Stucco Bubbling and Blistering: Causes and Repair Solutions

 

Stucco is strong and long lasting. It protects homes from heat, rain, and wind. It also adds clean curb appeal. But stucco is not damage proof. Over time, you may notice bubbles or blisters on the surface. This is never a good sign.

Bubbling stucco often means moisture is trapped inside the wall system. If ignored, the damage can spread fast. Many homeowners searching for stucco repair first notice small raised spots on their exterior walls.

In Florida, heat and humidity make this issue more common. Mount Dora homes face heavy rain, high moisture, and strong sun. These factors stress exterior stucco systems every day.

Let’s break down what causes stucco bubbling and how to fix it the right way.

What Is Stucco Bubbling and Blistering?

Stucco bubbling looks like raised patches on the wall surface. Blistering may look like paint bubbles. Sometimes the finish coat lifts away from the base coat.

This can happen in traditional cement stucco. It can also happen in EIFS systems. The problem may start small. But it rarely stays small.

In simple terms, bubbling means something is failing under the surface. It may be trapped water. It may be poor bonding between layers. It may be paint that cannot breathe.

The key is early detection.

Main Causes of Stucco Bubbling

1. Moisture Intrusion Behind the Stucco

Water is the most common cause. When water gets behind stucco, it cannot always escape. Over time, it builds pressure. That pressure creates bubbles and surface cracks.

Water can enter through:

• Cracked caulking around windows

• Poor flashing installation

• Roof-to-wall joints

• Gaps near doors

• Damaged sealants

Many homes that need stucco repair in Mount Dora, FL suffer from hidden moisture problems behind the wall system.

Florida rain can be intense. If drainage systems fail, water sits inside the wall cavity. The stucco begins to separate from the lath or substrate.

2. High Humidity and Heat

Mount Dora has high humidity most of the year. Heat causes expansion. Moisture adds stress.

If stucco was not cured properly during installation, it becomes weaker. Over time, expansion and contraction cause separation between layers.

Thermal movement is normal. But poor installation makes it worse.

3. Improper Stucco Installation

Bad installation creates long-term problems.

Common mistakes include:

• Incorrect cement mix ratio

• Weak bonding between coats

• Poor attachment to metal lath

• Rushed drying time

• Missing moisture barrier

When installation is flawed, bubbling can appear within a few years.

A skilled contractor follows strict application steps. Each coat must cure properly. The surface must breathe. Skipping steps leads to costly repairs later.

4. Wrong Type of Paint

Paint plays a big role. Stucco needs breathable coatings. If non-breathable paint is applied, moisture gets trapped.

This creates surface blisters. The paint lifts first. Then the stucco begins to fail.

Elastomeric coatings are often better for Florida homes. They stretch and allow vapor to escape.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Small bubbles can hide big issues. Look for these signs:

• Soft spots when pressed

• Hairline cracks spreading outward

• Brown or dark stains

• Peeling paint

• Interior wall dampness

If you see these symptoms, the damage may already be inside the wall.

Homeowners often call for stucco repair in Mount Dora, FL after cracks begin to widen. Early repair prevents structural damage.

Do not wait until large sections fall off.

Professional Repair Solutions

Fixing stucco bubbling requires more than patchwork. A proper repair process protects the home long term.

Step 1: Full Inspection

Professionals inspect the entire exterior wall system. They look for moisture entry points. They may use moisture meters or infrared scanning.

The goal is to find the root cause.

Surface repairs alone will not solve the problem.

Step 2: Remove Damaged Sections

The damaged stucco must be cut out. This exposes the lath and sheathing behind it.

If wood framing is wet or rotted, it must be replaced. The moisture barrier must also be checked.

Many contractors offering stucco repair focus on full system correction, not just cosmetic fixes.

Step 3: Install Proper Moisture Protection

A new water-resistant barrier may be installed. Flashing may need correction. Weep screeds must allow drainage.

Proper sealing around windows and doors is critical.

Water must have a path to exit the system.

Step 4: Reapply Stucco Correctly

New base coats are applied in layers. Each coat must cure before the next is added.

The finish coat must match the original texture. This keeps the appearance uniform.

Good blending makes repairs almost invisible.

Step 5: Apply Breathable Coating

After curing, the surface is painted with breathable material. This protects the wall while allowing vapor to escape.

This step prevents future blistering.

Why DIY Repairs Often Fail

Many homeowners try to patch bubbles with store-bought products. This rarely works.

Common DIY mistakes include:

• Covering moisture without fixing it

• Using wrong patch materials

• Skipping moisture barrier repair

• Poor texture matching

• No proper curing time

The surface may look fixed for a short time. But bubbling usually returns.

True repairs require system knowledge. That is why many property owners rely on experts in stucco repair in Mount Dora, FL for long-term solutions.

Preventing Future Stucco Bubbling

Prevention is always cheaper than repair.

Here are key maintenance steps:

Inspect Annually

Walk around your home once a year. Look for cracks, gaps, and discoloration.

Small cracks are easier to fix.

Maintain Caulking

Check windows and doors. Replace cracked or dry sealant.

Water often enters through these weak spots.

Keep Gutters Clean

Clogged gutters cause overflow. Water runs down exterior walls. Over time, this seeps behind stucco.

Proper drainage protects your foundation and walls.

Use Proper Exterior Paint

Choose breathable coatings. Avoid trapping moisture under thick paint layers.

A professional consultation can guide you.

Many homeowners schedule routine inspections along with stucco repair in Mount Dora, FL services to prevent future damage.

Final Thoughts

Stucco bubbling and blistering are warning signs. They often point to trapped moisture. Florida weather increases the risk. The solution is not just patching the surface. The source of the moisture must be fixed. Proper layering and breathable coatings are essential. Routine inspection helps prevent serious issues. Fast action limits repair costs. If you see bubbling, cracks, or stains, do not delay. Professional stucco repair in Mount Dora, FL protects your home from long-term structural damage.