How can you tell the difference between stucco and EIFS?

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.

What is the difference between stucco and EIFS?

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.

What does EFIS look like?

The finish coat on a EFIS synthetic stucco system often looks like traditional stucco but is only about 1/16 of an inch thick: the entire EFIS wall system assembly itself will range between 1 to 4 inches thick including, the foam board and the finish coat.

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 does stucco feel like?

With stucco, it should feel like knocking on stone. The entire stucco system is like a single large rock, so you can easily tell the difference with this knocking test.

Stucco Vs EIFS - What’s the difference?

How can you tell if its 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.

Can you stucco over EIFS?

"Stucco" can be installed over foam insulation, like EIFS. Much of the new cement stucco being applied still uses foam trim build-out details that look just like EIFS, and most modern cement stucco uses acrylic finishes, just like EIFS.

Where is EIFS banned?

North Carolina has banned the so-called "barrier" variety of EIFS in new home construction, and Georgia plans to do the same in the fall, according to the NAHB.

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.

Do people still use EIFS?

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.

Can you power wash EIFS?

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.

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.

What is the finish coat on EIFS?

EIFS, also known as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, is an energy saving and durable cladding consisting of scientifically developed layers of materials that coordinate to restrict the transfer of energy and eliminate the accumulation of moisture.

How do you tell if I have 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 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.

Does EIFS sound hollow?

If you are getting a hollow sound, you are most likely dealing with EIFS. The solid sound, on the other hand, is usually a product of stucco. Listening for a hollow or solid sound is often enough to inform you as to the surface that has been used.

How long will EIFS 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.

How do you maintain EIFS?

Periodically, EIFS finishes may need to be cleaned to remove dirt, algae (usually green stains on the surface of the finish), or mildew (generally black stains that look like dirt) that can accumulate on the surface. Basically, mild cleaning detergents, and low water pressure cool water, and a soft bristle brush.

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.

How common is EIFS stucco?

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

Is EIFS leaky?

Which Cladding Systems Are Common In Leaky Homes? EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems). The problem with these cladding systems are not the cladding themselves, but the way many of them have been installed and finished. If you have any concerns, you should seek professional advice.

Should I remove EIFS?

Unless the adhesion of the entire cladding is compromised, during application the entire lamina became frozen, or the entire exterior has non-compliant mesh, there is no need to remove all of the EIFS (let the word “entire” rest in your memory).

How thick is EIFS stucco?

The total thickness of EIFS “Lamina” is generally 1/16” to 1/8” but can be thicker in areas of high-impact, by using high impact resistant mesh. Similar to stucco it is important to follow a proper design by a registered design professional or the EIFS manufacturer.

How can you tell the difference between stucco and concrete?

Concrete is made of cement, water and sand. Stucco is made of these ingredients as well, plus lime. One big difference between these two home exteriors is that when dry, stucco is breathable — it has tiny pores that allow water to evaporate from behind it so that moisture doesn't build up and cause rot.