Stucco failure is a growing issue across Central Florida, especially in multi-story homes. Many homeowners in Orlando, Winter Park, and surrounding areas are dealing with cracks, water intrusion, and costly repairs—particularly on second stories, where exposure to the elements is highest.
At RoMac Building Supply, we recently faced this exact problem at our Training Center in Leesburg, FL. Instead of patching the issue with more stucco, we found a better, longer-lasting solution—Hardie Architectural Panel with a mounted sand finish.
The Problem: Why is Stucco Failing in Florida?
Traditional stucco is meant to provide a durable, weather-resistant finish, but in Florida’s hot, humid, and storm-prone climate, it often fails prematurely. Common issues include:
Cracking: Stucco expands and contracts with temperature changes, leading to fractures.
Water Intrusion: Florida’s frequent rainstorms force moisture behind the stucco, which gets trapped and causes hidden structural damage.
Mold and Rot: Once water is behind the surface, mold and rot spread quickly, weakening the home’s structure.
These problems are especially severe on second-story exteriors, where wind-driven rain is a major factor.
Our Solution: Hardie Architectural Panel with a Mounted Sand Finish
Rather than replacing failing stucco with more stucco, we opted for a proven alternative—Hardie Architectural Panel with a mounted sand finish. This product provides the clean, modern look of stucco but with superior durability and moisture resistance.
Here’s how we repaired and protected our building:
1. Assessing the Damage
We brought in Larry Mott of Mott Builders to inspect the building, uncovering severe water intrusion and damaged sheathing that had to be replaced.
2. Installing a Superior Moisture Barrier
To prevent future water issues, we wrapped the entire building with Protecto Wrap, a high-performance waterproofing membrane that blocks moisture from penetrating behind the surface.
3. Installing Hardie Architectural Panel with a Mounted Sand Finish
Once the building was fully sealed, we installed Hardie Architectural Panel with a mounted sand finish. This product is designed to withstand Florida’s extreme weather conditions while maintaining the smooth, stucco-like appearance that many homeowners prefer.
4. Finishing the Job with Professional Painting
Finally, Kelley Painting Services primed and painted the exterior, ensuring a long-lasting, durable finish that will protect the building for years to come.
Why Hardie Architectural Panel is the Best Choice for Florida Homes
If your home is showing signs of stucco failure, now is the time to act. Choosing Hardie Architectural Panel with a mounted sand finish offers several key benefits: Moisture Resistance – Unlike traditional stucco, this system does not trap water behind the surface. Crack Resistance – The panel is engineered to handle Florida’s temperature swings without cracking. Low Maintenance – No more constant patching and repairs. Built for Florida Weather – Designed to withstand heavy rain, humidity, and high winds.
Is Your Stucco Failing? Don’t Wait—Take Action Today
If you’re noticing cracks, water stains, or peeling stucco, your home could already be experiencing hidden damage. Ignoring the problem will only lead to costly repairs down the road.
At RoMac Building Supply, we specialize in helping Central Florida homeowners and businesses find the best solutions for their buildings. If you’re dealing with stucco failure, don’t go back to stucco—upgrade to a better solution.
Contact RoMac Building Supply today to learn how a Hardie Architectural Panel with a mounted sand finish can protect your home in the long run.
See the full transformation! Watch our video below to see how we solved this problem at our Training Center in Leesburg.
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