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Three-Coat Stucco, Repair, And Historic Plaster.

Stucco & Plaster Contractors. NJ, PA & NYC.

Traditional 3-coat stucco systems, EIFS repair, and ornamental plaster molding.

Family-Owned Since 1947

Four Generations · Paul-Led

Written Proposal

Fixed Total · Clear Scope

Tri-State Coverage

NJ · PA · NYC · FL

By Paul Pennacchi·Fourth-Generation Owner, A. Pennacchi & Sons

Stucco is a craft that has been undermined by modern shortcuts. A. Pennacchi & Sons still applies three-coat cementitious stucco the way it was designed: lath, scratch, brown, finish. Four generations of Pennacchi-trained craftsmen across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York City. Paul-led on every project.

Stucco & Plastering: The Three-Coat Method We Still Use.

The Three-Coat Method We Still Use.

Traditional stucco is applied in three layers over a drainage plane and metal lath. The scratch coat bonds to the lath and is scored horizontally to accept the next layer. The brown coat levels the wall and is floated smooth. The finish coat carries the texture and color. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. This is how stucco was specified in the 1920s and 1930s when the region’s best stucco homes were built, and it is the reason those walls are still sound a century later. We do not use one-coat synthetic systems on new construction unless the specification calls for it.

  • Traditional three-coat portland-lime stucco
  • Stucco repair and patching on existing homes
  • Elastomeric coating application over sound stucco
  • Historic lime plaster interior restoration
  • Stucco-over-masonry on historic commercial buildings
  • EIFS repair and transition details
Stucco & Plastering: When Stucco Fails And Why.

When Stucco Fails And Why.

Most stucco failure in our region traces to three causes: poor flashing at window and door heads, no drainage plane behind the stucco, and the wrong coating over the finish layer. Water that gets in stays in. The resulting efflorescence, delamination, and spalling looks like the stucco is failing but is actually a water intrusion problem. Our repair scope always addresses the water path first, then the visible stucco damage.

Stucco & Plastering: Plaster Is Not The Same As Stucco.

Plaster Is Not The Same As Stucco.

Interior plaster and exterior stucco are related crafts but use different binders, different aggregates, and different curing protocols. We run separate crews for each. Period-correct lime plaster on interior walls is a specialty we keep for historic restoration projects. If your ceiling medallion or plaster cornice needs matching, we can fabricate or source.

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What Our Clients Say

A Reputation Built On Referrals.

5.0
Countless Google Reviews
MA

Michael Atkin

8 reviews

10 Months Ago

Knowledgeable, professional, reliable. Sent 6 masons to get the waterproofing job done quickly. Highly recommended. Has the knowhow to get the job done right the first time. A trustworthy expert firm.

Basement Waterproofing
LH

Lauren Hilton

1 review · 1 photo

A Year Ago

I had a roofer come out for a small leak in my attic. He fixed it and while up on the roof took pictures of my chimney. Told me I had a big problem. Lot of mortar missing. I called A. Pennacchi & Sons. Paul came out the next day. He told me what needed to be done and gave me a price. I asked him if I should add a few bricks to the top. He said "why do you want to spend more money?" What contractor says that? The men came out a few days later. On time, polite, got right to work, and cleaned up like they were never there. Paul had given me a choice of colors. His price was the best one. My chimney now looks absolutely beautiful. I would give them 10 stars.

Chimney Repoint
RT

Rich Treichler

11 reviews

A Year Ago

Great experience with Paul and the Pennacchi team. We contracted this firm to waterproof our basement and replace our basement windows. Nick was excellent at coordinating the effort, including preparation, window replacement, waterproofing, clean up, and follow up to inquire about and resolve a few questions. Happy to recommend Pennacchi and Sons.

Basement Waterproofing
BG

Brenda Giannacio

1 review

A Year Ago

A. Pennacchi & Sons has offered outstanding service since our first meeting. Honest, reliable, knowledgeable, and very responsive. The staff take pride in their work and are very respectful of your home. We highly recommend using them if you are having issues with a wet basement. We cannot thank them enough.

Basement Waterproofing
JA

Jackson Adolph

2 reviews

A Year Ago

Pennacchi sealed our basement 2 years ago. After a recent heavy rain we noticed seepage and asked Pennacchi to look at it. They sent Nick, who did an excellent job diagnosing the problem, finding the most likely seepage site, and then repairing it. Nick came by the next day, inspected the repair, and also improved sealing of 2 utility pipe entries. The rapid response, competency, diligence, and follow-up were excellent.

Basement Waterproofing Repair
MA

Mmm Aaa

Local Guide · 19 reviews · 24 photos

2 Years Ago

We are so impressed with Pennacchi & Sons. Multiple people recommended this company as the best in the region. For a company with a huge legacy, working throughout the county, there was no hesitation to see what our small job looked like and whether they could help. The crew was friendly, timely, and efficient. Ray walked us through the process, gave us a play-by-play for the best understanding of the work, and answered tons of questions. The end result was better than the original.

Masonry Restoration
MS

Michael Su

Local Guide · 11 reviews · 1 photo

2 Years Ago

Pennacchi has an exceptional reputation and we now have firsthand experience of their stellar work. The precision craftsmanship and professionalism are impressive. We had our chimneys repointed, brickwork restored, and a basement wall resealed. It all blends seamlessly and looks gorgeous. Ask for Sam as your foreman if you can, he was amazing. The entire crew was fantastic. Kudos to Paul and the leadership for building a great team. Impeccable service and beautiful finished product.

Chimney & Basement Sealing
AA

Adam Arif

Local Guide · 98 reviews · 1,020 photos

2 Years Ago

Pennacchi & Sons does amazing work. They restored my front door steps which were in bad condition. They fixed all the chips and cracks and painted them. Very professional and great service.

Stone Step Restoration
VC

Victoria Chow

9 reviews · 9 photos

3 Years Ago

Water was getting into my house because of the old brick exterior. It needed to be repointed and painted on the interior. Although this was a very small job, Paul and his son Paul Junior were incredibly professional, listened, and addressed my concerns. I left their crew to complete the work without being home and everything was safe and secure when I got back. They kept their work areas clean and took away their trash. Paul’s price was the most competitive. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Brick Repointing
WR

Wayne Richardson

8 reviews · 1 photo

3 Years Ago

My basement was leaking really bad and had 2 different companies come out and try to fix the problem with no luck. Decided to try a third time and luckily I came across APS. They came out and did amazing work and solved all my issues. Put in a French drain, sump pump, and stuccoed the walls. They had to fix all the problems the other companies did, and it was a great experience working with them. Paul was extremely professional. Highly recommend if you need the job done right the first time.

French Drain & Waterproofing
SB

S. B.

Local Guide · 14 reviews

3 Years Ago

These guys did a great job on my chimney with stucco.

Chimney Stucco
SS

Shibani Sharma

8 reviews

3 Years Ago

Excellent work. Very professional.

General Masonry
ES

Ellen Scanlon

Local Guide · 13 reviews · 1 photo

5 Years Ago

Pennacchi is the best. We had several jobs done in the past few months and found Paul and team to deliver exceptional work and service for reasonable prices. Very knowledgeable and professional. We had the basement waterproofed, foundation redone, and steps repointed. Extremely satisfied.

Foundation & Waterproofing
BC

Bill Cunningham

Local Guide · 78 reviews · 265 photos

5 Years Ago

The best in the business. Ask for Paul. Tell him Billy C. sent ya.

General Masonry
KT

Katia Ten Eyck

Local Guide · 24 reviews · 69 photos

6 Years Ago

We hired Pennacchi and Sons to waterproof our basement. We did not necessarily have issues, we just wanted to prevent any moisture problems in the future. We consulted with a few other people before speaking with Paul, the owner. Paul came up with an effective and cost-effective solution for us. We are very happy with the service and highly recommend Paul to everyone.

Basement Waterproofing
JM

John Monsport

7 reviews · 1 photo

6 Years Ago

These guys did an amazing job for us. 20 years of trying to get my basement dry and these guys finally got it to work. We actually had another company do it 15 years ago but we always got water back. Paul and his brothers worked hard and they cleaned us up as well. Thanks for letting me tell this story guys.

Basement Waterproofing
MS

Mike Salvador

2 reviews

6 Years Ago

I hired Pennacchi and Sons to do repair work on my chimney. In the 3 days they were here, they did an excellent job from start to finish. They also left my home in the same condition as it was before they came. I could not recommend this company more and would definitely hire them again if I needed future masonry work done.

Chimney Repair
MB

MeghanB

16 reviews · 2 photos

6 Years Ago

Gorgeous job repairing and painting my chimney.

Chimney Repair & Paint
BK

B. K.

Local Guide · 56 reviews · 1 photo

6 Years Ago

You want the best, call Paul at Pennacchi & Sons. Great work and he stands by all his work. A++

General Masonry
MP

Marcus Padulchick

Local Guide · 102 reviews · 32 photos

7 Years Ago

I would use them again. We needed a front porch and patio repaired. They did a great job and are very responsive to follow up. Attention to detail is certainly something I was impressed with.

Porch & Patio Repair
Our Process

How We Work.

  1. Step 01

    Request An Estimate

    Submit the form or call the Hamilton headquarters. A specialist replies within one business day to confirm scope and book the site visit.

  2. Step 02

    Site Visit

    A Pennacchi craftsman meets you at the property, identifies the failure mode, documents the scope with photographs, and reviews options with you on the spot.

  3. Step 03

    Written Proposal

    Within 5 business days you receive a fixed-price written proposal with a clear scope of work and a total price. No time-and-materials. No surprises.

  4. Step 04

    Production & Cleanup

    Our crews execute the work, tarp landscaping, enforce strict debris control, and cure the final joints before we invoice. Project leadership stays consistent start to finish.

Cost Of Waiting

Every Season Of Delay Makes The Fix Bigger.

Masonry failure is not a maintenance item. It is a cascade. A hairline mortar crack lets water in, freeze-thaw widens it, brick spalls, the wall destabilizes, and what was a modest repoint two winters ago becomes a full-envelope rebuild. On every stucco & plastering project we quote, the scope is always smaller now than it will be next year. The earlier you book a site visit, the smaller the job.

Can Stucco Be Applied Over Brick?
Yes, but only with proper preparation. The brick surface has to be cleaned, mechanically roughened or bonded, and given a bonding agent before lath and scratch coat go on. Done right this is a valid historic technique. Done wrong it delaminates in five years.
Should I Use EIFS Or Traditional Stucco?
On historic or high-value homes, traditional three-coat stucco is almost always the correct choice. EIFS (synthetic stucco) has a place in light commercial, but water management failures on residential EIFS installations in our region have been so common we rarely specify it on new work.
Can You Paint Over Old Stucco?
Only after the stucco is stable, dry, and cleaned. Painting over efflorescence or damp stucco traps moisture and accelerates failure. We frequently recommend a breathable elastomeric coating over bare stucco that has been repaired.
Start Your Project

Ready To Discuss Your Stucco & Plastering Project?

Call the Hamilton headquarters or submit the form. A specialist replies within one business day to confirm scope and schedule a site visit.

Call Now Get Estimate