CEM2

I need to make a existing window opening bigger in a stucco wall. What is the most efficient way to proceed?

Tscarborough

Painted or integrally colored stucco?

denick

This site covers the entire country and the use of the term stucco is widely different. In CT I would ask:

Is it a masonry wall?
Wood framed wall?
How much bigger?
Bigger in all directions?
What shape is the stucco in?
What is the actual stucco coating? thickness, etc,
What tolerance will you have for trim overhang or other finish?

Nick

CEM2

The stucco is painted and is on a framed wall. The opening is being made bigger on all sides. My concern is not the stucco or the framing. The question specifically is how or what is the best way to cut the stucco back so that the wire and paper are not compromised in order to have proper water protection and integrity in the stucco wall. Is it better to use a masonary saw to cut it out and then come back and tie in new wire and use a mastic to seal the paper or take a hammer and pick at it. Or is there some other way?

D.C.

The repair will be much better if you go to a fractured edge rather than a sawcut. The sawcut wont hold the stucco from cracking, and you cut-off the wire so there's no lap. The problem is when you break the stucco, the paper gets ruined. I sawcut the stucco and wire appx 1" inboard of the leading edge of the nearest adjacent backing, then break out the stucco. Next I carefully chip the sawcut edge back exposing about 2" of wire and paper below using an air chisel or makita power scraper. Carefully pick out all debris. Now you can carefully lap paper over the sill and sides and flash to the window, and tuck the head under the existing paper. You have to be very careful with the paper, kinda like upholstering. I use a putty knife to tuck it in.

CEM2

Great suggestion it worked oh so well. if