Just looked at a “new” job. Stucco exterior finish and they need the windows replaced. How do you replace the windows with out disturbing the wall finish. Patching the stucco never seems to work and water proofing from what I’ve read here and other places is a major problem with stucco (even worse with whats needed here). Any tips? Should I leave this one alone?
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Patching stucco is not a problem, but getting the color to match is nearly impossible.
Typically you'd cut 2" around the window, do the necesary repairs, patch the scratch/brown, and re-colorcoat from one corner to the next so the color on that wall remains continuous.
No reason to not take the job, it can be good money. Just make sure you have enough in the budget to color coat from corner to corner on the affected wall.
Getting the drainage plane right is crucial. Bituthane, flashing, and grade D paper can be used creatively as required.
Drip edge above the window and urethane caulk at the jambs and sills usually does the trick for weather sealing.
DRC
I'm certainly not an expert, but we've replaced two windows in our stucco house and I can't figure out why you'd have to cut away stucco. In our case, we just ordered the windows to fit, wrapped the framing with that weatherguard rubber membrane stuff (overlapping the tarpaper) and then caulked + drip cap. The previous owners redid a window in the kithen and put in a window smaller than the opening. The large patched stucco matches the texture, but there is a nice clean crack all around the perimeter of the old opening.
This is probably just another instance of regional differences.
I'm assuming bullnosed stucco over windows with nailing fins.
If that were not the case, of course you would be correct.
DRC
The reason the windows have rotted and need replacement is probably due to incorrect installation of the stucco and flashing that we see 99% of the time.
Flashing must be installed correctly over the window.
The stucco must be terminated 1/2" - 5/8" from the window frame, backer rod installed in the gap and caulked with Dow 790 caulk. The caulk must be tooled to a concave finish to enhance its ability to stretch as the window expands and contracts with weather changes.
Odds are the kick out flashing is not correct either - if it's even installed.
Would you know of or have a drawing to show this set up? It would be nice to show the customer. Thanks John
Attached sketch is for EIFS but same concept applies for hardcoat.