How is Dryvit installed?

During installation, Dryvit is mixed into Portland cement that is then spread on with a trowel. Contractors apply the Dryvit in 18-inch long strips over plywood, existing siding, or OSB substrate. Houses with ICF exteriors often receive Dryvit since the two work well together.

What's the difference between Dryvit and stucco?

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.

What is the most common problem with Dryvit stucco?

The most common problems with Dryvit stucco are caulking and sealing issues that go unnoticed over time. This leads to serious mold issues that can get into the building structure and cause costly damage, as well as causing medical issues for residents.

How long does Dryvit stucco last?

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.

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 to Install Dryvit Coatings

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.

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.

Is Dryvit waterproof?

A. The Dryvit Weatherlast products include a waterproof elastomeric coating and primer for use over exterior concrete, masonry, stucco and exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).

Can you paint over Dryvit stucco?

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.

Should I avoid stucco homes?

Stucco can tolerate moisture and expansion only up to a certain point. It is not as good as brick veneer or vinyl siding for keeping water out of the exterior walls of your house during periods of heavy rain. It will repel water well in average climates, but it may not be recommended in extremely rainy areas.

Is synthetic stucco better than regular stucco?

Synthetic Stucco Performance. Traditional stucco is more durable, fire resistant, and has greater longevity, being able to last up to 50 years with low maintenance. Traditional stucco is also very porous and dries out quickly, while synthetic stucco is not and can have water damage issues if not installed properly.

How long does Dryvit take to dry?

Since the material dries from the outside in, the material may appear to be dry to the touch, but beneath the outer surface may still not have fully dried. If the temperature in the tent is high, above 75 °F, the material should dry within 24 hours.

Is Dryvit considered EIFS?

Dryvit Systems

Continuous Insulation System: The continuous insulation system is an EIFS stucco system that utilizes foam insulation on the outside of the building to create an airtight barrier that prevents temperature fluctuation inside your household.

What is a Dryvit finish?

Dryvit's Textured Finishes (TAFS™) over Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) marry two of the most energy efficient cladding systems on the planet into one super-energy efficient system - with exterior finish options to suit any design need.

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.

What is Dryvit base coat?

Description. Dryvit Rapidry DM 50-75 is a fast setting, dry mix, polymer-modified, cementitious adhesive and base coat for use with Dryvit systems.

What is Dryvit exterior?

Dryvit, also known as Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), is a type of synthetic stucco siding used to insulate external walls. The name 'Dryvit' is actually the name of the brand that manufactures these stucco systems.

What is Dryvit Weatherlastic?

Dryvit Weatherlastic Smooth is a water-based elastomeric wall coating. It is easily applied with an airless spray or roller. Weatherlastic Smooth is based upon a 100% acrylic, copolymer elastomeric resin, which provides excellent elongation and flexibility at low temperatures.

Can Dryvit be applied over concrete?

There are two TAFS™ options: Option 1 consists of Dryvit's tinted primer and finish, and is used primarily over rigid, highly impact-resistant walls, such as concrete or stucco. Other surfaces may be approved by Dryvit's Engineering Department.

How do you wash Dryvit?

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. Refer to Dryvit's cleaning guidelines (DS152 at www.dryvit.com) before cleaning.

Does EIFS need a vapor barrier?

No. Although EIFS will minimize internal wall condensation by reducing the air infiltration as well as increasing the internal wall temperature (for heating climates) climates that normally would use vapor retarders should still use them with EIFS claddings.

Are hairline cracks in stucco normal?

In short, hairline stucco cracks are common and can be easily repatched. Most are not a serious indicator of foundation damage or structural disrepair. However, hairline cracks caused by foundation settlement will likely reappear after the repair and worsen.

Are stucco cracks serious?

The Problems behind Stucco Cracking

Hairline cracks aren't as serious as deep cracks. However, they can provide a pathway for moisture and water to enter into a wall system. Once moisture or water gets inside a wall, it will inevitably cause further damage.