Converting Siding to Stucco in New Mexico: Fire Resistance, Durability, and Long-Term Value
Across Santa Fe, Albuquerque, the East Mountains, and Northern New Mexico, more homeowners are making the transition from traditional siding to stucco—and for good reason. As wildfire activity becomes more prominent in regions affected by events such as the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire, Ruidoso-area fires, and the Gila National Forest region, many property owners are rethinking exterior materials and seeking more resilient, low-maintenance solutions.
For homes in fire-prone and high-sun environments like Santa Fe and surrounding areas, converting siding to stucco is increasingly viewed as both a practical and protective upgrade.
Why Homeowners Are Converting Siding to Stucco
There are several compelling reasons why homeowners choose to convert wood or composite siding to stucco, especially in Northern New Mexico’s climate.
1. Increased Fire Resistance
Stucco is a non-combustible exterior finish. Compared to wood siding, which can ignite under ember exposure, stucco provides a significantly more fire-resistant barrier. In wildfire-prone areas near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Gila region, and forest-adjacent communities, this added protection can be a major consideration for safety and insurance eligibility.
2. Reduced Maintenance
Traditional siding often requires routine painting, staining, sealing, and replacement of warped or damaged boards. Stucco, on the other hand, offers a long-lasting finish that typically only requires periodic inspection rather than constant upkeep—an appealing option for homeowners looking to reduce long-term maintenance costs.
3. Better Sealing Against Pests and Insects
When properly installed with moisture barrier, lath, and base coats, stucco creates a more sealed exterior envelope. This helps reduce entry points for insects, rodents, and other pests that commonly infiltrate homes through gaps in siding seams, trim lines, and board transitions.
4. Insurance and Wildfire Considerations
With insurance companies becoming more cautious about covering homes in wildfire-prone zones throughout New Mexico, exterior material choices matter more than ever. Stucco’s durability and fire resistance have contributed to a growing trend of homeowners switching from siding to stucco in Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos, and surrounding communities.
The Process: How We Convert Siding to Stucco
At Terrapin Stucco, our conversion process is strategic, detail-oriented, and tailored to the specific siding type and condition of the home.
Step 1: Evaluation of Existing Siding
Not all siding needs to be removed. In many cases, existing siding can serve as a suitable substrate (similar to sheathing), which improves efficiency and reduces unnecessary demolition waste.
Flat siding types that can often remain in place include:
Tongue and Groove (T-111)
Ship lap siding
Channel rustic siding
Plywood siding
With these systems, we typically remove trim pieces at corners, transitions, and openings, then install moisture barrier and lath directly over the existing flat surface. If sections are damaged, we selectively cut them out and level the area with plywood or sheathing of matching depth.
Step 2: Adjustments for Other Siding Types
Some siding profiles require additional preparation:
Board and Batten: Battens and trim must be removed before installation.
Clapboard, Bevel, or Dolly Varden Siding: These sloped profiles often need to be fully removed and replaced with flat sheathing to create a proper stucco substrate.
Final determination is made during the on-site consultation, where structural integrity, flatness, and moisture conditions are evaluated.
Important Mechanical and Utility Considerations
When retrofitting stucco over siding, the wall assembly becomes thicker. This means several exterior components may need to be extended, including:
Light fixture boxes
Electrical outlets
Hose bibs
Dryer vents
Exterior penetrations and service points
If these are not properly extended, they can become recessed behind the new stucco system, making future maintenance or replacement more difficult.
Additionally, while we use properly sized fasteners for lath installation, there is always a minor risk of encountering hidden wiring or unknown stud locations behind existing siding. This is a standard consideration in retrofit construction and is discussed transparently during project planning.
2-Coat vs. 3-Coat Stucco Systems for Siding Conversion
When converting siding to stucco, homeowners typically choose between a 2-coat or 3-coat system, both of which are structurally sound when installed correctly.
2-Coat Stucco System (Brown + Color)
This modern system uses a reinforced base layer over 20-gauge wire, followed by a finish coat.
Pros:
More cost-effective
Faster installation timeline
Maintains strong structural integrity
Ideal for most residential retrofit applications
Cons:
Slightly less mass than a traditional 3-coat system
May not be preferred for certain custom or high-impact builds
3-Coat Stucco System (Scratch, Brown, and Color)
This traditional system includes a scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat, typically installed over heavier 17-gauge wire.
Pros:
Maximum strength and durability
Greater thickness and impact resistance
Preferred for high-end or legacy construction
Cons:
Higher cost
Longer installation time
Increased material and labor requirements
Modern Improvements Homeowners Gain During Conversion
One major advantage of converting siding to stucco is the opportunity to upgrade to modern wall system components that older homes often lack, including:
Weep screeds for moisture drainage
Expansion joints to reduce cracking
Plaster stops for clean transitions
Fiberglass mesh reinforcement
Premium acrylic and cementitious color finishes
These upgrades significantly improve long-term performance, crack resistance, and moisture management—especially important in Santa Fe’s freeze-thaw cycles and high UV exposure.
A Tailored, Consultation-Driven Approach
Every siding-to-stucco conversion is unique. During our expert consultation, Terrapin Stucco evaluates siding type, structural condition, architectural goals, and long-term maintenance preferences. We then develop a balanced solution that aligns with the homeowner’s needs, budget, and performance expectations.
For homeowners in Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, and across Northern New Mexico looking for a fire-resistant, low-maintenance, and long-lasting exterior, converting siding to stucco is not just an aesthetic upgrade—it is a strategic investment in durability, protection, and long-term property value.