Stucco Remediation in Tampa Bay, FL
Moisture behind your stucco is a serious problem that patching alone won't fix. We diagnose the system failure, remove the damaged material, treat the substrate, and re-stucco correctly.
Stucco remediation is different from stucco repair. Repair addresses cracks and surface damage on an otherwise sound system. Remediation addresses a fundamentally failing stucco system - usually one that's allowed moisture to penetrate behind the surface and damage the structure, sheathing, or framing beneath. In Florida's climate, stucco remediation is one of the most consequential home repair projects you can undertake, because the damage behind failing stucco is often far more expensive than the stucco itself.
Coastal Elite Finishes has performed stucco remediation on homes throughout the Tampa Bay area. The pattern is consistent: a homeowner notices cracking, staining, or soft spots in their stucco. A probe or moisture reading confirms what's suspected - water has been entering the wall cavity for months or years. Interior drywall may be stained, mold may be present, and in serious cases, the wood framing or sheathing may be rotted or structurally compromised.
The remediation process requires stripping the stucco to expose the substrate, assessing the damage, addressing moisture intrusion at the source (not just the symptom), replacing any damaged sheathing or framing, installing a proper water-resistive barrier system, and then re-stuccoing with the correct base, brown, and finish coat system. Skipping any of these steps results in the same failure recurring.
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, sometimes called 'synthetic stucco') has a particularly poor track record in Florida when installed incorrectly or without proper drainage gaps. We're experienced in EIFS remediation, which involves removing the foam insulation board, drying the substrate, and either replacing with a traditional 3-coat stucco system or a properly installed EIFS system with drainage.
What's Included
How We Work
Moisture Investigation
We probe suspect areas, use moisture meters, and identify the extent of moisture intrusion before removing any material. You'll know what we've found before the scope is defined.
Selective Demo
Failing stucco is removed in the affected areas. The substrate is exposed and assessed for sheathing damage, framing rot, and mold.
Source Correction
The moisture entry point is corrected first - whether it's a failed window flashing, a missing or damaged WRB, a roof drainage issue, or a caulking failure. Remediation without source correction always fails.
Structural Repairs
Any damaged sheathing, blocking, or framing identified during demo is repaired or replaced before the new stucco system goes on.
WRB and Lath Installation
A properly lapped and detailed water-resistive barrier is installed. Metal lath is applied over the WRB at the correct gauge and fastener spacing.
3-Coat Stucco Application
Scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat are applied with proper cure time between coats. Color is matched to the existing exterior or a new color is applied per your preference.
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Why Coastal Elite Finishes
- We find the moisture source before we close the wall - not after
- Full substrate inspection before scope is defined - no surprises mid-job
- Experienced with EIFS removal and conversion to traditional hard coat stucco
- Insurance claim experience - we document and work with your adjuster
- All moisture source corrections performed before re-stucco
- Post-remediation moisture testing available to confirm the fix held
- Insured in Florida - structural and stucco work documented
Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers about our process, pricing, and what to expect.
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Based in Madeira Beach, FL. Serving Tampa Bay to Sarasota. Insured.