I'm in the process of buying a 1924 bungalow. It's in <br>fantastic shape but the current owner removed the <br>original wooden clapboard siding and covered the <br>exterior with white stucco over twenty years ago. <br> <br>The stucco is in good shape but eventually I'd like to <br>restore the exterior to what it was originally. <br> <br>Is removing stucco possible? Does it damage what's <br>underneath? I've never done this before nor do I know <br>anyone who has so I'm not really sure what's involved. <br> <br>Thanks for any insight. <br> <br>

&gt;I have the exact same problem so let us know how the project is comming along because I really want my stucco removed. <br> <br>

Are you sure that the clapboard was removed? The usual practice was to put the stucco over the exisiting surface without removing it. Usually some sort of wire mesh or backer was nailed onto the siding and the stucco was applied over that. If this is the case, there may not be a lot of damage to the original clapboard unless there has been hidden termite or water damage behind the stucco over the years. The removal itself is not brain surgery and can be done by a couple of sturdy folks who enjoy the destruction part of restoration projects. <br> <br>

Haven't done it myself, but have watched a few houses be unstuccoed, so I can't speak first hand. <br> <br>But, here goes: <br> <br>(While wearing gloves and goggles) use the sharp end of a hammer to smack a crack down a section of the stucco (work in manageable strips), then cut the chicken wire underneath with a wire cutter. <br> <br>Peel the stucco off from top to bottom. You may need to wedge a crowbar under the stucco to pry it away from the siding. There is often lots of nails that were used to attach the chicken wire. <br> <br>Once the stucco is peeled down, you should be able to tear off the black paper underneath and assess your siding. <br> <br>Here in Los Angeles, siding is often in surprisingly good condition underneath. One friend here in Echo Park discovered stained (not painted) shingle beneath a really clumpy '70s stucco exterior. <br> <br>It's hard &amp; dirty work, but makes an amazing difference. <br> <br>Good luck! <br> <br>

No help here, but just wanted to add an ARRRG! There's a WONDERFUL old foursquare around the corner from me that needed restoration and the people who bought it three years ago have been doing GREAT things with it, until they put stucco on it...ARRRRRG! Still looks lovely, but it would have been nice to see the siding restored too.

Janice is right about existing siding being left on building prior to stucco work. You may get a hint by looking at the wide wood trim that is typical around the exterior of bungalow windows: If stucco surface is flush to outside surface of window trim, it is likely that stucco was installed over siding. <br> <br>As a remodeling contractor, I have removed a lot of stucco and have found that the best way to remove it (if you don't want to damage underlying paper or siding)is to use an air chisel powered by an air compressor. With a chisel tip and a little practice you can break the stucco, leaving underlying surface in pretty good shape. <br> <br>Basic operation is: <br>*Break vertical lines in stucco (about 2ft apart) to expose wire mesh <br>*Cut wire mesh with snips <br>*Starting at top, pull stucco down. It will usually crack along horizontal lines and allow for more wire cutting, and removal in pieces that are manageable. I use a pick or maddox to pry sections from wall. Pry with even pressure! Don't "jerk" on maddox. This could flex studs so much that interior wall surface can be damaged. <br> <br>