I have a double wide (64' x 28') on a pad in the Finger Lakes area of NY State. The weather here can be very wet. The vinyl is substandard, blowing and falling off. We are troubled by insects (wasps, yellowjackets) getting under it in summer months. I would like to stucco or change to a flat, solid surface (T-1-11?)with minimum upkeep. Any ideas

Conventional stucco was the original no-maintenance material, amd if done well can last 60-70-80 years with no upkeep required, but it costs a little.

T-1-11 will be cheaper, but normally will require staining every few years. My only issue with T-1-11 is that it tends to look tacky.

Another choice would be a premium vinyl siding, the type with the integral foam backing. It looks great (doesn't have that cupped surface that cheaper vinyl has) and it has no voids behind it to house wasps. It too would cost a little, since it is a new product and has little competition.

Thank you. Are there any suggestions on how to find a reputable contractor for stucco? Are there any professional organizations or publications to look for? There are not a lot of stucco homes in my immediate area. Is there a top end price that is appropriate? I have read that it might be around $6.00 to $6.50 a square foot.

A good mason will be able to apply stucco properly. Depending on exactly where you live, that price may be good, or it may be a little light.

Look at Hardie Plank (www.hardieplank.com) it is a cementuous fiber board that is easy to install and impervious to most things. It still requires painting or go the extra mile and apply a Architectural Coating (www.wallcoat.com) or high build acrylic paint for true maintenance free living.