Dryvit offers five different improvements on the traditional stucco system our commercial cement plaster systems 1 through 5. It consists of portland cement and sand mixed with water to form a workable plaster. Exterior insulation and finish system eifs is an exterior wall cladding that utilizes rigid insulation boards on the exterior of the wall sheathing with a plaster appearance exterior skin. One coat and eifs systems only have about 38 to 12 inch of mud on the wall, which is half of the amount used in a three coat system. And if you can place your hand under and behind the bottom edge its probably eifs. This article will focus on the investigation of cracks and some suggested repairs. While giving the appearance of hard coat stucco, eifs is a system formed of several layers. Whats the difference between eifs and traditional stucco. Stucco, dating back to the greeks and romans, is composed of portland cement, sand and water. Jul 23, 2008 these cracks arent deep enough to undermine the integrity of the stucco system and are covered up by the next coat. Hard coat stucco can have the same types of moisture intrusion issues that eifs can have.
Before you set about repairing the exterior of a building, it is important to know what kind of surface is in place. There is something simply luxurious about the look of stucco itself, and when combined with the decorating options of stucco moldings, homes can truly stand out as gems in a. Traditional hardcoat stucco is strong and extremely durable because it. This creates a dual barrier to winddriven rain, snow and ice. You need to have a contractor that knows what theyre doing, through and through, if you want to work with. This differs from the eifs system, also known as synthetic stucco which is comprised of eps foam, fiberglass mesh, basecoat adhesive and finish coat. Over the cured mesh and base coat, an acrylic finish coat is trowel applied. Both will be fire resistant, a great barrier to sound and the elements, and both come in a variety of styles and colors.
The question becomes, do the cracks need to be fixed. If they are greater than a 116 of an inch, they should be repaired. This article discusses the specifications for thin coat stucco building exterior wall installation. The patching of larger stucco cracks can be completed with the same finish material and color used for the existing finish. Eifs is a relatively new cladding option that was introduced to the us in 1969. It also helps with flexibility, reducing tendency to crack. In this area dryvit or synergy, or others like that are also used as a topcoat on hard coat stucco. Eifs gives slightly while real stucco is very hard. The stucco s facade is meant to be a primary barrier, but a secondary or concealed barrier directs any water that gets behind the facade to the exterior. Call howdy home inspections if you want an awesome home inspections.
Stucco and eifs are common cladding systems that appear similar from the exterior. The hard facts about hard coat stucco sidercrete, inc. Eifs stucco is a type of stucco wall cladding that looks like a typical stucco installation on the outside, commonly having an acrylic type of finish but is different than a hard coat stucco system when you. Eifs is more costly than traditional stucco, and not all contractors out there are that familiar nor experienced with it. Like i mentioned above, dryvit is a company, not a stucco system so i think the better question might be eifs vs hard coat stucco, which i will write an article on in the near future to answer that question but i. Hard coat stuccos, also known as traditional stucco, consists of metal lath, embedded in scratch and brown coats with a finish coat and requires expansion joints and casing and corner beads the finish coat may be tinted or painted. Traditional stucco is not prone to the moisture problems discussed below. Jul, 2018 previously, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of traditional hard coat stucco. The total thickness of eifs lamina is generally 116 to 18 but can be thicker in areas of highimpact, by using high impact resistant mesh.
Mar 03, 2016 now that you know why stucco cracks, lets find out how serious a stucco crack can be. Manufacturers reports can be found on their websites or on the icc website at what are hard coat stucco systems. Home inspector seattle shows eifs synthetic stucco inspection 425 2073688 call us. This is akin to putting a bandaid over a snakebite. Eifs is an acronym for exterior insulation and finish systems.
A traditional hard coat stucco exterior system is extremely strong and durable because it essentially covers your home with a layer of rock. However, they can provide a pathway for moisture and water to enter into a wall system. Benefits of using eifs as your exterior insulation finishing system. Dryvit offers a new dimension to an old solution by providing a variety of stucco assemblies suited to the architects need for both performance and aesthetics. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the faq. This widespread misunderstanding stems mostly from continuing failure by builders and real estate agents to disclose that the builder used synthetic stucco, or eifs. Eifs stucco click or call kevin dinkel at 2257538114 for your free home insepection quote andor free pest control initia. Oct 31, 2016 learn several inspection tips for inspecting stucco exterior covering or eifs, exterior insulation finish systems, from a certified stucco inspector. Here, using a field report of leaks at horizontal control joints in a hard coat stucco wall system, we describe the inspection, diagnosis, repair, and proper compared with improper installation of traditional stucco building.
Not all cracks in exterior stucco are the same, in fact you can learn a lot from analyzing where they originate from, what they look like and how large or small they are. This digest explains the reasons why facesealed eifs are fundamentally flawed as cladding systems for most applications, and describes how drained eifs can be used successfully in almost all climate zones and exposures. Eifs adds a layer of insulation which is encapsulated in the. Stucco and eifs are two exterior wall cladding finishes that may look similar. As a result, stucco will hold up better to dings, hail, woodpeckers, and anything else that may come knocking. Learn several inspection tips for inspecting stucco exterior covering or eifs, exterior insulation finish systems, from a certified stucco inspector. Eifs vs traditional stucco masonry contractor talk. Part one insights if you were to ask a home or building owner whether the exterior of their building was covered with stucco or eifs, you may get a confused response.
Do you just mean old fashioned three coat cement stucco as opposed to the. The eifs system uses much softer materials than hard coat stucco. Dec 31, 2018 eifs has a more arduous installation process, due to the multiple layers, which need to be very precisely applied. Eifs is an insulating, decorative, and protective finishing system which can be installed on any exterior wall or type of construction. One of the main differences between eifs and stucco is that an eifs is significantly more durable and will last longer than a stucco exterior. Hence, if you observe cracks throughout the wall, it is most likely stucco or again possibly pm eifs or hybrid stucco. Traditional stucco is a hardcoat system, usually felt, metal lath and. Cracks are common and those are the ones that we need to tackle quickly. You might have read the snapshot of this discussion in our monthly newsletter but we. Properly installed eifs does not typically produce cracks because of the reinforcing glassfiber mesh that is embedded in the base coat. The set up so, you have installed a cement or hard coat stucco system. Comparing acrylic stucco and traditional stucco is a good thing to talk about because there is a lot of confusion about the topic, due to a number of different.
Complete eifs removal and replacement with european hard coat stucco. Stocolor lotusan is a smooth, vertical, above grade exterior wall coating with lotuseffect technology for concrete, stucco, masonry and ci wall systems. Fastwall 300 assemblies use the traditional 3 coat stucco menthod with the added benifit of manufactured controled product fiber 47 basecoat for scratch and brown applications. Quaker stucco provides a guide for hardcoat stucco done by the 2006 and 2009 international residential code. Traditional stucco siding will hold up better to dings, hail, and woodpeckers. How to identify which stucco system you have on your home. In contrast, when a coat is insufficiently hydrated, it cant cure properly. Stucco and eifs are two similar looking exterior wall cladding finishes. Mar 20, 2007 the january 2007 article on stucco cracks dealt with myths, planning, caveats and suggested contract language when working with such systems. In addition, a dry substrate will draw moisture out of the color coat. Take a look at some of the many different types to get a better feel for what youre up against. Traditional hard coat stucco is strong and extremely durable because it essentially covers your home in a layer of rock.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. If the stucco does not hydrate properly and does not get hard, the surface may be moist cured to facilitate hydration. And while eifs is more energy efficient, it is a small matter of degree. The product is also called synthetic stucco, and it refers to a multilayered exterior finish thats been used in european construction since shortly after world war ii. Once moisture or water gets inside a wall, it will inevitably cause further damage.
The sma and member plastering contractors are constantly striving to improve stucco. The truth is both systems will experience the same types of problems if they are not installed correctly. Advantages of eifs synthetic stucco siding eifs is a more durable material. Both eifs and hard coat stucco can incorporate the use of expanded polystyrene eps or extruded polystyrene xps foam insulation. Here, using a field report of leaks at horizontal control joints in a hard coat stucco wall system, we describe the inspection, diagnosis, repair, and proper compared with improper installation of traditional stucco. If eifs does crack, the cracks will be smaller and typically around penetrations such as windows and doors, where proper joint provisions were not provided.
When i receive calls to look at a stucco residence or commercial building. Hairline cracks that develop in traditional stucco or hard coat stucco do not necessary have to be fixed if the width of the cracks are less that 116 of an inch. The reason is eifs is less expensive to test for moisture when compared hard coat stucco. Small cracks in hcs are typically not a problem due to the black paper. Stucco is a hard coat product used on the outside of the house due to it being both durable and having the ability to provide additional protection to the house. Eifs exteriors have caulking, while real stucco exteriors do not. Stucco on the other hand can crack in the field of the wall in addition to at the corners of windows and doors if not properly detailed and installed. When considering synthetic stucco vs traditional stucco, eifs siding has two advantages. Stucco and eifs look very similar and serve very similar functions, which is why it can be so. The total thickness of eifs lamina is generally 116 to 18 but. As with stucco, cracks can allow water infiltration and can.
Stucco coatings are not design to be bumped by vehicles, used as reflectors for tennis practice, or to withstand other form of physical abuse. As a result, a perception has developed that eifs is more prone to moisture intrusion issues versus hard coat stucco. All types of stucco repair, hard coat or eifs synthetic. Exterior insulation and finish system eifs wbdg whole. Sep 20, 2016 the time old question of plaster vs stucco and is there a difference.
The product is also called synthetic stucco, and it refers to a multilayered exterior finish thats been used in european. How to choose between stucco and eifs architizer journal. A stucco exterior wall consists of a layer of enhanced cementbased stucco covered with a thin finish coat, and it can be installed over stone or plywood. The coats act as a single coat, placing greater stress on the system and causing larger, deeper cracks to form. Just as with stucco, make sure the system can drain properly. The finish is comprised of polymeric organic bonded aggregate and cement reinforced with a glass mesh. Stucco is a traditional material and process that has been around for centuries all over the world. Control joints are or should be installed in a stucco wall at corners of windows and doors and within the field of the wall. While this might seem like a simple point, it can get a little bit complicated when it comes to eifs vs. The drainage feature of eifs is similar to that used with brick walls. Secondly, it offers even more finish options than stucco. Eifs stucco is a type of stucco wall cladding that looks like a typical stucco installation on the outside, commonly having an acrylic type of finish but is different than a hard coat stucco system when you dissect the inner layers.
Eifs, a lightweight system, is comprised of a polystyrene insulation board secured to the exterior wall with an adhesive or mechanical fasteners, then reinforced with an acrylic plaster and fiberglass mesh on top, and finished with an acrylic and polymer coat that is both colorfast and crackresistant. Stucco on the other hand can crack in the field of the wall in addition to at. Hard coat stucco vs synthetic stucco temmel siding. That alone is enough that i do no like it or recommend it other than for specific details and only with certified applicators and close inspection. Stucco companies stucco siding hard coat stucco eifs stucco. As popular building materials, eifs and stucco seem aesthetically. Although not all cracks are objectionable, cracks in stucco acceptable to one person might be unacceptable to another person. Hardcoat stucco is applied either by hand or machine to exterior and interior wall. Recognizing the difference between eifs and stucco murtagh bros. Onecoat stucco systems have a thirdparty report from a model code agency as an application guideline.
However, there is a similar material, known as exterior insulation and finish systems eifs, which is a softer synthetic, material that does not provide as much protection as stucco. Hairline cracks that develop in traditional stucco or hard coat stucco do not necessary have to be fixed if the width of the cracks. Again most of the worstcase scenarios where stucco is just falling apart are no commonly seen with hard coat stucco. Upon the insulation, a base coat of acrylic polymer receives a sheet of reinforcing nylon mesh then the top coat of stucco like acrylic or other architectural finishes. Dec 23, 2008 hard coat stucco on top of eifs many home owners who are afraid their home might have moisture damage due to the improper installation of eifs errorneously opt to put hard coat stucco over it. You must register before you can view photos and images. If your house is done in a three coat system, then it will sound a lot more solid. I mean, they are basically made out of the same materials. Cracks can also develop at floor lines if proper expansion joints are not installed. To the untrained and sometimes trained eye, exterior insulation and finish system eifs and stucco often appear as one and the same. Eifs consists 18 layers of acrylic applied over an insulation board such as polystyrene.
We are here to shatter all rumors and inform you that yes, there is a difference. How to tell synthetic eifs from real stucco youtube. These systems have very different attributes however. Eifs and conventional stucco applications are part of the international building code ibc. Traditional portland cement plaster hardcoat stucco is a timetested exterior breathable finish. The polystyrene backing provides a more cushioned, insulator layer with more sealing against water damage. Blue star stucco hardcoat and eifs repairinstallation. Hard coat stucco cracks, leaks, damage stucco cracks, leaks at control joints, standards. What is the role of aggregates in a hard coat stucco system. In the second part of this series, we will discuss the structure, installation, advantages, and disadvantages of eifs. A certain amount of cracking in stucco basecoats which has simply transferred through the finish is normal.
Hard coat stucco installation involves the following layers. Eifs is usually a little different and is known to have better water barriers and insulation properties than traditional hard coat stucco systems and most eifs assemblies are designed to keep water on the outside of the building, whereas a hard coat stucco. As popular building materials, eifs and stucco seem aesthetically similar, and many believe they have the same basic properties, save one being an acrylic version of the other. While giving the appearance of hard coat stucco, eifs. Eifs vs stucco pros and cons marcotte general contracting. Trees and limbs should be trimmed away from the stucco. Ron mcclure discusses the hard coat stucco cracks, control joints, drainage, barriers and weep screeds. Apr 27, 2012 hence, if you observe cracks throughout the wall, it is most likely stucco or again possibly pm eifs or hybrid stucco. Eifs in its current basic form was developed in west germany in the 1960s and introduced in the united states in 1969 by dryvit. Barrier eifs on the other hand, uses a multilayer synthetic stucco that is much softer than traditional stucco. Synthetic stucco, also known as exterior insulated finish system, or eifs, was first used in europe after the end of world war ii to repair all the damaged commercial buildings in berlin. Oct 21, 2019 eifs is an acronym for exterior insulation and finish systems.
Certain fine or smooth textures accentuate cracks in stucco, while heavier textures tend to hide stucco cracks. Exterior insulation and finish systems eifs are a relatively new cladding system that combine a finish with a layer of exterior insulation. Exterior insulation and finishing system eifs was invented in europe after world war ii to repair and insulate. Eifs vs traditional stucco eifs is much more technical and dependent upon perfection in application than three coat stucco.
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