New exterior for old house

[Varty Yo]

So my house was built in 1928 and has a type of stucco/plaster exterior on it. Needless to say it get prety cold on the exterior walls in the winter. Ive been thinking of "reskinning" the outside. Like 2x4's on there sides and fill inbetween with new insulation then a hardy board on top. Ive seen it done but have zero idea on a rough cost or even if its worth it. Anyone here ever done anything like this?

 

[Stuart in MN]

I assume you mean there's little or no insulation in the stud wall cavities behind the stucco exterior? What's more typical, at least in Minneapolis, is to blow insulation into the existing cavities - they cut circular holes in the stucco at the top and bottom of each stud bay, blow in the insulation, and then patch the holes with new stucco. This seems like a lot faster, easier and less expensive method than adding a whole new exterior layer.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would also address the exterior wall insulation before adding another layer to the house

 

[Bondo]

Like 2x4's on there sides and fill inbetween with new insulation then a hardy board on top.

Ayuh,.... I agree with the above, insulate what's there 1st,......

An inch, 'n 1/2 insulation is barely better than none,.....
'round here, 6" is minimum in walls,....

 

[Homerr]

Zip R from Huber would probably be easier.

 

[Ford12508]

Ive heard a lot of people have had problems with that zip wall stuff. I never read into it really. Ive used the stuff once, was nice to work with, but expensive as hell

 

[LOW1]

How bad do you want to keep the stucco? It can be a PITA too. One option would be to tear off the stucco, install the insulation and tyvek and then install the hardiboard.. We just took off the original wood siding and then a layer of aluminum siding and then added the hardiboard. Demolition costs weren't that bad.

 

[rburke65]

Varty....I would look into pump foam insulation first, then deal with the stucco issue. Might help if you would enter a location in your profile......

 

[lilredex]

Look into the present wall insulation...it could be saw dust. Works OK for a few years then settles to the bottom quarter of the wall. Was common in the thirties and forties when there was no money.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

Stucco may not be the prettiest but if it is in good shape it would be hard to think of any siding that would outlast it. If it is in good shape I might keep it. I agree with others, make sure the walls are insulated. Stucco keeps air infiltration out pretty good. The house I grew up in had stucco, built in the 30's, and still in pretty good shape.

 

[Varty Yo]

Sorry im in the Canadian prairies! +35c in summer -38c in winter.

Ill have to check out the adding insulation idea i know a few guys who do it. Get there opinions see what they have to say.

Any added R value would help im sure. Even keeping it cooler in the summer. Its also a bit of an upgrade idea as i really like the look of a nice cement board ciding compaired to **** vinyl.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Stucco may not be the prettiest but if it is in good shape it would be hard to think of any siding that would outlast it.

I think stucco can be very attractive, it depends on the style of the house (and of course the condition of the stucco itself). It certainly looks better than vinyl siding or cement board.

One thing that can be done to freshen up old stucco is to get it re-dashed - basically, they splash on a thin new layer of stucco, tinted to your color of choice. It's a lot better than painting, since paint will have to be re-done every few years while the dash stucco color is permanent.

 

[Varty Yo]

The stucco has also been painted so id have to blast it for a surface to adhere to. A nice plank siding fits in more in my century old neighbourhood.

 

[Lunker]

I do a lot of second story additions and I’ve been wrapping over Brick with Hardi to make it look like new construction. I think you idea is decent. I would budget $25-30 for this project depending on house size. I usually glue and tap con 3/4 plywood and then tyvec the house over the brick. But I like your idea with 2X4