When you buy a new home in Florida, you expect it to be solid, safe, and built to last. Unfortunately, we see many brand-new homes develop stucco problems within just a few years of being built. Homeowners often notice things like:

• Cracks forming around windows and doors
   
• Moisture stains or bubbling paint inside the home
   
• Water leaking into garages or living rooms after heavy rain
   
• Musty smells or even mold growth on interior walls
   

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Stucco issues are one of the most common construction defects in Florida. Let’s break down what stucco is, why it fails in new construction, what signs to look for, and how our company fixes these problems the right way.

Stucco is a cement-based material that builders apply to the outside of your home. Think of it as the protective skin of your house. It’s supposed to:

• Seal the home from rain and moisture
   
• Protect the structure underneath (wood framing or concrete block)
   
• Give your home its smooth or textured appearance
   

Underneath the stucco, there are important layers that most homeowners never see:

• Water barrier (sometimes called house wrap): A protective sheet that keeps rain from soaking into the wood or insulation.
   
• Wire lath (metal mesh): A wire grid that the stucco is applied onto, helping it stick and hold together.
   
• Weep screeds and flashings: Small details that allow trapped water to drain out instead of soaking into your walls.
   

If any of these are installed wrong—or skipped entirely—the stucco may look fine at first, but problems will show up fast.

We see a few very common mistakes in Florida’s new housing developments.

Builders sometimes rush through construction and don’t apply enough layers of stucco, or they apply them too thin. When this happens, rainwater can pass through small cracks and reach the wire lath and the water barrier underneath. Over time, the lath rusts, the barrier fails, and water starts leaking into the home.

What homeowners notice:

• Cracks around windows and doors
   
• Damp patches on inside walls
   
• Mold growth or peeling paint inside
   

Stucco needs time to “cure” (harden) between layers. If builders don’t wait long enough and apply the next coat too soon, the layers don’t bond properly. This often leads to bulging, buckling, or hollow-sounding walls.

What homeowners notice:

• Walls that look like they’re bubbling outward
   
• Chunks of stucco flaking off
   
• Cracks forming across large sections of a wall
   

Behind the stucco, water is supposed to drain safely away through things like house wrap, flashings, and weep screeds. If these are installed wrong—or left out—rain has nowhere to go. Instead, it soaks into the walls and causes serious hidden damage.

What homeowners notice:

• Rust stains bleeding through stucco
   
• Water leaking in after storms, even if no big cracks are visible
   
• Musty smells or soft drywall inside the home
   

Many Florida homes are built with concrete block on the first floor and wood framing on the second floor. Wood moves differently than block, especially in heat and humidity. If stucco and joints aren’t installed correctly on the second floor, it’s extremely common for cracks to form and water to seep in.

What homeowners notice:

• Cracks running across the second floor
   
• Water stains on upstairs ceilings or walls
   
• Leaks around upstairs windows or sliding doors
   

Once water gets behind stucco, it doesn’t just stay outside. It can:

• Rot wood framing that supports your home
   
• Rust metal lath and fasteners, weakening the wall system
   
• Cause mold growth, which spreads quickly and can affect your family’s health
   
• Damage insulation and drywall, leading to costly repairs
   

That’s why it’s so important to act quickly when you see the first signs of stucco problems.

At Stucco Repair Near Me., we specialize in stucco inspections and repairs for new homes across Florida. Here’s what we do differently:

1. Thorough inspection: We check the exterior for cracks, bulges, rust stains, and improper details. Inside, we look for moisture spots, peeling paint, or mold.
    
2. Moisture testing: Using infrared cameras and moisture meters, we detect hidden water intrusion that homeowners often can’t see.
    
3. Targeted removal: We carefully remove damaged stucco to expose the underlying wire lath and barrier.
    
4. Full remediation:
    
   • Replace rusted lath and install a proper water barrier
      
   • Correct flashing and drainage details to make sure water can exit the wall
      
   • Apply stucco in the correct number of coats with proper cure times
      

1. Finishing: We match the texture and color so the repairs blend seamlessly with the rest of your home.
    
2. Protection: In many cases, we recommend applying an elastomeric coating—a flexible, waterproof seal that prevents future cracking and moisture problems.
    

• We specialize in new-construction stucco problems—we know what builders often get wrong.
   
• Our repairs address the root cause, not just surface cracks.
   
• We use professional-grade materials and follow proper curing and drainage techniques.
   
• We provide clear reports, photos, and estimates so you know exactly what’s happening.
   

If you see cracks, stains, or leaks, it’s not “just cosmetic.” These are signs that water may already be behind your stucco. Acting quickly can save you thousands of dollars in long-term repairs.

📞 Call us today for a free stucco consultation and repair estimate.

We service homeowners across Florida and help protect your biggest investment—your home.

954-271-4447