There comes a time in a homeowner’s life when you may be interested in a different exterior finish. For instance, if you have a stucco exterior, you may want to switch to a board and batten siding.
Many reasons could be behind such a transition. The stucco could be worn out because of age, or you could simply be interested in a different or more enticing exterior finish.
If you are wondering whether it’s possible to put the board and batten over stucco, you have come to the right article.
Today, I will be taking you through a detailed guide on how to put the board and batten over stucco. I will also list some factors you should consider before undertaking such a project.
Can You Put Board and Batten Over Stucco?
It is possible to put the board and batten over the stucco. However, there is a lot of prep work involved and some risk factors you need to note.
So, before you embark on this venture, you need to familiarize yourself with the measures experts recommend.
When correctly installed over stucco, board, and batten can revamp the aesthetics of your home’s exterior. The timeless design of board and batten can make your home stand out, and it’s also an excellent material to have on your home’s siding.
How to Install Board and Batten Over Stucco
Most people shy away from installing board and batten over stucco because the procedure can be a little bit intimidating for the average DIY enthusiast. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
If you doubt your skills, I highly recommend hiring a professional to help you out. Poor installation of board and batten over stucco can lead to several issues, such as leaks and water damage.
Step 1: Repair Cracked Stucco
Considering one of the main reasons people put the board and batten over stucco is the wear of the latter exterior finish before you start installing wooden boards or strips, you should fix damaged stucco.
I understand that this may seem counterintuitive because you will cover it up. But cracks on stucco can lead to moisture issues later on.
To be safe, fix the damaged stucco. It doesn’t have to look flawless, but you are good to go as long as the cracks are sealed.
If your stucco exterior is in great shape, you can process straight to the next step.
Step 2: Install Furring Strips
First, you should drill furring strips to ensure the board and batten is installed on a structurally sound surface. This step is crucial. If you skip it, your board and batten won’t last long.
Once you repair the stucco, proceed to install pressure-treated furring strips every sixteen inches. The closer the furring strips are, the more rigid your siding will be.
Treated furring strips are ideal for exterior siding because they have a better fighting chance against moisture. Please use masonry drills when installing the furring strips to the stucco.
Install the strips all over the area you intend to install the board and batten.
Step 3: Add Exterior Insulation
It can be tempting to forego insulation and jump straight into attaching the boards for your siding. However, insulation is crucial in ensuring energy efficiency.
Look for some rigid foam insulation. Make sure that it’s the same thickness as the furring strips. Cut, glue, and fit the insulation between the furring strips.
Confirm that the rigid foam is firmly stuck to the stucco. Repeat this step throughout the entire exterior you plan to cover with board and batten.
Step 4: Install the Board and Batten
With everything set up, you can now start to install the board and battens over the stucco. Start by fitting a skirting board, drip edge, and siding boards. Drill them into the furring strips to ensure they fit firmly.
Proceed in all areas covered with stucco. Measure and cut your battens, then drill them over the board. A pro tip you should follow when installing board and batten is to start from the corner. This will ensure the battens fit uniformly.
Key Factors to Consider When Installing Board and Batten Over Stucco
Even though board and batten can be installed over stucco, there are a few things you need to consider, which include;
• Moisture
In the above setup, you will be gluing insulation to stucco. If you have dealt with stucco, then you are aware of its ability to retain moisture.
Should that happen, the moisture can damage the furring strips or the board and batten. The chances of rot occurring are accelerated by the presence of cracks in the stucco.
This is why I advised you earlier to always inspect the condition of the stucco before covering it with board and batten.
If the stucco is in great shape, moisture won’t pose a huge problem to the new board and batten siding.
• Depth of Windows
When installing stucco, you probably applied a thick amount that would sit flush with your windows and doors. Now that you are adding board and batten, the depth of the windows may increase.
The added thickness of the furring strips and batten can make your windows sit deeper into the walls, which can affect aesthetics.
If the depth of your windows will be compromised by board and batten, you can remedy this problem by covering window trims with wood or aluminum cladding.
This should ensure the depth of your windows is on the same level as the new board and batten.
Do You Have to Remove Stucco to Install Board and Batten?
Some experts recommend removing stucco before board and batten are installed on the exterior.
This is a pretty reasonable argument because once the stucco is removed, you won’t have to worry about problems such as moisture damage or the depth of windows. However, stucco isn’t easy to remove.
This is why I prefer using furring strips to strengthen the structure of your board and batten siding over stucco.
Following the method, I have described above. You can avoid the tiresome, time-consuming, and expensive process of removing stucco.
Therefore, you don’t have to remove stucco to install board and batten. You can always install this siding over stucco, and it should look superb.
Also, don’t forget that some stucco contains asbestos. Therefore, removing it can put you at great risk of inhaling this harmful substance.
What are the Benefits of Putting Board and Batten Over Stucco?
Here are some reasons why people prefer to install board and batten over stucco;
• It revamps your home’s exterior: Don’t get me wrong, stucco looks great. But if it has been on your home’s exterior for three decades, it has probably turned into an eyesore. Board and batten introduce a classic look to your home’s exterior.
• It covers worn-out stucco: If the stucco on your walls looks old and worn-out, what better way to cover it than using board and batten?
• Board and Batten siding is easy to maintain: With the occasional painting and touch-ups, board and batten siding is quite easy to maintain.
Do You Need Professional Help in Installing Board and Batten Over Stucco?
After reading this installation guide, does this seem like a project you can pull off by yourself? If the answer is yes, you don’t need any help installing board and batten over the stucco.
However, if you aren’t a DIY enthusiast or lack technical skills, don’t hesitate to seek expert services. This project requires meticulous precision, and if you make a simple mistake, it will haunt you and cost you a few years down the line.