How to Repair Stucco After Replacing a Door
If you want to add or expand an exterior door in a stucco home, you have to start by demolishing some of the stucco plaster. After you have finished installing the new exterior door and jamb, the final touch is to repair the stucco around the new door's frame. Patching the stucco is a relatively easy project that will leave you with a solid water-tight surface to match the existing finish of your stucco home.
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Verify that the new door is completed and the jamb is secured properly to the adjacent framing. Cut off any exposed shims or other bracing installed with the door.
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Measure the width between the outer surface of the new door jamb and the edge of the stucco edge. Cut a strip of paper-backed stucco lath to the proper width using wire snips to cut the wire and paper backing.
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Install the paper-backed lath into the space beside the door frame using standard lath furring nails. Keep the lath tight to the sides of the space around the perimeter of the door jamb. The paper spacer on the furring nails goes behind the lath wire to hold it away from the paper backing and wood framing to keep the wire positioned within the stucco cement.
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Prepare the stucco patching mix following the manufacturer's instructions. The mixture should be fairly stiff, about the consistency of peanut butter.
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Apply the stucco patch mixture to the gap between the door jamb and the existing stucco edge, beginning at the base of the gap on either side, using a wood trowel. Push the mixture into the gap, and then scrape the surface even with the existing stucco surface and the jamb trim. You can collect and reuse any excess stucco mixture that falls away, as long as it hasn't been contaminated with dirt, sawdust or other foreign materials.
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Roughen the surface of the installed stucco patching mix as necessary to match the existing stucco finish using the wood trowel. Allow the stucco patch to cure for a minimum of 48 hours prior to painting.
Resources
Tips
- Stucco patching mix, paper-backed wire lath and lath furring nails are available at home improvement centers and hardware stores.
- You can use standard 15-pound building paper and poultry netting in lieu of manufactured paper-backed stucco lath. Apply the building paper first, using roofing nails or staples, then cut the poultry netting and secure it with furring nails.
Writer Bio
Paul Massey has been writing since 2009, drawing on a 35-year career in the construction industry. His experience includes 15 years as a general building contractor specializing in architectural design, custom homes, commercial development and historic renovations.
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