Is Dryvit stucco or EIFS?

The product called Dryvit is a type of synthetic stucco that is applied as a final coat to another stucco system, such as EIFS, to keep water from penetrating the other layers of the wall. Hence the usage of “dry.”

Is EIFS the same as Dryvit?

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.

Are Dryvit and stucco the same?

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.

How do I know if I have stucco or 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 wrong with Dryvit?

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.

Discussing Sto, Dryvit, EIFS and Stucco

When did they 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.

How long does Dryvit 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.

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 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.

What are the 2 types of EIFS systems?

EIFS is available in two basic types: a barrier wall system or a wall drainage system.

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.

Is Dryvit stucco 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 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.

What can I replace EIFS with?

EIFS Replacement Options: To replace existing EIFS most of our clients choose Hardieplank, or cedar siding with Cultured Stone accents.

Why do insurance companies not like EIFS?

A great deal of insurance coverage disputes arose over the years due to the tendency of EIFS to trap water behind a building's walls. As a result, many insurers implemented an EIFS exclusion in commercial general liability policies barring coverage for property damage that results when EIFS is used in construction.

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.

What type of stucco is best?

If weather is a concern and you have enough money in your budget, acrylic stucco might be the best choice for you. Synthetic stucco material is also called an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), and it is a polymer-based laminate that is applied in two coats over a rigid insulation board secured to a wall.

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.

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.

What is the foam under stucco?

Expanded polystyrene insulation is installed with joints taped and lath attached in preparation for the application of stucco. Windows are flashed to the drainage plane (not seen), which is behind the insulation. (Source: Building Science Corporation.)

How bad is 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.

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).

Is synthetic stucco bad?

Severe Synthetic Stucco Problems

Moisture with no escape route can lead to many destructive problems in your home, such as: Unsightly racking and peeling of paint. Cracking of drywall. Delamination, which is synthetic stucco detaching from your home's exterior.