any one know anything about stucco?

[hovrens]

I have posted several questions regarding stucco and I have had no responses.

My question is:

How do you tie/mesh together new stucco to old (patching around new windows) to prevent cracking around new and old?

[Rich]

I apologize for nost responding to any of your posts - I just have little to no experience with stucco. Anyone else?

[Tom R]

Not an easy task, - - I would try to avoid it. Pre-colored stucco? Painted? You're much better off finding an alternate method of your window placement method, IMO.

Either replacement windows so you don't have to mess with the exterior, or if you already have new construction windows, remove the flanges, and attach through the sides. You'll still need a strategically placed/fitted drip cap and silicone caulk all the way around.

I don't doubt I could 'patch-and-match' the stucco job, - - but I wouldn't want to guarantee it wouldn't eventually crack and separate where it meets the old. The nailing flange underneath would have a much different expansion and contraction rate than the stucco. If you are going to try it anyway, make the 'cut-line' neat, straight, and consistent, (say, 2" all the way around) - - so if it does ever crack later, it at least looks planned and consistent on all the windows. Right before you stucco each area, lightly 'spray-mist' the edges of the old stucco you're attaching to, so it's 'dryness' doesn't steal the moisture out of the adjoining edge of the new mix.

[Dragon]

Stucco doesnt work well around here.

We have this thing called humidity.