Not sure if your walls are made of stucco or plaster? Don’t worry — most homeowners can’t tell the difference at first glance. The tricky part is that both stucco and plaster can look similar, especially after paint or texture is applied. But when it comes to repair, maintenance, and moisture management, knowing what you’re working with is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key signs, feel tests, sound tests, and visual clues that help you determine whether your interior or exterior walls are stucco vs plaster, so you can make the right decision before beginning any stucco repair or renovation work. 
If you’re dealing with cracks, discoloration, or rough patches on your walls, you might be wondering: will new stucco stick to old stucco, or do I need to start from scratch? The good news is—yes, it can. But only if you follow the right stucco repair steps and prepare the existing stucco surface properly.
Let’s break down when it’s okay to apply new stucco over old stucco, what materials to use, and how to make sure the new layer bonds securely and lasts for decades. 
Many homeowners in Melbourne, FL, are considering stucco services to refresh their exteriors, repair cracks, or replace old finishes. Costs in 2025 vary more than ever due to rising labor statistics, material availability, and seasonal weather patterns unique to Central Florida. Before starting your next project, it helps to understand what factors affect the total cost, from stucco installation to repair services. With accurate cost data, homeowners can make fair comparisons and hire reputable contractors who ensure durability and curb appeal.
Stucco removal is a major project many homeowners consider when facing cracks, water damage, or outdated exteriors. While it can improve your property’s look and fix long-term stucco problems, the process can expose underlying issues in your exterior walls.
Now, does removing stucco damage the walls beneath? Yes, some damage almost always happens. However, the extent of the damage depends on the wall material, the method of stucco installation, and whether hidden moisture intrusion has caused rot, mold, or other types of damage. Understanding the risks and the remediation process helps you determine if full removal, stucco remediation, or stucco repair is best for your home. 
A homeowner in the Lake Washington area of Melbourne noticed pieces of stucco falling from the upper level of their house. What started as hairline cracks became a visible safety risk near the entryway. Water damage had made sections of the exterior brittle and weak.
Professional stucco patching wasn’t just the right solution; it was essential to restore safety and prevent more expensive structural repairs. This article breaks down how the problem started, what the repair process looked like, and why stucco patching is a smart move for many homes in Melbourne, FL. 
If your Melbourne home still has old, cracked stucco, it could be allowing water intrusion, reducing energy efficiency, and hiding deeper structural damage. That’s exactly what we discovered when a homeowner near Wickham Park called about strange water stains and crumbling plaster around their exterior walls.
The solution? A complete EIFS repair, and not just a patch-up job. We rebuilt the exterior using a modern EIFS system to add protection, insulation, and a clean, updated texture. Here’s how this project unfolded and why EIFS repair is often the smarter choice over traditional stucco restoration. 
Old stucco can be more than just an eyesore, it can cause serious moisture damage, cracking, and hidden structural problems. That’s exactly what one homeowner in Melbourne, FL was dealing with. Their outdated stucco siding was trapping moisture against the wood framing and showing signs of mold beneath the surface. Our team stepped in with a clear plan for stucco removal, using industrial grinders and professional-grade dust control to do it safely and efficiently.
If you’re dealing with cracking walls, peeling paint, or bubbling surfaces, this breakdown of our real project might help you figure out your next step. 
Cracks on stucco walls don’t just ruin curb appeal, they often signal deeper issues with moisture, poor mix ratios, or failing materials. In Florida, where heat, humidity, and hurricanes meet, exterior surfaces take a beating. That’s why our recent job in Melbourne, FL, needed more than just patching. This wasn’t just about fixing a few lines. It was about stopping the damage from spreading and restoring the wall to its original strength and texture.
Here’s how our stucco repair crew tackled a two-story home with growing exterior cracks using acrylic caulk, and what you can learn from this project if you're facing a similar situation. 
If your home has stucco siding, chances are you've noticed cracks, bubbling, or moisture spots and wondered: Do I really need full stucco removal, or can I just repair it? This is a common dilemma for many homeowners in Melbourne, especially in areas like Eau Gallie or near Wickham Park, where Florida’s humid climate can speed up stucco deterioration.
The truth is, deciding between simple repairs and full removal comes down to more than just surface damage. Understanding the full stucco removal process can help you protect your home's structural integrity, avoid mold growth, and prevent future damage. Let’s walk through the key signs that tell you it’s time to consider removing stucco, and how to choose the best course for your home. 
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) offer great benefits, like energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and moisture protection. But when installed or repaired incorrectly, they can quickly turn into a nightmare. Homeowners across Melbourne, especially near high-moisture zones like the Indian River Lagoon or Lake Washington, often don’t realize that one bad EIFS repair can lead to mold growth, rot, and costly structural issues.
If your EIFS system has seen better days, or you’re considering a repair, understanding what not to do is just as critical as knowing the right steps. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common EIFS repair mistakes that cause further damage and show you how to avoid them. |