expensive reparation.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Stucco Chimney Repair

The prices to fix a stucco chimney are the same basic range for most other types of reparation, $8 to $50 per sq.ft. Chimneys are covered in the same systems of stucco that cover the rest of your home. This means they are subject to the same issues, such as moisture problems, cracking, buckling, and woodpecker holes. The difference is that the chimney area is smaller and more contained, so your total expenses may be lower than the expenses to fix the same issue on another part of the home.

Stucco Removal

If you have stucco and want to replace it or need it removed to address underlying issues, expect to pay between $1 and $3 per sq.ft. to have it removed from the home. In some cases, it may need to be removed to address underlying issues, such as termites or water damage, before new material can be applied. If it needs to be removed in a small area as part of reparation, the removal price is included in the price per square foot of the reparation.

Clean Stucco Siding

Stucco can be cleaned after it finishes curing, and you can expect to pay between $325 and $475 for the entire project depending on the property size and the extent of the staining or discoloration that needs to be cleaned. Note that it takes roughly 5 to 6 years for it to cure. It should not be pressure washed before that point, or you risk damaging the material, which would increase your reparation expenses.

Recoat Stucco

Recoating has a price between $4 and $5 per sq.ft., assuming that most of the stucco is in good condition. The process of applying a thin layer of textured stucco over a damaged surface is called recoating or re-dashing. This helps fix minor cracks or could give your home a new color without the upkeep and maintenance of paint. In some cases, recoating may be necessary to cover up severe staining that cannot be removed through cleaning or cleaning and painting.

Stucco Painting

Homeowners should expect to pay between $1.50 and $4 per sq.ft. to paint stucco or $2,250 to $6,000 for an entire home. It is not painted when applied. The color is added to the finishing coat, and it is possible to match colors fairly accurately. Even the traditional type can give you a fairly good match, although you may need the amount of pigment added to the finishing coat. Only if the homeowner wants a new color everywhere should the stucco be painted. In this case, the patches and the rest can be painted together. To paint it, wait for the reparation to set completely and then paint it the matching shade.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. Most small fixes to your do not require a permit. However, if you need major reparation work done or decide during the fixing process to reside in your home, you may need a permit. Speak to your contractor for more information.
• Pressure washing. This material can be pressure washed as long as it has fully cured. It must cure for 5 to 6 years minimum.
• Asbestos. Stucco is predominately made of Portland cement and aggregates or a type of acrylic. Therefore, it does not usually contain any asbestos fiber, unless it was put up before 1970. And even then, it was a rare occurrence.
• Sealing. Stucco ideally needs to breathe to avoid water damage. Do not seal it, or attempt to “waterproof” it, because this could lead to moisture problems behind it.
• Efficiency. EIFS stucco helps insulate your home, reducing your energy bills. It provides better insulation than other materials. Even the traditional type reduces thermal transfer more effectively than vinyl or wood siding.
• Difficulty. If the damage is in a difficult-to-reach area or in a place with ornate trim, your reparation expenses will be higher than simple walls that are within reach of the ground.