Thursday, July 24, 2025

Getting Ready to Sell Your Property? Fix These Stucco Issues First

 

Getting Ready to Sell Your Property? Fix These Stucco Issues First


If you're getting ready to sell your home, chances are you've invested time in staging the interior, enhancing curb appeal, and making minor cosmetic upgrades. However, one often-overlooked detail that can significantly affect your home’s value is the condition of its naples stucco exterior. In Southwest Florida cities like Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island, stucco is a common choice due to its aesthetic appeal and durability. Still, aging or damaged stucco can be a major red flag for buyers. Before listing your property, it’s important to address any stucco issues with help from a qualified stucco contractor in Naples.

Why Stucco Condition Is Critical When Selling


A home’s exterior is one of the first things potential buyers notice. Stucco Company Naples that appears clean and intact suggests proper maintenance and pride of ownership, while cracked or discolored stucco can raise concerns about underlying moisture damage or poor construction. In the competitive housing markets of Naples and Fort Myers, your home’s exterior condition can influence how quickly your property sells—and for how much.

Common Stucco Issues That Can Lower Home Value


Florida’s humid climate can accelerate wear and tear on stucco surfaces. Before listing your home, inspect for the following common problems:

  • Cracks and Fractures
  • Staining or Discoloration
  • Bulging or Soft Areas
  • Delamination or Peeling
  • Moisture Intrusion

According to the Journal of Light Construction, neglected stucco is a top contributor to hidden mold damage, which can lead to costly remediation and discourage serious buyers.

Advantages of Fixing Stucco Before Listing

Taking care of stucco problems ahead of time offers several benefits:

  • Higher Appraisal Value
  • Faster Sale:
  • Stronger Negotiating Power
  • Improved Curb Appeal
Addressing these issues proactively places your property ahead of others still in need of repairs or updates. Investing in professional stucco repairs in Naples, Fort Myers, or Marco Island can deliver a strong return and increase buyer confidence.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Stucco Contractor


Attempting to repair stucco yourself can result in mismatched textures, improper sealing, or worsened damage. For best results, rely on a certified stucco professional with the tools and experience needed to ensure seamless repairs and lasting quality.

Trust Smith Plastering, Inc. for Expert Stucco Services


Smith Plastering, Inc. is a trusted stucco contractor in Naples, FL, serving homeowners across Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers and Marco Island. With over 20 years of industry experience, our team delivers high-quality stucco repair and installation services tailored to meet your home’s specific needs.

Contact us today at (239) 594-7537 or reach out online to request your FREE quote. Let us help you enhance your home’s naples stucco exterior and maximize its value before you sell.

Sunday, June 29, 2025

5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Drywall


Drywall helps keep your walls and ceilings smooth and strong. But over time, it can get damaged and may need to be replaced. If you live in Southwest Florida and notice any of these signs, it may be time to call a drywall contractor in Naples, FL, or Fort Myers.

  1. Water Damage – If your drywall has stains, soft spots, or looks swollen, water may have damaged it. This can happen from leaks or high humidity. Replacing the drywall can stop mold and make your home safer.
  2. Mold – Mold can grow in wet drywall. If mold keeps coming back after cleaning, it may be inside the wall. In this case, it is best to replace the drywall.
  3. Big Cracks or Holes – Small holes can be fixed, but large cracks or sagging pieces may mean the wall is weak. Replacing the drywall is often the better choice.
  4. Sagging or Bulging – Drywall should be flat. If it sags or bulges, there may be a problem with water damage, poor installation, or the structure of the building. A drywall expert can check and fix it.
  5. Old or Low-Quality Drywall – Homes built before the 1980s may have drywall that does not meet today’s safety standards. Replacing it with new, better-quality drywall can improve your home’s safety and energy use.
If you are looking for reliable drywall contractors in Naples, FL, or need plastering in Naples or Fort Myers, FLSmith Plastering, Inc. is here for you. We have over 20 years of experience working with homeowners and builders in Naples, Marco Island, and Fort Myers. We handle drywall repair, installation, and plastering.

Call us at 239-594-7537 or message us online for a free quote. We are ready to help with your next project.

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Why Metal Framing Is Ideal for Custom Homes














When building a custom home, choosing the right framing material is crucial. While wood has been the traditional choice, metal framing is gaining popularity due to its numerous advantages.

Metal framing is strong, durable, and resistant to pests, fire, and mold, ensuring a longer-lasting and safer home. It also offers greater precision and flexibility in design, making it ideal for custom homes with unique layouts. Additionally, metal framing is eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials, and requires less maintenance over time, saving homeowners money in the long run.

If you’re considering metal framing for your custom homeSmith Plastering provides expert services in Lee and Collier Counties. Call 239-594-7537 or message us online for a FREE quote today!

Friday, August 20, 2021

Effective Long-Term Stucco Waterproofing in Naples, Florida

 

Naples, Florida's Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot summers requires long-term stucco waterproofing. Stucco provides endurance and protection against the ever-changing temperatures of Florida.
 
Most homes in Florida are not complete without stucco. Learn how to effectively waterproof your stucco home with Smith Plastering Inc., Florida's most trusted plastering supplier.
 
What is Stucco?
Stucco, also known as render, is a cement-based siding made from a binder, aggregates, and water that delivers natural and textured aesthetics. It is often used for interior and exterior surfaces in both residential and commercial properties.
 
Advantages of Stucco
  • Low-Cost: Stucco is inexpensive. Low labor costs combined with reasonably priced materials result in affordable home investment projects.  
  • Decorative: Stucco is available in several ranges of colors, patterns, and distinctive texture options. From southwestern to modern, it is applicable for any style of home.  
  • Durable: Stucco protects properties from weather and other outside elements. Both exterior and interior finishes are applied in one or multiple layers over a masonry structure. Stucco may last fifty years, depending on maintenance and local climates.
  • Easy to Use: The average homeowner can easily reproduce simple techniques that favor patterns and texture. Notably, stucco is resilient and requires little maintenance.   
  • Versatile: Stucco is easy to install and is versatile in regards to application on concrete masonry and wood frame buildings.         


Stucco Waterproofing Techniques | Smith Plastering Inc.

Basic Stucco Installation 
Understanding Stucco fundamentals is essential when creating a façade to protect a property from rain and moisture. Commonly, plywood or an oriented strand board is used for the first layer with stucco layers to follow:
  • First Layer of Weather Resistant Barrier (Asphalt paper/Grade D paper)
  • 3D Plastic Drainage Matrix
  • Second Layer of Weather Resistant Barrier
  • Lath (Fiberglass Mat/Metal)
  • Stucco (3-Layered)  
 
Flashing
Flashing is a piece of metal, either aluminum, steel, or PVC, installed to a structure to prevent water from passing through gaps. 

Stucco applied to certain openings is not impervious to the elements over time. However, stucco with a properly installed flashing will adequately cover and protect from damages. Flashing is applicable on:
  • Doors
  • Parts of walls
  • Roofs
  • Windows
 
Rainscreen Gap
Rainscreen Gap, also known as Drainage Matrix, or Drainage Mat/Air Gap, is used to build a gap to allow enclosed moisture to escape behind the walls. Rainscreen Gaps promote evaporation because of increased airflow and when used with weather-resistant barriers, they prevent moisture creation that spreads to additional layers.
 
Sealant
Applying a sealant is another way to waterproof stucco. This is done by simply applying sealant directly to the stucco.
  • Clean 
  • Paint sealant directly
  • Allow air to dry
 
Waterproof Barrier
Before applying stucco, waterproof barriers can be applied.
  • Clean the base wall
  • Roll out/unroll the barrier
  • Apply barrier
  • Apply stucco
 
Waterproof Paint
Applying waterproof paint is considered the easiest, least reliable method to waterproof stucco.  
  • Paint and stucco is damaged
  • Clean off stucco with water and soap
  • Apply waterproof paint and stucco
  • Clean
  • Air dry 
 

Naples, Florida's Leading Stucco Contractor | Smith Plastering Inc.

Smith Plastering, Inc. is a family-owned and operated, locally managed company specializing in interior and exterior finishes of residential and commercial properties. We offer stuccodrywallpainting, and metal framing services to Naples, Florida, and the surrounding areas.

Our team of experts has over 20 years of construction experience, are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, provides quality craftsmanship, and delivers exceptional customer service.

Call Smith Plastering, Inc. at 239-594-7537 or connect with us online today for a FREE quote on your upcoming project.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Stucco, Drywall, Painting and Metal Framing Services in Immokalee, Florida

Smith Plastering, Inc. is a highly experienced professional contractor in Immokalee, FL providing top-of-the-line stucco, drywall, painting, and metal framing services.


Make the best choice when it comes to home construction and remodeling decisions. Building materials should fulfill construction needs and other considerations including budgets and design aesthetics. Trust Immokalee's leaders in stucco, drywall, painting and metal framing services, Smith Plastering, Inc.

Stucco Services

  • Stucco is a type of plaster commonly used on the exterior and interior of a building.
  • Traditional stucco is made using lime, sand, and water. It is extremely strong and durable.
  • In today’s modern construction, the most commonly used stucco is made from Portland Cement, sand, and water. 
  • Stucco is applied in several layers to a building's wire framework to easily adhere.

Benefits of Stucco
  1. Energy-Efficient
  2. Decay-Resistant
  3. Fire-Proof
  4. Increases Home Value and Aesthetics
  5. Long Lasting
  6. Maintenance Free
  7. Weather Resistant

Drywall Services

Drywall, the streamlined way to plaster, is essentially applying large pieces of pre-rendered material directly to the wall. Drywall requires application of additional coats - one to fill gaps, a skim coat to cover and paint to provide color. Drywall is more convenient than wet plaster. It can be thrown up quickly and easily, with relatively little mess resulting in much lower labor costs.

Benefits of Drywall
  1. Appearance
  2. Convenience
  3. Cost Effective
  4. Energy Efficient 
  5. Fire Resistant


Exterior and Interior Painting Services

Smith Plastering, Inc. delivers top-notch painting services from start to absolute finish. Our team of skilled painters in Immokalee, FL pays excellent attention to detail and gets the job done quickly and efficiently.

Benefits of Painting
  1. Enhances Curb Appeal
  2. Increases Home Value
  3. Keeps Dust and Dirt to a Minimum
  4. Practical
  5. Promotes Healthy Indoor Air Quality
  6. Protects Exterior and Interior Surfaces


Metal Framing Services

Metal framing, an alternative to traditional wood framing, emerged as the standard of commercial construction in the USA in the early 1950s. Metal framing became a common choice for single-frame home construction and remodeling within the past two decades.

The dominant use of metal framing in home construction and remodeling provides numerous advantages.

Benefits of Metal Framing
  • Durability
  • Ease of maintenance
  • Freedom of design


Immokalee's Leaders in Stucco, Drywall, Painting and Metal Framing Services | Smith Plastering, Inc.


Upgrade your home with Smith Plastering, Inc.! For over 20 years, we have been a contractor’s first choice for providing quality service in stucco, drywallpainting and metal framing services in Immokalee, Florida, and its surrounding areas.

Timely delivery and quality of service”.

Smith Plastering, Inc. has been locally managed and operated as a family-owned business since 1997. We specialize in exterior and interior finishes of homes such as stucco, drywall, painting, and metal framing.

Contact Smith Plastering, Inc at 239-594-7537 for a FREE quote on your upcoming project, or visit our website at 📌 https://www.smithplastering.com today.

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

How to Remove Mold On Drywall Surfaces


Probably you are like most homeowners that keep finding molds in their homes every now and then. Though you may have taken measures to get rid of them they kept coming back. Knowingly, not only they cause health-related allergy problems they can also reduce the value and overall appeal of your property in Naples, Florida.

Molds thrive on different types of materials including wood, cement, and even metals. What’s the worst part is that they love drywalls, and possibly most part of your house is made of drywalls! Drywall is found in the living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and even on home-based offices of every home.

We at Smith Plastering, your Naples Drywall company, shares some tips on how to handle and remove molds on your drywall surfaces. Smith Plastering, since 1997, is a family-owned and operated business specializing in exterior and interior drywall finishes of residences and commercial buildings in Southwest Florida. Below some considerations every homeowner should know about mold removal on drywalls to prevent mold damage to your property:

How Mold Grows on Drywall

Molds can grow on several types of surfaces depending on the surface moisture. Drywalls, also known as plasterboards, or wallboards are made from wood, and they the perfect source of nutrition for molds to grow. Molds are tiny living organisms that also in need of food and water to survive. They thrive on the fiber particles of drywalls for its nutrition and spreads out to other sources of food for its needs.

What’s worse, if the molds reach your HVAC system where its spores will quickly spread out and can go airborne. Thankfully, this problem is manageable, however, you should be careful in handling the molds to avoid complications and further damage to your property.

Why Mold is Dangerous on Drywall

There are several reasons why molds are considered high risks and hazardous for your home :

Reason No. 1: Molds can cause allergic reactions.

Mold spores can cause allergic reactions when you inhaled, touch your skin, or penetrate your eyes. Once mold spores come in contact with a person, the body may react defensively by producing antibodies or expelling foreign substances through coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, or watery eyes.

Reason No. 2: Molds can spread easily.

Since drywall has smooth surface molds can easily spread out. It can thrive on drywall surfaces by multiplying itself exponentially, as long as there is nutrition for its growth. Mold spores are dangerous since they can become airborne and spread all over the house including the HVAC system, crawlspaces, and even on furniture.

Reason No. 3: Molds can damage house structures.

Molds behind walls can cause damages to the structural foundations of your house. Molds on walls unnoticed for a long time can rot the insides of drywalls, which eventually can collapse your house’s structures and foundations. Additionally, molds can make your walls aesthetically unpleasant and unsightly as they kept on feeding on the drywalls through rotting.

Reason No. 4: Molds can drain your house maintenance budget

Molds thriving behind walls are costly and time-consuming. As molds eat up the wood and drywall through rotting, this can be costly since you would be required to repair and keep re-painting the walls, draining your home budget and wasting much of your precious time on the unnecessary project.

Reason No. 5: Molds can devalue your home selling property

If you are planning to sell your house, molds growing at the back of your walls can decrease your house value. Any buyer who discovers your walls with molds will definitely turn off to buy your property. Or possibly, if they do found out they would use it as a reason to lower the price as a bargaining power since you are selling a half-baked property.

How to Remove Mold from Drywall

Here are some steps you can do to remove molds from your walls:

Step 1: Manage and control mold spores from spreading out by using plastic sheets during the cleaning process

Step 2: Distinctly mark the areas affected by molds.

Step 3: Cut out the affected areas on your drywall using a utility knife. Just make sure you cut out two of the wooden beams behind the drywall.

Step 4: Remove the affected drywall section- mold-side up.

Step 5: Use a HEPA vacuum to clean and remove mold spores.

Step 6: Replace the drywall. If you still have a budget paint the backside of the new section of the drywall as well.

Who to Contact for Drywall Repair

If you think that your walls have molds growing in your wall cavities. It is best to consult with mold professionals and drywall experts whom you can trust and rely on your mold-infested walls. Don’t let the molds destroy your walls and your property to rot. Thankfully, our Drywall Contractor Naples can help to manage this situation for you.

We at Smith Plastering, Southwestern Florida’s First Choice Contractor for Quality in Stucco and Drywall Finishes, has established years of professional relationships with the majority of the premier builders in Collier and Lee counties. We have a strong reputation when it comes to superior quality and exceptional customer service.

Why Choose Smith Plastering:

  • Customer Oriented
  • Years of Experience
  • Timely Delivery
  • Can Handle Big or Small Projects
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Drywall Contractor Naples has several services to offer:

  • Stucco Finishes
  • Drywall Finishes
  • Metal Framing
  • Painting Services

Smith Plastering provides excellent drywall, stucco, painting, and metal framing services in Naples, Florida, and its surrounding areas. Contact us for your home improvement needs! 📞239-594-7537.

For more information and other details, check us out at https://www.smithplastering.com/.