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Finding a qualified Florida stucco install contractor isn’t always easy—especially when a project falls outside the norm. This exterior renovation is a perfect example of a job that many contractors declined due to complexity, improper materials, and installation challenges. Fortunately, through a recommendation from a local general contractor, the homeowner found a professional solution that delivered lasting results.
The homeowner had wrapped the entire house in 1½-inch foam insulation purchased from a big-box store. While exterior foam can be part of certain wall systems, this specific product was not the EPS correct foam system for the exterior finish the homeowner was trying to achieve.
Attempting to move the project forward, the homeowner installed the foam themselves—mudding and nailing it directly to the exterior walls. Over time, it became clear that the installation lacked the proper reinforcement, bonding, and system compatibility needed for a durable exterior finish. As a result, several contractors declined the job altogether.
This is a common issue we see across Southwest Florida, especially in DIY or partially completed exterior renovations. Without the correct materials and installation sequence, exterior wall systems can quickly become problematic.
Once we were contacted, our team performed a full exterior walkthrough to assess the condition of the foam installation and identify potential issues. During this inspection, we found multiple areas requiring correction, including:
Previous repairs did not address the underlying structural and bonding requirements, making it clear that a professional stucco repair solution was necessary.
After reviewing the conditions, we presented the homeowner with several professional options. Our primary recommendation was a complete corrective approach using a proven exterior wall system that would ensure durability, appearance, and performance after repairing numerous areas prior to start to make ready for complete process.
The proposed solution included:
After reviewing the options we gave, the homeowner he chose to move forward with a synthetic Sto fine sand finish, which proved to be an excellent choice for this project.
Once approved, our crew began by meshing the entire home using 38″ EIFS commercial reinforcement mesh, ensuring full coverage and proper overlap at all seams, corners, and openings. This step is critical for preventing cracking and ensuring long-term performance.
Next, we applied two properly troweled base coats, carefully leveling and preparing the surface to receive the finish coat. Proper curing time was observed to ensure system integrity before moving forward.
The final step was the application of a Sto fine sand synthetic stucco finish with color added. Because the color is mixed directly into the finish material, the homeowner avoided the need for exterior painting—saving both time and future maintenance costs.
To achieve a consistent and attractive texture, our team used plastic float trowels, which are essential when working with synthetic stucco products. This technique allows the sand and aggregate within the material to surface evenly, creating a clean, uniform appearance.
The selected acrylic synthetic finish not only enhanced the visual appeal of the home but also provided added durability against moisture, heat, and typical Florida weather conditions.
The final phase of the project focused on the front elevation and garage area, completing trim details, transitions, and finishing touches. What was once a challenging and incomplete exterior was transformed into a professional-grade Sto synthetic finish built to last.
The completed project now features:
This project highlights the importance of working with an experienced FL stucco contractor when dealing with exterior foam, stucco systems, and synthetic finishes. Proper materials, correct installation methods, and system compatibility are essential to achieving long-lasting results.
At Bell’s Creative Design, we specialize in:
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