How much does full stucco refinishing cost in Northeast Florida?

Full stucco refinishing and re-coating typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000+ depending on the size of the home and extent of work. EIFS installation runs $8,000–$30,000+, and stucco over brick or siding can be $10,000–$40,000+. Commercial projects vary widely. Contact Stucco Home Repair at (904) 677-0700 for a free estimate.

Do you do commercial stucco work in Jacksonville and St. Augustine?

Yes. Stucco Home Repair is a licensed general contractor (CGC1532295) and handles commercial stucco projects including HOA communities, office buildings, retail centers, and multi-family properties throughout Northeast Florida.

What causes cracks in stucco?

Stucco cracks can be caused by foundation settling, moisture intrusion, thermal expansion and contraction, improper original installation, or impact damage. Florida's humidity and weather conditions can accelerate these issues.

Can you install stucco over brick or existing siding?

Yes. We specialize in applying stucco over brick, block, and certain siding types. This is a popular exterior transformation in Northeast Florida that gives older homes a modern, seamless finish.

What areas does Stucco Home Repair serve?

We serve St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, Nocatee, Fernandina Beach, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Flagler Beach, Daytona Beach, and the greater Northeast Florida area.

What is EIFS and do you install it in Florida?

EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a multi-layer exterior wall system that provides insulation and a stucco-like finish. We install, repair, and remediate EIFS systems for homes and commercial buildings throughout Northeast Florida.

How long does a stucco repair take?

Most stucco repairs take 1-3 days depending on the scope. Small crack repairs may be completed in a single visit, while full refinishing or restoration projects may take 1-4 weeks. We provide a timeline with every estimate.

Stucco Resurfacing in St. Augustine FL: Cost, Process & When It Makes Sense

# Stucco Resurfacing in St. Augustine FL: Cost, Process and When It Makes Sense

Stucco resurfacing in St. Augustine typically costs between $6 and $12 per square foot, putting most homes in the $8,000 to $18,000 range depending on square footage and condition. Stucco Home Repair serves homeowners throughout St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and the Northeast Florida coast who need to restore their stucco exterior without a full tear-off and replacement.

St. Augustine's climate is tough on stucco. High humidity, salt air, heavy summer rain, and intense UV break down finishes faster than in most other parts of the country. If your home's stucco is showing widespread discoloration, surface cracking, chalking, or a rough texture that no amount of pressure washing can fix, resurfacing is likely the most cost-effective path.

!stucco resurfacing in St. Augustine, Florida

What Is Stucco Resurfacing?

Stucco resurfacing -- sometimes called a re-coat or skim coat -- means applying a new finish layer over the existing surface. It is different from repair (which targets specific damaged areas) and different from full replacement (which means removing everything down to the lath and starting from scratch).

Resurfacing works when:

• The underlying stucco structure is still sound (no major delamination or structural cracking)
• The surface has cosmetic issues -- fading, hairline cracks, uneven texture, staining
• You want to update the color or texture without replacing the system
• Multiple small repairs have left a patchwork appearance

Resurfacing does not work when:

• There is active water intrusion behind the stucco
• Large sections are delaminated
• Structural cracks indicate foundation movement or framing issues
• The existing stucco has failed in multiple layers, not just the finish coat

We evaluate the substrate before recommending resurfacing to make sure it will hold and perform long-term.

Costs in St. Augustine

| Home Size | Approximate Wall Area | Estimated Cost | |-----------|----------------------|----------------| | Small (1,200-1,500 sq ft home) | 1,000-1,400 sq ft walls | $6,000 - $12,000 | | Medium (1,800-2,400 sq ft home) | 1,500-2,200 sq ft walls | $10,000 - $18,000 | | Large (2,800+ sq ft home) | 2,200-3,000+ sq ft walls | $15,000 - $28,000+ |

Cost per square foot ranges from $6 to $12, with variation from:

• Surface condition -- heavy crack filling and prep increases labor
• Texture choice -- smooth finishes require more skill and coats than sand or dash
• Height and access -- two-story homes or scaffolding areas add cost
• Material -- elastomeric or acrylic-modified coatings cost more than traditional Portland cement but offer better flexibility and longevity in Florida
• Trim and detail work -- homes in St. Augustine's historic districts, Davis Shores, or Anastasia Island often have architectural details requiring careful hand work

For comparison, full replacement runs $15 to $25 per square foot in St. Augustine -- roughly double resurfacing. That is why resurfacing is preferred when the underlying stucco is structurally sound.

The Process

Step 1: Inspection and Prep Assessment

We inspect the entire exterior to identify delamination, structural cracks vs. cosmetic cracks, and areas where moisture may be entering. This determines whether resurfacing is appropriate or whether certain areas need deeper repair first.

Step 2: Surface Preparation

The most important part. The existing surface must be clean, stable, and free of loose material for the new coat to bond. Preparation includes:

• Power washing to remove dirt, mildew, algae, and loose material
• Filling cracks with appropriate repair material
• Scraping or grinding delaminated or flaking areas
• Applying bonding agent for adhesion

In St. Augustine's humid environment, we allow adequate drying time after washing. Applying stucco over a damp surface is a recipe for adhesion failure.

Step 3: New Finish Coat

Applied by hand using hawk and trowel techniques. Depending on desired texture and surface condition, this may be a single coat or multiple thin coats. Common finishes for St. Augustine homes:

• Smooth (Santa Barbara) -- clean, modern look popular in newer construction
• Sand finish -- subtle texture, the most common stucco finish in Northeast Florida
• Lace or skip trowel -- light texture with visual depth, works well on Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes
• Dash finish -- heavier texture, good at hiding imperfections in older substrates

Step 4: Curing and Color

New stucco needs proper curing -- typically 7 to 14 days depending on temperature and humidity. In St. Augustine's warmth, we monitor conditions to prevent drying too fast, which causes cracking.

Color can be integrated into the mix (integral color) or applied as a paint or elastomeric coating after curing. Integral color is more durable and does not peel, but offers fewer options. An elastomeric coating provides the widest color selection and adds a waterproof barrier.

Why St. Augustine Homes Need This

St. Augustine sits on the Northeast Florida coast, where stucco faces:

• Salt air from the Atlantic corroding finishes, particularly in Vilano Beach, Anastasia Island, Crescent Beach, and the Shores neighborhoods
• Humidity averaging 75 percent or higher year-round, promoting algae and mildew growth
• Hurricane season from June through November, bringing wind-driven rain that exploits every crack
• UV exposure breaking down binders in finish coats, causing chalking and fading

Homes in historic downtown, Davis Shores, and the coastal neighborhoods see the most accelerated wear. A stucco surface that might last 20 to 25 years in a dry inland climate may need resurfacing after 12 to 15 years in St. Augustine.

Regular maintenance extends the life of a finish. But once surface deterioration is widespread, spot repairs become a losing game and resurfacing is more economical.

Resurfacing vs. Painting

Painting works when:

• The surface is smooth and intact
• No cracks, delamination, or texture issues
• You just want a color change or fresh appearance

Resurfacing is necessary when:

• Widespread hairline cracks that painting will not fill
• Uneven or rough texture from years of patching
• Previous paint is peeling or bubbling (indicates moisture or adhesion problems underneath)
• Surface is heavily chalked and powdery to the touch
• You want to change the texture, not just the color

Painting over deteriorated stucco is a short-term fix that often fails within 2 to 3 years in Florida. Resurfacing addresses the surface problems first, then provides a stable base for long-lasting color.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does stucco resurfacing last in Florida?

A properly applied resurfacing job in Northeast Florida typically lasts 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Homes closer to the ocean may see a shorter lifespan due to salt. Regular cleaning and recoating every 5 to 7 years extends the life.

Can you change the texture during resurfacing?

Yes. Resurfacing is actually the best time to change texture. The new coat is applied over the existing surface and can be finished in any standard stucco texture.

How long does the project take?

Most residential projects in St. Augustine take 5 to 10 working days. Prep and crack repair take 2 to 3 days, application takes 2 to 4 days, and curing takes another week before painting or coating. Spring is ideal since rain delays are common in summer.

Do I need to move out?

No. This is exterior work only. You can stay in your home throughout. Expect some noise from surface prep, and keep windows closed during washing and application. We protect landscaping, walkways, and outdoor furniture.

Get a Quote

If your St. Augustine home's stucco has seen better days, Stucco Home Repair can assess whether resurfacing is the right solution. We serve all of St. Johns County including St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia Island, Vilano Beach, Palm Coast, Ponte Vedra, and surrounding areas.

Call (904) 677-0700 for a free inspection and estimate, or visit stuccohomerepair.com.