Utah Replacement with Stucco Home

Hi,

Thanks to anyone for your help....We are getting quotes now. It seems to replace the windows correctly with a stucco home, it is a laborious process to do it right. Are there any certain brands that work better with stucco? We have spoken to someone in Excalibur II (which has some poor reviews) and Champion. Any tips for this area? We have 31 windows and are planning to replace in phases.

Thanks!

The replacement will be dictated in large part by the type of trim detail around the window and tie into to the stucco.

There are windows that are available with what are referred to as stucco flanges and there are other methodologies besides the standard pocket style replacement.

A couple of pictures of the interior and exterior will probably yield more specific advice.

The first thing you should do is get a moisture test.

If it’s EIFS-type stucco siding (Exterior Insulation Finish Systems), often what we find is that the installation of the doors and windows was done improperly, not allowing for proper drainage. EIFS siding is great because it protects your home from the elements. But if water does get in due to poorly installed windows or doors, it stays there. It doesn’t drain and it doesn’t dry out. And it’s all due to the improper installation of the windows or doors, not the siding itself, which as I said is a terrific product.

There are companies who will come out to your home and do this test to determine how much moisture is inside your walls, and that will be a good indication of whether there is wood/wall rot in there before you install any new windows.

As for the windows, do look into Andersen Windows, because Andersen has been making windows for over a hundred years, and they are a global company, so they specialize in unique window applications for all types of climates and for all types of homes, from a southern California stucco home to an old colonial wood frame home in Massachusetts. They also offer full frame and insert installation.

Then, choose a company that is experienced in installing windows on stucco homes. If you can, get referrals, testimonials, and better yet, ask to see homes that they have worked on, and go back ten years — a home done recently, a home done five years ago and a home done ten years ago. You want to see what those windows look like both new and years later, see if there has been any moisture problems.

Finally, if this is EIFS stucco, make sure that a company that specializes in EIFS installs EIFS bands around the windows. They will look nice because they frame out the windows — they give your home personality, a nice architectural finish — but of course the best part is that inside the band is an internal weepage system that drains and ventilates, so that if any moisture ever does get back there, it will drain, allowing your wall to dry out and breathe.

By the way, the company that does the moisture test … they’ll come back every few years to retest your home and certify.

These are the steps you’ll need to take for your own peace of mind but well worth the time and the effort.

You are on a roll lately with the misinformation.



Why? Did the original poster ever mention any issues with moisture infiltration or exterior or interior finish issues? Why would they need a water test if the classic signs of interior moisture and stucco failure do not demonstrate themselves?

Is every stucco home going to fall in on itself?



I guess the thousands of homeowners with EIFS failures where there is not a window, door, or other penetration present are just the exception to the rule if their EIFS didn't fail because of a window/door?



Again with the Andersen spam.

Please tell the readers exactly what Andersen has at its disposal that 100 other manufacturers don't have when it comes to installing in stucco?



Yes. Unnecessary moisture tests and putting in a window with a 10 year frame warranty are exactly what you should do to make sure your home is well protected for years to come.

There is plenty of info on the net for window replacements in stucco openings

google flush fin window installations or z bar window install or stucco fin window installations. Here on the west coast this install procedure is so common we forget that many window installers in the midwest and east coast have no idea.