Building for the Coast: Choosing the Right Exterior Remodel Materials in Sarasota, Florida

Paul Maloney
Aug 14
2 min read

Living near the Gulf brings unmatched beauty, but it also brings salt air, intense sun, humidity, and the ever-present threat of storms. Selecting the right exterior remodel materials for your coastal property isn’t just a matter of style, it's a matter of durability and long-term protection.

In this post, we break down the pros, cons, and performance of stucco, siding, and water-resistant exterior solutions for Florida homeowners and business owners looking to remodel smartly and sustainably.

Stucco house with red tile roof, arched window, and tropical plants bathed in warm sunlight. Minimalist metal gate and lantern present.

Why Coastal Conditions Demand More from Exterior Materials

Coastal homes endure:

Salt spray, which corrodes metals and breaks down weaker finishes
High humidity, leading to mold and mildew risks
Strong winds and flying debris, especially during hurricane season
Intense UV rays, which fade paints and finishes quickly

A quality exterior remodel in Southwest Florida must account for moisture protection, structural integrity, and low maintenance.

Option 1: Stucco - A Florida Classic

Pros:

Seamless and sleek appearance
Naturally water-shedding when properly installed
Fire resistant and great for insulation
Ideal for Mediterranean, Spanish, and modern home styles

Cons:

Requires proper drainage systems to prevent trapped moisture
Susceptible to cracks in shifting foundations or after strong storms
Needs professional application for long-term success

Best Use: Stucco performs well in Sarasota where modern homes and Mediterranean styles dominate. It’s a durable choice, but only when properly sealed and maintained.

Option 2: Siding - Versatile and Stylish

Today’s siding options go far beyond traditional vinyl. Popular materials for coastal remodeling include:

Fiber Cement Siding (e.g., James Hardie):

Highly resistant to moisture, fire, and pests
Won’t warp, melt, or crack in extreme heat
Holds paint color longer than wood or vinyl

Engineered Wood Siding:

Beautiful wood appearance without the water damage risks
Lighter than fiber cement and easier to install
Treated for rot and insect resistance

Vinyl Siding:

Affordable and easy to clean
Less ideal for direct saltwater exposure or hurricane zones
Not as strong as fiber cement or engineered wood

Best Use: Fiber cement siding is becoming a go-to in Sarasota for homeowners wanting a modern or craftsman-style look with low maintenance and strong storm resilience.

Don’t Forget: Water-Resistant Systems & Add-ons

Even the best exterior material will fail without proper waterproofing systems.

Consider:

Moisture barrier membranes under siding and stucco
Flashing and drainage planes around windows and doors
Elevated foundations or breakaway walls in flood-prone zones
Hurricane-rated impact windows and doors

Combining these upgrades during a remodel ensures your home is not only beautiful but resilient and code-compliant.

Local Expertise Matters

At Maloney Homes, we specialize in remodeling coastal properties in Southwest Florida with materials that are as beautiful as they are durable. Whether you're renovating a historic home downtown or refreshing a modern Sarasota villa, our team understands the building science behind every choice, and we’re committed to protecting your investment.