Stucco Repair & Installation
Stucco crack and water damage repair, full replacement, and new stucco, installed with the water barrier and drainage our rainy climate demands.
Get Your Free Stucco Estimate
Tell us about your stucco. We'll call to confirm a time that works for you.
- Free in-home estimateWritten quote, no pressure
- We fix the water problemNot just the crack
- Financing available$0 down on approved credit
- Licensed & insuredWA Lic. #DAWNCCW747K2
- Rated 4.9 on GoogleBy local homeowners
- Prefer to talk?Call (206) 672-1711
What's Included in a Stucco Project
Stucco Repair & Installation in Seattle & the Puget Sound
Dawn Construction repairs, replaces, and installs stucco on homes in 45 cities across Greater Seattle and the Puget Sound. We find where water is getting in, repair the wall behind the stucco when it’s damaged, and rebuild with a proper water barrier and drainage, backed by a one-year workmanship warranty.
Stucco and Northwest Rain
Stucco can last a long time, but in our long, wet season it needs one thing above all: a way for water to get out. Some water always gets past the surface through cracks and around windows. If the layers behind the stucco can’t drain it away, the wall underneath stays wet and can rot, often out of sight.
That’s why most stucco problems here start behind the surface, not on it, and why a stucco repair should always look at what’s underneath.
Signs of Stucco Damage
- Cracks: especially at window and door corners.
- Dark or damp stains: water held in or behind the stucco.
- Bulging or soft spots: the wall behind may be wet or rotting.
- Stains below windows: a common sign of failed window flashing.
- Stucco touching the ground: water can wick up into the wall.
- Stains or musty smells inside: moisture coming through from outside.
Stucco Repair or Replacement?
| What We Find | Usually the Right Fix |
|---|---|
| Hairline cracks, dry wall behind | Crack repair and paint |
| Damage in one area, such as below a window | Remove that section, fix the flashing and wall, and patch to match |
| Stucco touching soil or paving | Correct the base so water can drain, and repair any damage |
| Widespread staining, soft spots, or rot | Remove the stucco and rebuild the wall layers |
Repairs that only cover a crack can trap water and hide the real problem. We look behind the surface before recommending a fix.
How Stucco Is Built to Drain
Stucco is a layered system. Each layer has a job.
| Layer | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Sheathing | The wall surface the system is built on |
| Water-resistive barrier | Over wood-based sheathing, the code calls for two layers of barrier, or a barrier with a drainage space, so water can run down and out |
| Lath | Metal mesh that holds the stucco |
| Stucco coats | Cement plaster applied in layers |
| Weep screed | A strip at the bottom of the wall that lets water out, at least 4 inches above soil or 2 inches above paving |
| Flashing | Around windows, doors, and where walls meet roofs |
Stucco vs EIFS
| Traditional Stucco | EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Cement plaster in layers over metal lath | Foam insulation board with a thin finish coat |
| Feel when tapped | Hard and solid | Softer, can sound hollow |
| Repairs | Cement-based patching | Different materials and methods |
They look alike from the street, so we confirm which one your home has before planning any repair.
Stucco vs Siding
When stucco has failed over a large area, some homeowners replace it with siding instead.
| Stucco | Fiber Cement or Engineered Wood Siding | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Smooth or textured, seamless | Lap boards, panels, or shingles |
| Repairs | Patching to match texture | Individual boards replaced |
| In our rain | Needs a drainage plane behind it | Needs a water barrier and flashing behind it |
Compare siding options on our siding page.
Permits and Older Homes
| Rule | When It Applies | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacement | Replacing exterior cladding with no structural changes | No permit in Seattle; other cities vary |
| Structural repairs | Rotted sheathing or framing behind the stucco | Often a building permit |
| Asbestos survey | Before renovation or demolition in the Puget Sound region | Required by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and L&I rules |
Our Stucco Process
Step 1: Free Inspection & Estimate
We look at cracks, stains, and soft spots, and send a written quote.
Step 2: Plan & Permits
Repair or replacement plan set; any permit and asbestos survey handled.
Step 3: Remove Damaged Stucco
Open the wall where needed to see what’s behind it.
Step 4: Repair the Wall
Replace wet or rotted sheathing and framing, and fix the water source.
Step 5: Rebuild the Layers
Water barrier, lath, flashing, weep screed, and stucco coats.
Step 6: Finish & Walkthrough
Texture matched, painted if needed, and reviewed with you.
Stucco Cost – What to Expect
Every stucco project is priced individually. You get a written quote after a free inspection and estimate.
| Price Factor | Effect on Cost |
|---|---|
| Area | A patch versus a wall versus the whole house |
| Damage behind the stucco | Rotted sheathing or framing adds repair work |
| Height and access | Two-story walls need scaffolding |
| Texture matching | Matching an existing finish takes extra care |
| Paint | Painting after repairs for an even look |
Want to spread the cost? See our financing options.
Worried About Your Stucco?
Get a free inspection and a written quote. No pressure, no obligation.
FAQ – Stucco
Is stucco a good choice in the rainy Pacific Northwest?
It can be, when it’s installed with a proper water barrier and a way for water to drain out. Problems in our climate almost always come from water getting behind the stucco and not being able to escape.
What are the signs of stucco water damage?
Look for cracks, dark or damp stains, bulging or soft spots, staining below windows, and peeling paint or swollen trim nearby. Inside, look for stains or musty smells on walls behind the stucco.
Should I repair or replace my stucco?
Small cracks and isolated damage can often be repaired. If water has gotten behind the stucco over a large area, or the wall underneath is soft or rotting, removing the stucco and rebuilding the wall layers is usually the right fix.
What is the difference between stucco and EIFS?
Traditional stucco is a cement-based plaster applied in layers over lath. EIFS, sometimes called synthetic stucco, is a foam insulation board with a thin finish coat. They look similar but are built differently, so we confirm which one you have before planning repairs.
What is a weep screed?
It’s the metal strip at the bottom of a stucco wall that lets water drain out. The residential code calls for it to sit at least 4 inches above soil, or 2 inches above paved areas.
Can stucco be painted?
Yes. Stucco can be painted with products made for masonry and stucco. Cracks should be repaired first, and the wall should be dry.
Do I need a permit for stucco work?
It depends on the scope and your city. Repairs and like-for-like replacement often don’t need a building permit, while structural repairs to the wall underneath usually do. We check your city’s rules.
Is an asbestos survey needed before removing stucco?
In the Puget Sound region, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and Washington L&I rules require an asbestos survey before renovation or demolition. Some older exterior coatings and materials contain asbestos.
Which areas do you serve?
Dawn Construction works in 45 cities across King, Snohomish, Pierce, Kitsap, Thurston, Island, Skagit, Whatcom, and Mason counties, from Bellingham to Olympia.
Do you offer free estimates and financing?
Yes. Every project starts with a free in-home estimate and a written quote, and financing is available.
Other Services We Provide
Stucco Across 9 Western Washington Counties
From our offices in Renton and Mukilteo, Dawn Construction serves 45 cities, from Bellingham to Olympia. See the full service area.
King County
- Renton
- Seattle
- Bellevue
- Kent
- Federal Way
- Redmond
- Issaquah
- Bothell
- Kirkland
- Sammamish
- Mercer Island
- Newcastle
- Auburn
- Tukwila
- SeaTac
- Burien
- Shoreline
- Kenmore
- Covington
- Maple Valley
Snohomish County
- Mukilteo
- Everett
- Lynnwood
- Marysville
- Arlington
- Monroe
- Snohomish
Pierce County
- Tacoma
- Puyallup
- Lakewood
- Gig Harbor
- Eatonville
Kitsap County
- Bremerton
- Silverdale
- Poulsbo
- Kingston
Thurston County
- Olympia
- Yelm
Island County
- Oak Harbor
- Coupeville
Skagit County
- Mount Vernon
- Burlington
- Sedro-Woolley
Whatcom County
- Bellingham
Mason County
- Shelton
Don't see your city? Contact us or call (206) 672-1711.
Sources
- ICC, 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 7 (R703.7 exterior plaster)
- Seattle SDCI, Do You Need a Permit?
- City of Renton, Residential Interior Remodels
Why Dawn Construction
Licensed & Insured
Fully credentialed for your peace of mind and protection on every project.
Full Team, Real People
Call Sunday–Friday, 8am–10pm and a real person from our team will answer.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees or surprise costs. We respect your budget.
Start Your Stucco Project
Ready to upgrade your home's curb appeal? Reach out for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Ready to Get Started?
Call or email us directly — we're available Sunday–Friday, 8am–10pm and respond fast.
Call (206) 672-1711