Can you pressure wash EIFS stucco?

A: First of all, do not use a pressure washer on a synthetic stucco surface. This type of finish, known as an exterior insulation finish system or EIFS, is a barrier-type system.

Can EIFS be power washed?

EIFS can be safely cleaned by professionally trained technicians using responsible levels of water pressure and balanced cleaning agents. Unskilled power wash operators tend toward use of high pressures or harsh chemicals, either of which can damage the finish coat of the material.

How do you clean mildew off EIFS?

Cleaning EIFS should be done by a skilled professional. The best way to clean EIFS is to use high water volume coupled with low water pressure and non-abrasive cleaners. Do not use caustic chemicals or abrasive cleaning techniques, which will permanently damage the finish.

Is pressure washer safe for stucco?

Yes, you can use a power washer or pressure washer to clean stucco. Just make sure to maintain a good distance between the nozzle and the surface, use the 1,500 PSI, and a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. Although, given the intensity of a power washer, seeking the help of a professional is always best.

Can you pressure wash Dryvit?

The local Dryvit distributor can give you the name of contractors. CAUTION: If power washing by a professional, keep pressure under 600 psi and use cold, unheated water. Hold sprayer with a fan-tip nozzle at a 45° angle from the wall (not perpendicular) and keep spray tip at least 2' 0" from surface.

Pressure Washing Stucco EIFS

Why you should not paint stucco?

Stucco needs to breath – One of the main reasons you shouldn't coat your stucco with paint is because stucco is porous. This allows moisture that hits the surface to easily evaporate away. A coat of paint can harm that breathability.

Can you soft wash stucco?

Soft washing your stucco home is the best way to remove dirt. Compared with surfaces like concrete, stucco is a fairly delicate material and can be damaged with high pressure washing. When we soft wash stucco, we rely on a custom chemical solution that is plant and animal safe.

Can I paint EIFS?

On a side note, EIFS can be painted just like traditional stucco. Depending on the characteristics and appearance wanted, our professional commercial paint contractors use either top-quality acrylic latex paints or elastomeric coating systems.

Does Dryvit need to be sealed?

Contact Dryvit for information. Maintaining a weathertight seal around windows and doors is very important for any exterior cladding, whether it's clapboard, shingles, stucco, brick or a Dryvit system.

Should you Dryvit paint?

Acrylic latex paint is the best for using on Dryvit stucco as it is easy to apply and you can clean the same by using water and a mild detergent. When used properly, acrylic latex paint provide the stucco surface with a good gloss and color.

Can you mix Cleansol BC with bleach?

Cleansol BC does not mix with bleach. Coverage rates will vary from 100 - 250 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface porosity, texture and severity of staining.

Is it better to paint stucco or re stucco?

While it's cheaper than re-stuccoing, painting stucco can lead to a host of moisture problems down the line, since the majority of exterior paints are designed to form a non-breathable membrane through which water is unable to escape. Stucco typically lasts between 50 and 80 years.

Is it better to roll or spray paint stucco?

Stucco can be painted using a roller or with an airless sprayer – a brush is not recommended. A roller works well for small jobs, but can be overwhelming on larger projects. When it comes to big jobs consider using an airless sprayer. It makes putting paint on a breeze – especially on larger jobs.

How long does it take stucco to dry after power washing?

Your house is going to need at least 24 hours to fully dry up. Don't worry — it is not in any way “ruined” or less effective if, after the power washing, there are natural weather occurrences.

Should I pressure wash stucco before painting?

A good power washing, some caulk in the cracks and two coats of an elastomeric top coat will cover the cracks, smooth the stucco and give you a long-lasting finish. To begin, pick a warm sunny day and rent a pressure washer. Before you get on the ladder, do a test wash on an out-of-the-way corner of the house.

Is Simple Green safe for stucco?

Simple Green House and Siding Cleaner is specially formulated to remove environmental pollution, dirt and grime from vinyl and aluminum siding, stucco, terra cotta roof tiles, and painted wood. It is also a perfect choice for use on shake, shingle or panel siding.

How do you remove mold and algae from stucco?

Mold and mildew can create a black stain on stucco, while algae stains the stucco green. These growths need to be treated with bleach or Borax to properly eliminate them and prevent further growth.

How do you remove black from stucco?

Dissolve the oxygen bleach powder in water and put it in a hand-pump garden sprayer. Saturate the stucco and keep it wet with the solution for up to 30 minutes. Use a stiff scrub brush dipped in the solution to remove the black stains. Adding regular liquid dish soap helps the cleaning.

What is the difference between Dryvit and EIFS?

Having a house with EIFS, also known as Dryvit, isn't the end of the world. EIFS isn't a disease; it's synthetic stucco. And even though your house may have been built using it, with knowledge and proper maintenance everything can be just fine. EIFS is an Exterior Insulation and Finish System.