Updating a Family Home Exterior While Preserving What Worked
Updating family home with exterior renovations

James Hardie Monterey Taupe siding

Custom flashing

Board-and-batten accents

  • Project Location: Willowgreen (Calgary)
  • Completed by: EnerClear Exteriors
  • Scope: Siding upgrade over existing EIFS stucco focused on durability, energy efficiency, and seamless integration with existing exterior features

 

This project in Willowgreen was a bit different, and in a good way. A younger couple was moving into their parents’ home—one that had already seen some thoughtful updates over the years. The house was in good shape overall, but it had one persistent issue that couldn’t be ignored: failing stucco that had become a target for woodpeckers.

Anyone who’s dealt with stucco damage knows how frustrating it can be. Once birds find a soft spot, it rarely stops on its own. The instinct is often to tear everything off and start over, but in this case, that wouldn’t have made sense. The existing stucco system included exterior insulation that was still performing well, and the homeowners wanted to keep the comfort and energy-efficiency benefits it provided.

So instead of defaulting to removal, we took a more considered approach.

Choosing the Right Solution

After walking the home and reviewing the existing assemblies, we decided to install new siding over the existing EIFS stucco, preserving the exterior insulation while solving the durability and wildlife issues for good. This approach allowed us to maintain the home’s thermal performance while giving it a completely new exterior finish.

That balance—performance first, appearance second—is something we think about a lot at EnerClear Exteriors. There’s no value in a beautiful exterior if it compromises comfort or efficiency.

Scope of Work

We handled all required permits and carefully planned the installation to ensure the new system integrated properly with what was already there.

The home was finished with James Hardie Monterey Taupe siding, installed over the existing stucco. New trim details were added throughout, along with custom flashing where required to manage water properly and ensure long-term durability.

To add depth and character, we incorporated board-and-batten accents, giving the exterior some visual interest without overpowering the existing architecture. One of the most important parts of this project was how the new work tied into the home’s existing features. Stonework and other architectural accents were already in place, and our goal was to make the new siding feel like a natural continuation—not a patchwork overlay.

That required careful detailing, clean transitions, and custom metal work to ensure everything came together seamlessly.

James hardie Siding with board and batten accents

Projects like this show how thoughtful exterior upgrades can solve real problems without sacrificing performance or comfort.

Energy-efficient you can count on.

The Result

The finished home looks clean, modern, and cohesive—without losing the benefits of the original exterior insulation. The stucco and woodpecker issues were resolved, the siding system added durability and protection, and the exterior now feels intentional from every angle.

For the homeowners, this meant moving into a family home that already felt right—comfortable, efficient, and ready for the next chapter. For us, it was another reminder that the best solutions aren’t always the most aggressive ones. Sometimes, it’s about respecting what already works and building smartly on top of it.

That’s the kind of exterior renovation we’re proud to deliver.

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Offer ends July 31, 2025