Home Transformation: From Failing Stucco to a Fresh Start

As you may know, stucco issues are common here in southeastern and south central PA. So when we were called to the Peifer residence, we didn’t think there’d be much to surprise us. Until we discovered this...

Something Was Hammering Holes Into the Siding

Like many of the homes we service, Mr. Peifer’s Dryvit stucco system was failing. Unfortunately, this allowed moisture behind the walls, which, over time, led to insect infestations, rot, and warped sheathing…

Then came the woodpeckers.

It appeared the pesky critters had drilled holes into the stucco siding to reach the bugs living inside. Then, while enjoying their veritable smorgasbord, they decided to take up residence and started building nests in the stucco!

What started as small holes became gaping entry points for water and pests. And if the local pests and fauna weren’t trouble enough, much of the sheathing below the stucco had softened or decayed—presenting potentially hazardous issues with the home’s framing and indoor air quality.

It appeared this job would be more than a simple residing.

How Did We Fix the Home With Failing Stucco?

Since the Peifer home required more than just new siding, the Smucker crews devised a complete renovation strategy: strip back the home to the concrete structure, and then rebuild the exterior correctly, layer by layer, to ensure water could move through the materials and evaporate efficiently.

Rebuilding the Peifer exterior was no small feat. Here’s how the crew left this home dryer and safer than before—not to mention a heck of a lot better looking.

• Removed all existing Dryvit, insulation, and house wrap down to the concrete foundation
  
  • Failing Dryvit systems are notorious for trapping water between their protective layers. Full removal is often necessary to expose hidden rot, repair structural damage, and prevent future moisture buildup.
• Installed smooth aluminum flashing on foundation walls (color-matched to new siding)
  
  • Flashing is a waterproof material (often metal) used to protect exposed joints on your home's exterior. By matching the siding color, you create a unified and cohesive look.
• Installed Henry WeatherSmart Drainable House Wrap
  
  • A house wrap is the second line of defense against the elements after your home’s siding. By using a permeable house wrap, moisture can escape while keeping outside rain from getting trapped next to drywall.
• Replaced all damaged or deteriorated sheathing
  
  • This is an absolute must. If rotted boards are not replaced, your issue will only get worse—rot must be eliminated!
• Installed James Hardie 8 ¼” Cedarmill Fiber Cement Siding
  
  • Hardie fiber cement siding offers decades of durability, is fire-resistant, pest-proof, and rot-free. Hardie offers a 30-year warranty on siding and a 15-year guarantee on color fading. Plus, it looks great with woodgrain finishes and plenty of attractive colors to choose from.
• Additional finishes and weatherproofing all around the home—for added resilience to the elements and a clean, finished look
  
  • Azek outside corners and roofline
  • Color-matched dryer, stove, and bathroom vents
  • Matching flashings, drip caps, and kick-out flashings
  • Color-matched plugs for trim fastening

Why Did We Go With Fiber Cement Siding?

When it comes to keeping your home safe and dry, Smucker Exteriors trusts and recommends James Hardie fiber cement for any of our homeowners.

Fiber cement siding is non-porous, dimensionally stable, and built for our wild weather patterns here in PA—meaning fewer moisture issues and year-round protection from the elements.

But it’s not just the weather proofing to consider. There are financial incentives as well.

In fact, Remodeling Magazine's 2024 Cost vs. Value Report showed that fiber cement siding replacement recoups around 88% of its cost at resale—with another 2024 study showing siding replacements recouping as much as 67-95% of their initial costs.

And if that weren’t enough, modern siding just plain looks good. And the Peifer home now features clean, modern lines, and rich panels mimicking natural wood—without the fading and maintenance headaches.

A Few *Bonus* Renovations

In addition to the “major” exterior renovations, Peifer decided to give his home all the additional bells and whistles.

Including:

• A ProVia Heritage Entry Door in Snow Mist White
  
  • Boosts energy efficiency and provides a 100% ROI—making front door replacement the fastest and most profitable home remodel you can invest in
• A 12” overhang on the garage gable with added Fypon gable bracket pediment
  
  • Even more weather protection—along with a bold architectural highlight

What Does the Peifer Home Look Like Now?

After extensive exterior renovations, it’s not a stretch to say the Peifer home has been completely transformed.

Where there were once cracks, woodpecker holes, damp stucco, and rotting sheathing, the home now sports a modern exterior that’s as stunning as it is protective.

If you’re in Lancaster, Berks, or Chester County, reach out to let us know about your dream today. We’re ready to meet you at your home to inspect and go over all the details. Because you deserve a home you’re proud of…

And your home—along with everyone inside—deserves to be cared for before trouble starts brewing.