What stucco means
Stucco is a cement plaster applied in coats over lath or masonry to make a hard exterior wall finish.
Where it matters on a siding job
Traditional stucco goes on in coats with cure time between them, which spreads a job over days. Cracks are normal; water behind the stucco is not. On repairs, look for stains under windows and at the weep screed, which is where trapped water shows.
What the model code says
- A weep screed at the base of stucco on stud walls sits at least 4 inches above earth or 2 inches above paving. (IRC 2021, Chapter 7)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for stucco before you quote.
What it costs
The stucco repair cost guide has the typical job at $1,650 and the usual range at $750 to $2,800. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price.
Work it out
- Cost guide: Stucco repair cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free siding resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 7, Wall Covering (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.