What is the cost to apply a new scratch coat and brown coat over old stucco in Ottawa?

Applying new scratch and brown coats over existing stucco — sometimes called a stucco overlay or resurfacing — is a practical way to restore a deteriorated exterior without tearing everything off and starting from bare sheathing. In Ottawa, this approach works well when the existing stucco is still bonded to the wall but has widespread surface cracking, spalling, or a worn finish.

Pricing for Scratch and Brown Coat Application

For a two-coat application (scratch coat plus brown coat) over existing stucco, expect to pay $8 to $15 per square foot in Ottawa. This does not include the finish coat — if you want a complete three-coat resurfacing, add another $3 to $6 per square foot for the finish texture.

For a typical Ottawa home with 1,200 to 1,800 square feet of stucco surface, the scratch and brown coat work alone runs $10,000 to $25,000. With a finish coat included, budget $14,000 to $35,000 for the complete resurfacing.

Here's what drives the cost within that range:

• Surface preparation: The existing stucco needs to be pressure washed, and any loose or delaminated sections must be removed down to solid material. If more than 20 to 30% of the surface is delaminated, a full tear-off and re-application becomes more cost-effective than an overlay. Prep work runs $2 to $4 per square foot.- Bonding agent: A liquid bonding agent or dash coat (a splattered layer of cement slurry) is applied to help the new scratch coat adhere to the old surface. This adds $1 to $2 per square foot but is non-negotiable — without it, the new layers will delaminate, especially after Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles put stress on the bond.- Scratch coat: This first layer is applied approximately 3/8-inch thick and scored with horizontal grooves to provide a key for the brown coat. Material is a Portland cement, sand, and lime mix — or a polymer-modified stucco product for better freeze-thaw resistance. Cost: $4 to $6 per square foot.- Brown coat: Applied over the cured scratch coat at approximately 3/8-inch thickness, this layer is screeded to create a flat, even surface for the finish. Cost: $4 to $6 per square foot.- Scaffolding: For two-storey homes, scaffolding rental and setup adds $1,500 to $3,500 to the project. Many Ottawa contractors include this in their square-foot pricing, but confirm whether it's extra.

Important Ottawa-specific considerations:

• Curing time between coats: The scratch coat needs to cure for at least 48 hours (ideally a week) before the brown coat goes on. Temperatures must stay above 5°C during application and curing. In Ottawa, this limits the working season to roughly May through mid-October.- Added weight: Two new coats add approximately 5 to 7 pounds per square foot to your walls. For most wood-frame Ottawa homes, this is within acceptable limits, but older structures or those with questionable framing should be assessed by your contractor.- Existing moisture issues: If the old stucco has moisture trapped behind it — common on Ottawa homes where the original weather barrier has failed — overlaying new stucco on top seals the moisture in and accelerates rot. A moisture meter reading before committing to an overlay is a smart $200 to $400 investment.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Luxe Painting and Renovations
• JC Carpentry
• Somar Contracting Inc.
• Regimbal
• Leeds Property Maintenance

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