A Guide for Louisiana Homeowners
Hey there, Acadiana! Have you been enjoying this temperature roller coaster? Mother Nature seems to be bipolar these days, and that is not easy on our homes’ exteriors—especially on the seals. If you’ve recognized drafts, fogging glass, or your HVAC working overtime, it may be time to replace those windows (here are other warning signs). However, there are some significant challenges of replacing windows in stucco if you’re not an expert.
Many competent DIY-ers meet their match dealing with stucco. Replacing windows in stucco can be a bit tricky. Before I tell you why, let me reassure you, that experience professions—like the experts at Jim Olivier’s—are up to the task.
In fact, here’s a video of our techs replacing windows in both stucco and brick, with no issues.
Before we get into the challenges for the Do-It-Yourself window replacement, let’s talk about the stucco itself. It’s not just a fancy word for “plaster.” Stucco is a unique combination of Portland cement, sand, and water that creates a durable exterior finish. Unfortunately for Louisiana homeowners, moisture is stucco’s greatest threat. If stucco absorbs too much moisture, it will cause bulging and swelling, and eventually cause separation which lets in more moisture. This will cause cracking that gets worse and worse.
This leads us to our first challenge for all you brave Do-It-Yourself homeowners out there.
the Challenges of Replacing Windows in Stucco:
1. Minor damage that lead to major problems.
When swapping out your old windows for shiny new ones, you may have to remove a portion of the stucco surrounding the window frame. This is not always the case but depends on the initial installation. Banded trim makes replacing much simpler. However, if you are inexperienced, you could easily (and unknowingly) damage the stucco or the underlying materials.
Remember, any pockets of separation will cause bigger problems down the road. That’s right we’re talking bulging, cracking, potentially even water infiltration. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
2. Proper sealing
If stucco layers need to be cut into, it’s not a deal breaker. As long as you know what you are doing, there will probably be no issues with you wall or window seal. HOWEVER, properly sealing the window frame when installing in necessary to prevent any water intrusion.
In Louisiana, we know a thing or two about water. With out regular rainfall and seasonal storms, any surprise pools forming inside your wall or your home is the last thing you need. Take extra care to make sure the stucco and your windows are sealed up well.
3. Matching
If these first two challenges aren’t daunting enough–matching your replacement stucco is another hurdle. It’s like playing with a giant playdough where you need to match the texture and color of what’s existing. Trust me, getting the right consistency and hue is like finding the perfect blend of spices. It takes skill, patience, and maybe a dash of luck.
4. Potentially Hazardous Materials
Finally, if you have an older house, constructed between 1940 and 1950, your stucco could contain asbestos. That’s not something you want to play around with.
But fear not, my friends! Though replacing windows in stucco can challenging, it’s not an impossible feat. In fact, our installation experts at Jim Olivier’s have plenty of experience with replacing windows in stucco. Don’t let the challenges keep you from giving your home a fresh new look and improving its energy efficiency.
And by the way… if you’re tired of the cracked stucco look and repainting, Jim Olivier’s can also refresh your home with vinyl siding, but that’s not necessary to replace your windows.
Don’t let your stucco keep you from loving your home again.
