7 Complex Issues That a Stucco Repair Contractor in Orlando Fixes

Stucco is one of the most popular exterior finishes in Orlando homes and commercial buildings. It looks clean, lasts long, and handles our sunny weather well. 

But Orlando’s climate also brings heavy rain, strong humidity, and sudden temperature changes. These conditions can create complicated problems in stucco walls—problems that most homeowners cannot spot or fix on their own.

This is where a professional stucco repair contractor in Orlando becomes important. Skilled contractors understand the local weather, common building mistakes, and the right repair methods for Florida homes. Below are seven complex stucco issues they fix every day.

1. Moisture Intrusion Behind Stucco

Moisture infiltration is the #1 stucco problem in Orlando. Water sneaks behind the stucco layer because of:

• Missing or damaged flashing

• Cracked caulking around windows and doors

• Gaps where the roof meets the walls

• Tiny cracks that allow rain to soak in

Moisture hides under the stucco and gradually damages the wood framing. From the outside, the wall may look normal, but underneath, it can be soft, rotting, or moldy.

A professional contractor uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect hidden water. Then they remove the damaged stucco, rebuild the water barrier, and apply new stucco that seals the home again. This repair is complex and must be handled carefully to prevent future leaks.

2. Stucco Cracks from Foundation Movement

Cracks in stucco are common, but in Orlando, some cracks are a sign of deeper problems. Our soil shifts when it gets soaked with rain or dries out in the heat. This causes small foundation movement that leads to:

• Hairline cracks

• Spider-web cracks

• Diagonal cracks near windows

• Long horizontal cracks

Not all cracks are severe, but many can let water inside the wall. A skilled stucco repair contractor studies each crack to understand its cause. Then they use the right repair method, such as elastomeric caulking, patching, or re-plastering, to stop water and protect the structure.

3. Stucco Delamination (When Stucco Separates From the Wall)

Delamination happens when stucco pulls away from the surface behind it. This occurs when:

• The original stucco was mixed wrong

• It was applied too thick or too fast

• The wall was not prepared correctly

• Moisture built up behind the stucco

You may notice hollow sounds when you tap the wall or see bulging spots. Once stucco detaches, it becomes weak and can crack or fall off.

A stucco repair contractor cuts out the loose area, rebuilds the base layers, and applies new coats with strong bonding. This repair needs skill because each coat must cure properly to avoid future problems.

4. Bulging, Swelling, or Bubbling Stucco

Bulging stucco is a sign of hidden moisture or rotting sheathing. Orlando’s heavy rains and humid air make this issue very common. When water gets trapped behind stucco, the pressure pushes the surface outward, making it look swollen.

Sometimes the bulge appears near rooflines, around windows, or on lower walls where water collects.

A contractor will:

1. Check the bulging area

2. Remove damaged stucco

3. Replace wet or rotten wood

4. Install proper drainage and water barriers

5. Reapply stucco with correct texture

This type of repair is intricate because hidden damage is often worse than it looks on the surface.

5. EIFS or Synthetic Stucco Failures

Some homes in Orlando have EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System), also known as synthetic stucco. EIFS works well when installed well, but older systems did not include proper drainage. This causes serious moisture problems.

Common EIFS issues include:

• Water trapped behind the insulation

• Mold growth

• Rotted sheathing

• Soft or spongy wall sections

Stucco contractors trained in EIFS repair may remove damaged sections, rebuild the drainage system, or convert EIFS to traditional stucco for long-term safety and durability.

6. Crumbling or Powdery Stucco

If you rub your hand across stucco and it leaves chalky dust, or if pieces crumble off, the stucco is breaking down. Orlando’s harsh sun, steady humidity, and older stucco mixes cause this. Crumbling stucco can expose your home to weather damage and ruin the general look of the exterior.

A stucco repair contractor in Orlando may:

• Resurface the wall

• Apply new plaster

• Use stronger bonding materials

• Restore the finish texture

This repair brings the wall back to life and protects it from weather damage.

7. Peeling or Faded Stucco Paint

Stucco needs paint that can “breathe.” When the wrong type of paint is used, or when moisture builds up underneath, the paint begins to peel, bubble, or fade unevenly.

In Orlando, strong UV rays also break down paint fast if the surface is unsealed.

To fix this, a contractor will:

• Remove peeling paint

• Repair cracks and damaged stucco

• Seal the surface

• Apply high-quality elastomeric paint

This type of paint stretches with the wall and blocks moisture while letting the stucco breathe.

How Stucco Repair Contractors Diagnose These Problems?

A professional stucco repair contractor does far more than patch cracks. They use a full review process to find the root cause of damage. This process includes:

• Moisture testing

• Thermal imaging

• Surface tapping

• Crack mapping

• Checking flashing and seals

• Inspecting drainage systems

Correct diagnosis prevents future problems and makes sure the repair lasts many years.

When to Call a Stucco Repair Contractor in Orlando?

You should contact a stucco repair contractor in Orlando if you see:

• Cracks larger than a hairline

• Soft or hollow-sounding walls

• Brown or dark stains on the surface

• Bulging or bubbling patches

• Peeling paint

• Moisture or mold inside your home

Stucco issues deteriorate with time in Orlando’s wet climate. Rectifying problems early can save thousands of dollars in repairs.

Final Thoughts

Stucco looks simple from the outside, but the problems behind it can be complex. Orlando’s weather, soil, and moisture levels create challenges that only trained contractors can solve.

Whether your stucco is cracked, bubbling, delaminated, or showing signs of moisture, a professional stucco repair contractor will protect your home and revive its beauty.