Does EIFS look like 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.

How do I know if I have EIFS or stucco?

Go outside and knock on an outer “stucco” wall of your home. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance you have EIFS. If it feels like you are knocking on a brick wall, it is more likely that you are knocking on traditional “hard-coat” stucco.

Is EIFS stucco still used?

Yet today, EIFS are still around. About 100 million square feet of EIFS went on new and remodeled homes last year, rivaling any other siding material.

How long does EIFS stucco last?

A. Dryvit EIFS are designed to last for the typical design life of a building. The actual longevity on any specific building will depend mainly on the building maintenance program. Some EIFS facades date back 50-60 years.

When did builders stop using EIFS?

EIFS has been in use since the 1960s in North America, first on masonry buildings, but since the 1990s the majority on wood-framed buildings.

What is EIFS Stucco and How It's SUPPOSED to Work

What's wrong with EIFS?

The problems with barrier EIFS cladding all stem from water intrusion. These problems include moisture accumulation in the wall cavity, subsequent wood damage and, in more advanced cases, mold growth and the infestation of pests such as carpenter ants or termites.

Can EIFS be painted?

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.

Can you pressure wash EIFS?

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.

How often should EIFS be painted?

What type of maintenance is required for EIFS? Unlike wood, stucco and other siding materials, EIFS rarely need painting. Most EIFS systems are specifically formulated with 100% acrylic binder, which gives EIFS superior resistance to fading, chalking and yellowing.

Can you paint over EIFS stucco?

Painting or recoating EIFS is normally unnecessary unless a color change is wanted or unusually stubborn stains cannot be removed. EIFS buildings should not be painted like most surfaces.

How common is EIFS stucco?

Today, the EIFS market segment is less than 5 percent for residential construction.

Why EIFS is the best?

Low maintenance: EIFS clad buildings have superior resistance to fading, chalking, yellowing, dirt, mould and mildew. They can be easily cleaned by just hosing them down, and hardly need painting.

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.

How do you tell if your house is EIFS?

The easiest way to identify synthetic stucco (EIFS) is by touching the material with your bare hand. When you touch the wall where the stucco is installed, it will feel like plastic. You can also knock gently on the wall. If it sounds hollow and thin, you have EIFS on your home.

Is EIFS cheaper than stucco?

Synthetic EIFS stucco is slightly more energy-efficient than old-school hard-coat stucco, offering better insulation, though it's more complicated and expensive to install. Hard-coat stucco holds up better to water, making it a good choice for areas with plenty of moisture.

What is the difference between stucco and Dryvit?

Dryvit stucco is actually the name of a stucco manufacturer, not an actual stucco system specifically. Dryvit is the name of the stucco company and they have different stucco systems including 3 coat stucco systems, EIFS systems, decorative systems and more.

Is all synthetic stucco EIFS?

Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS). Homes with this exterior finish are often strikingly beautiful, offer great flexibility in home design, and provide energy savings.

How do you seal EIFS?

Apply an appropriate DOWSIL™ primer to the EIFS and adjacent metal surfaces in a light coat using a soft-bristle brush or lint-free cloth. Avoid applying primer onto adjacent surfaces. Allow primer to dry before installing sealant.

What is EIFS stucco?

What is EIFS? Unlike traditional stucco that utilizes natural ingredients and mesh, External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. The first layer is comprised of a polystyrene foam board. Then, that is followed by a fiberglass mesh and a finishing coat.

How do you maintain synthetic stucco?

Use gentle pressure and scrubbing to keep your synthetic stucco durable and resistant to wear. Regular cleaning with the proper technique can ensure your synthetic stucco finish looks its best. Fill a pump sprayer with 1 qt. chlorine bleach and 1 cup trisodium phosphate per gallon of warm water.

Can you paint over Dryvit?

Acrylic Latex 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.

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.

Does EIFS crack?

Some EIFS laminas crack sooner than others, but they all eventually crack. The cracks are due to hygric and thermal stresses, embrittlement due to aging, and building movement. The cracks in EIFS laminas are often found initially at reveals and at window openings.

How often should Synthetic stucco be painted?

The USDA Forest Service recommends that their synthetic stucco buildings be painted every five to seven years. Synthetic stucco has come under fire for causing water retention problems, where moisture wicks through the layers and becomes trapped, causing wood and drywall to rot.