Choosing a Stucco Repair Company: 7 Critical Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask
Selecting the right stucco repair company can mean the difference between a 20-year exterior wall solution and recurring patchwork repairs that fail within 2-3 years. Florida’s climate accelerates stucco problems, making contractor expertise essential for lasting results.
This guide reveals the seven most important questions to ask professional stucco contractors, red flags to avoid, and technical knowledge that separates qualified experts from general handymen.
Question 1: Experience with Your Specific Stucco System
Traditional vs Synthetic Systems Require Different Repairs
Ask: “What experience do you have with [describe your finish texture/color/system]?”
Qualified contractors understand:
Traditional three-coat cementitious stucco
Synthetic one-coat stucco systems (Sto, Parex)
EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish Systems)
Acrylic finish-only repairs
Red flag: “We can patch anything” without asking about your specific system.
Florida Climate Expertise
Experienced stucco restoration experts know:
- Salt air corrosion patterns in coastal zones
- UV degradation rates for different finishes
- Hurricane-velocity micro-cracking identification
Question 2: Repair Methodology and Warranty
Three Critical Repair Requirements
Ask: “Walk me through your complete repair process from surface prep through finish matching.”
Proper process includes:
- Remove ALL unsound material (never patch over soft stucco)
- Install a replacement lath where the mesh is damaged
- Three-coat system matching existing wall assembly
- 100% color/texture match guarantee
Warranty red flags:
- ❌ Less than 5 years on labor
- ❌ “Warranty void if water damage” clauses
- ❌ No written specifications
Question 3: Understanding of Florida Building Code
8th Edition FBC Stucco Requirements
Ask: “How do you ensure repairs comply with current Florida Building Code?”
Qualified companies know:
- Section 2510: Minimum substrate preparation standards
- HVHZ requirements (Miami-Dade/Broward special provisions)
- Weep screed installation at grade separation
- Control joint spacing (max 144 sq ft sections)
Test their knowledge: Ask about proper flashing at window rough openings.
Question 4: Crew Training and Supervision
Why Experience Trumps Low Price
Ask: “How do you train your crews and supervise installations?”
Best practices include:
- Lead installer on-site daily with 10+ years experience
- Apprenticeship program for consistent quality
- Annual manufacturer training for synthetic systems
- Daily progress photos for homeowner review
Red flag: Same crew doing roofing, drywall, AND stucco.
Question 5: Material Specifications
Never Accept “Contractor Grade” Materials
Ask: “Walk me through your material specifications and suppliers.”
Industry standards:
Lath: 16-gauge self-furring diamond mesh (ASTM C847)
Base coats: Portland cement + Type S lime mixes
Fasteners: #8 ceramic-coated screws, 12″ o.c.
Finishes: 100% acrylic elastomeric (30+ year rating)
Red flags:
- Vague “stucco mix” descriptions
- No manufacturer specs provided
- Fibercement board recommendations for patching
Question 6: Past Project References
Look Beyond Google Reviews
Ask: “Can I see 3-5 completed stucco repair jobs from the past 12 months?”
What to verify in photos/references:
- Texture matching success rate
- Color consistency across different wall exposures
- Crack patterns after 6-12 months
- Water testing results around repaired areas
Visit at least two physical locations to assess long-term performance.
Question 7: Insurance and Licensing Verification
Protecting Your Investment
Verify independently:
- Florida DBPR license (CCC or CGC classification)
- General liability insurance ($1M+ coverage)
- Workers’ compensation (never accept “subcontractor coverage”)
- Proof of NOA (HVHZ properties only)
Critical: Call the insurance carrier directly to verify coverage dates.
Conclusion
Choosing a stucco repair company requires asking technical questions most homeowners never consider. Understanding repair methodology, code compliance, material specifications, and crew expertise separates contractors who deliver 20-year repairs from those offering temporary fixes.
The lowest bid often signals missing experience, inadequate materials, or corner-cutting preparation. Invest time in proper contractor vetting—your home’s exterior deserves repairs built to withstand Florida’s climate for decades, not months.
