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Should I remove wood window trim on stucco home?

9 years ago

Hello,

I have a stucco house from 1970, and the stucco is in OK shape, but I'd like to add a color coat. There are two windows with decorative wood panels under them, and most the windows have wood trim around (with the stucco coming up to the trim). Before the new color coat I need to remove the decorative wood panels.

One stucco contractor also suggested removing all the caulked wood around the windows and having the stucco come up right to the window edge (says it is better for low maintenance, and not leaking). I could then trim the windows in foam stucco trim.

A second stucco contractor is suggesting leaving the wood trim, and having the stucco new color coat just up to the wood trim. I don't even see many homes with stucco and wood trim out here (CA) - most new stucco homes or updated color coated houses now are adding the foam trim around the windows.

Any advice?

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Comments (4)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 years ago
How deep is the overhang?

If they haven't rotted yet, its not likely they are going to start.

Proper maintenance should make them continue to last.
ZThompson
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the reply. I was thinking the nicest look would be to remove them and have the contractor repair the holes with stucco during the color coat process, and then finish the front of the home with the foam trim detail, but I do not want to create a future water problem. I'm wondering if the second stucco contractor suggested leaving the wood because of that?

If I'm not removing the wood, then I wonder whether to give up the color coat and simply paint? It's so much cheaper.

Also, FYI, some of the home's windows are trimmed with wood and some are not, so it is not consistent (there was a kitchen addition, and the stucco comes to the sill there.)

I want to do what will give my home the best appeal and longevity.
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You want the caulk to stay flexible. Hardened caulk has no 'give' and will crack and/or pull away with thermal expansion and contraction.
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If the doors are exposed to the elements, the most important issue regardless of whether you trim it out with wood, or stucco patch to match the existing, is that it is properly flashed/sealed behind it all before covering it up. I'll be installing a window in a stucco exterior wall in a few days and I asked how the homeowner wanted it finished, they chose to match up the stucco. A trick I've learned since matching the color coat is difficult at best on a project like this for many reasons, is to base coat the color coat,(typically white), and match the texture. Once that has cured/dried, take a piece of the original stucco color coat down and have some acrylic latex exterior paint matched up to the original stucco color and feather it in around the patched area. It's typically not a good idea to paint over traditional stucco concerning large areas, but using acrylic for small patched areas isn't going to hurt. Again the most important aspect of the project being flashing/sealing behind not interrupting the drainage plane.
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@HALLETT & Co. Great answer, thanks! We'd love for the whole house to be a different color, but don't have the budget for it right now. So maybe we could replace the trim when that project comes up. The quality of work on the remodel is mixed and we'll be steadily improving it. @toddinmn Yes, I started off looking at painting the trim, but then got more and more bothered by the style once I got into choosing a color. Skimming the trim smooth sounds appealing, but stucco is so strong, that I can't picture it coming off to leave a smooth surface! What do you mean by "venerating"? I tried looking that up but couldn't find anything. @chiflipper I was looking at a mossy green for the trim, actually. Funny you should mention the ironwork because that's my favorite thing about the house! But thanks for the input. I'll think about it. :)
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ZThompson
Original Author
9 years ago
Also the overhang of the wood trim averages only about 1/4" on the sides (at the header there is 3/4"). I'm thinking leaving the wood will create a problem with color coat where the stucco will then become flush with the trim.

This post was edited by ZThompson on Wed, Oct 15, 14 at 11:32
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 years ago
You will need to incorporate a dedicated drip cap on all the windows and doors should you remove that wood that you have currently.

I like the wood but that is purely aesthetic opinion from me.

You will have to do and create the look that you want but I haven't seen (personally) too many good stucco patches in my day.

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