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.

What are the benefits of synthetic stucco?

What are the problems with synthetic stucco?

Severe Synthetic Stucco Problems

Delamination, which is synthetic stucco detaching from your home's exterior. Rotting of wood beams and trim. Mold and mildew growth, both on interior walls and beneath on the home's base walls. Infestation of termites and other moisture seeking insects.

What kind 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.

How long should synthetic stucco last?

Most newer homes with exterior stucco have an acrylic-polymer finish, which will expand and contract with the weather. This keeps cracks to a minimum and means the stucco can easily last up to 50 years before needing to be repaired.

Stucco acrylic vs.Traditional Stucco, Synthetic stucco VS cementitious Stucco

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.

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.

What is the most durable stucco?

Acrylic Stucco

Designed for durability, it's a suitable material for all weather types as it will not be damaged by moisture. Acrylic is more expensive than traditional stucco but will give you a beautiful siding finish for years to come.

What is the difference between adobe and stucco?

stucco, a relatively "new" form of siding for naturally dried adobe bricks—cement stucco does not stick to traditional adobe bricks, so wire mesh must be used.

Can you paint synthetic stucco?

Many of our customers ask, “can you paint acrylic stucco?” The answer is yes! Perhaps the confusion is due to the many different types of stucco and stucco systems out there, as well as the multitude of different names used to describe this family of exterior siding.

What is the fake stucco called?

Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS).

Can you remove synthetic stucco?

It provides a huge peace of mind to the homeowner." The first step in removing synthetic stucco is to scaffold the area. A plastic tent is installed over the scaffolding to protect the house from inclement weather. The stucco is removed and disposed of in a drop box.

What is the difference between acrylic and synthetic stucco?

Traditional stucco requires a wire mesh underlay to stick to the home's exterior whereas acrylic stucco is a multilayered exterior coating with a foam insulation board, synthetic stucco first coat, fiberglass mesh, and synthetic top coat. Acrylic stucco repels water while classic stucco absorbs water.

How can you tell if stucco is synthetic?

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.

What is the problem 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.

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 an adobe house last?

Adobe houses can last for thousands of years when they are well maintained, kept dry, expertly built, have a strong and waterproof foundation, and are located in dry areas of the world. “The Oldest House” is more than 350 years old. The Citadel of Bam, Iran is more than 2,500 years old.

Are adobe houses waterproof?

An Earthen home can be fun to build and super cheap, but not if you have to repair or reconstruct the house every year due to water damage. Many people want to know are adobe bricks waterproof and they are not, but they can be.

How strong is adobe?

Strength. In dry climates, adobe structures are extremely durable, and account for some of the oldest existing buildings in the world. Adobe buildings offer significant advantages due to their greater thermal mass, but they are known to be particularly susceptible to earthquake damage if they are not reinforced.

What are the 2 types of stucco?

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 synthetic stucco EIFS?

“EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. The product is also called synthetic stucco, and refers to a multi-layered exterior finish that's been used in European construction since shortly after World War II, when contractors found it to be a good repair choice for buildings damaged during the war.

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 Dryvit stucco?

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 it a risk to buy stucco house?

Water entry behind the stucco can cause deterioration (rot) of the underlying wood, allowing water to wet the insulation, framing members, and drywall in our homes. This type of damage goes undetected until an inspection is performed, and consequently is all having a negative impact on the resale value of these homes.