Stucco Repair in Winter Garden, FL
ZLS Contractors repairs stucco on Winter Garden homes, from newer two-story builds in Hamlin, Independence and Summerport to older homes near historic downtown and Plant Street. Newer homes often crack in the first several years; older homes need careful repairs that match their original finish. ZLS is a Florida Certified General Contractor (CGC1540267), licensed, insured and BBB A+ rated.
Stucco problems on newer Winter Garden homes
Winter Garden and Horizon West have grown fast, and a large share of homes here were built in the last 15 years. They tend to share a few issues.
Horizontal cracks between the first and second floor
Many two-story homes here have a concrete block first floor and a wood-frame second floor covered with lath and stucco. The two materials move differently, so a straight horizontal crack often forms at the floor line. Left alone, it lets water into the framing.
Cracking in the first few years
Stucco on frame walls is more prone to cracking than stucco on block, especially around windows and at corners. Cracks showing up in years one through five are common, and catching them early keeps the repair small.
Builder warranty questions
If your home is still under a builder warranty, report stucco cracks to the builder in writing and keep photos. If the warranty has run out or the builder will not address it, we can inspect and repair. Florida also limits how long construction defect claims can be brought, so do not wait to document problems.
Weep screed covered by landscaping
In new subdivisions, sod, mulch or pavers are often installed above the weep screed at the bottom of the wall. That blocks drainage and causes damage at the base of the stucco.
Repairs on older homes near downtown Winter Garden
Homes in and around the historic downtown are older and often have finishes and textures you will not find on new builds. We repair cracks and damaged sections while matching the original texture and keeping the home's character.
Permits in Winter Garden
- Who issues the permit. Homes inside Winter Garden city limits go through the City of Winter Garden. Many Horizon West neighborhoods with Winter Garden addresses are in unincorporated Orange County instead.
- When a permit is needed. Small crack and patch repairs usually do not need one. Replacing lath or re-stuccoing a large area typically does, including a lath inspection. We pull the permit when the job requires it.
- HOAs. Most master-planned communities require architectural approval for visible exterior changes. We provide license and insurance documents your HOA asks for.
What affects stucco repair cost in Winter Garden
- Whether the work is on the second story and needs ladders or lifts
- How long the floor-line crack runs and how many elevations it covers
- Whether weep screed needs to be uncovered or corrected
- How far moisture has reached into the lath or framing
Every estimate starts with a free on-site inspection, and you get a written scope before any work begins.
How we repair stucco in Winter Garden
- 01Inspect and moisture test, with extra attention to floor lines, window corners and the base of walls.
- 02Fix the cause, such as blocked weep screed, failed sealant or missing control joints.
- 03Cut out and rebuild damaged areas, replacing water barrier and lath on frame walls where needed.
- 04Match the texture so the repair blends with the rest of the house.
See the full process on our stucco repair page.
FAQ
Winter Garden stucco repair FAQ
Why is there a straight horizontal crack across my two-story house?
It is usually where the block first floor meets the wood-frame second floor. The materials expand and settle differently, and the stucco cracks along that line. It should be repaired and sealed so water does not reach the framing.
My home in Hamlin or Independence is only a few years old. Is cracking normal?
Some fine cracking is common on newer stucco, especially on frame walls. Wider cracks, cracks at window corners, or any staining or soft spots should be checked, and reported to your builder if you are still under warranty.
Should I go to my builder or a contractor for stucco cracks?
If you are under warranty, contact the builder first, in writing, with photos. If the warranty has expired or the problem is not resolved, a licensed contractor can inspect and repair it.
Does stucco repair in Winter Garden need a permit?
Minor crack and patch work usually does not. Replacing lath or large sections typically requires a permit from the City of Winter Garden or Orange County, depending on the address.
Can you match the stucco on an older home near downtown Winter Garden?
Yes. We match the existing texture by hand and feather the repair into the surrounding wall so it blends in.
Nearby areas we serve
We also repair stucco in Windermere and Dr. Phillips. For other work in Winter Garden, see our Winter Garden page.