In This Article
Jacksonville's diverse neighborhoods—from historic Riverside to beachfront properties in Jax Beach—feature thousands of stucco homes. Our unique climate, combining coastal exposure with inland humidity, creates specific challenges that homeowners need to understand.
This guide covers what Jacksonville homeowners should know about maintaining, repairing, and protecting their stucco exteriors.
Jacksonville's Climate and Your Stucco
Heat and UV Exposure
Jacksonville averages 221 sunny days per year. That intense Florida sun affects stucco in several ways:
- • Color fading: Integral color gradually lightens, especially on south and west facing walls
- • Surface hardening: UV exposure can make the surface brittle over time
- • Thermal cycling: Daily heating and cooling causes expansion and contraction
- • Accelerated curing: Can cause shrinkage cracks if not properly managed during application
Humidity and Rainfall
With average humidity around 74% and over 50 inches of annual rainfall, moisture is Jacksonville stucco's biggest enemy:
- • Moisture intrusion: Any crack or gap becomes a water entry point
- • Mold and mildew growth: Shaded areas stay damp and develop growth
- • Efflorescence: Mineral salts migrate to the surface as moisture moves through
- • Substrate damage: Water behind stucco leads to rot and structural issues
Coastal Exposure
Properties east of I-95, especially the beaches, face additional challenges:
- • Salt air: Accelerates surface erosion and can penetrate stucco
- • Wind-driven rain: Storms push water into places normal rain doesn't reach
- • Sand abrasion: Wind-blown sand erodes stucco surfaces
- • Storm surge risk: Flooding can undermine foundations and damage stucco from below
Jacksonville Neighborhoods and Stucco Considerations
Riverside and Avondale
These historic neighborhoods feature homes from the early 1900s through the 1950s:
- • Many original stucco exteriors still intact
- • Lime-based historic stucco common
- • Unique textures and architectural details
- • May be in local historic districts with appearance guidelines
San Marco and San Jose
Established neighborhoods with mix of older and mid-century homes:
- • Various stucco ages and types
- • Some homes near the river face moisture challenges
- • Tree canopy creates shaded, damp conditions
- • Well-maintained properties maintain strong values
Mandarin
Sprawling suburban area with many stucco homes from 1970s-present:
- • Primarily Portland cement stucco
- • Various builders means various quality levels
- • Mature landscaping can impact stucco
- • Some areas have clay soil movement issues
Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach
Direct coastal exposure creates the harshest conditions:
- • Constant salt air exposure
- • Highest humidity levels
- • Storm exposure
- • Sand and wind erosion
Southside and Town Center
Newer construction areas with modern stucco systems:
- • EIFS (synthetic stucco) more common
- • Newer building codes and methods
- • Some builder defect issues appearing
- • HOA requirements may affect repairs
Northside and Arlington
Diverse housing stock with varying stucco quality:
- • Mix of ages and construction quality
- • Some older mobile homes with stucco finishes
- • Various income levels mean varied maintenance
- • Some flood-prone areas
Common Jacksonville Stucco Problems
Builder Defects in Newer Homes
Jacksonville's building boom has left some homes with stucco problems from day one:
- • Improper flashing at windows and doors
- • Missing or inadequate moisture barriers
- • Rushed application without proper curing
- • Poor substrate preparation
- • Inadequate control joints
Hurricane and Storm Damage
Even without direct hits, Jacksonville sees regular storm activity:
- • Wind-driven rain intrusion
- • Flying debris impacts
- • Flooding and water damage
- • Tree and limb damage
Irrigation Damage
Automatic irrigation systems frequently damage stucco:
- • Direct spray on walls
- • Splash-back from ground coverage
- • Moisture migration from over-watered beds
- • System leaks near foundations
Foundation Movement
Jacksonville's soils—from sandy beach areas to clay-heavy inland zones—can cause foundation movement:
- • Diagonal cracks from corners of windows and doors
- • Stair-step cracks in masonry-backed stucco
- • Doors and windows that stick or won't close
- • Cracks that continue widening
When Jacksonville Homeowners Should Act
Emergency (Call Today)
- • Water actively leaking through walls
- • Soft or spongy stucco areas
- • Large sections pulling away from wall
- • Storm damage with exposed substrate
- • Visible mold on interior walls
Priority (Schedule Soon)
- • Cracks wider than 1/8 inch
- • Multiple new cracks appearing
- • Persistent water staining
- • Failed window or door caulking
- • Bulging or bubbling areas
Maintenance (Plan This Season)
- • Hairline cracks
- • Faded or worn appearance
- • Minor surface erosion
- • Routine caulk replacement
- • Color refresh
Choosing a Jacksonville Stucco Contractor
Requirements
- • Active Florida contractor license (verify at DBPR.state.fl.us)
- • Liability insurance (ask for certificate)
- • Workers' compensation coverage
- • Local references you can verify
- • Written warranty on work
Good Signs
- • Asks questions about your home's history
- • Wants to inspect before estimating
- • Explains what's causing problems, not just what they'll do
- • Provides detailed written scope of work
- • Doesn't pressure for immediate decision
- • Knows Jacksonville's specific challenges
Warning Signs
- • Gives quote without inspection
- • Price dramatically below others
- • Wants to start immediately
- • Cash-only or no contract
- • No local address or references
- • Unfamiliar with Florida stucco issues
Stucco Maintenance for Jacksonville Homes
Annual Tasks
- • Walk around home looking for new cracks or damage
- • Check caulking around all penetrations
- • Ensure gutters are clear and properly directed
- • Verify irrigation isn't hitting stucco
- • Look for staining that indicates moisture problems
Every 2-3 Years
- • Professional inspection (especially coastal properties)
- • Pressure wash to remove dirt and biological growth
- • Re-caulk as needed
- • Address any minor repairs before they grow
Every 5-7 Years
- • Consider fog coating or sealing (coastal properties)
- • Evaluate overall condition and plan for future needs
- • Assess whether color refresh is desired
FAQ
How much does stucco repair cost in Jacksonville?
Small crack repairs run $200-$500. Moderate patch work is typically $500-$1,500. Major restoration can range from $3,000-$10,000+ depending on extent. Coastal properties often run 10-15% higher due to material requirements.
Is stucco a good choice for Jacksonville's climate?
Yes, when properly installed and maintained. Stucco handles humidity, heat, and even hurricanes well. The key is proper moisture management and regular maintenance.
How do I know if I have traditional stucco or EIFS?
Traditional stucco feels hard like concrete and sounds solid when tapped. EIFS (synthetic stucco) has slight give and sounds hollow. The edges around windows often reveal the system type. If unsure, a professional can identify it.
Should I paint my stucco?
Integral stucco color (built into the material) is preferred because it breathes properly and doesn't peel. If your stucco has been painted, maintain the paint. If it hasn't, consider a stucco color change instead of paint for longer-lasting results.
How long does stucco last in Jacksonville?
With proper maintenance, 50+ years. Neglected stucco in our climate can develop serious problems within 15-20 years. Coastal properties need more frequent attention.
Your Jacksonville Stucco Experts
From the beaches to the Westside, from historic Riverside to new construction in Nocatee, Stucco Home Repair serves all of Jacksonville and Duval County.
We understand Jacksonville's unique challenges—the salt air, the humidity, the storms, and the specific issues each neighborhood faces. Our team provides honest assessments and quality repairs that protect your home for years to come.
Call (904) 677-0700 for your free inspection and estimate.