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.

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.

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.

Is EIFS better 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.

How is EIFS attached to wall?

EIFS are typically attached to the outside face of exterior walls with an adhesive (cementitious or acrylic based) or mechanical fasteners. Adhesives are commonly used to attach EIFS to gypsum board, cement board, or concrete substrates.

EFIS - Electronic Flight Instrument System

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.

How long does 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.

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.

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.

What is more expensive EIFS or stucco?

EIFS is more costly than traditional stucco.

What does EIFS stucco look like?

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.

Can EIFS stucco 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.

Is EIFS waterproof?

Originally, EIFS were designed as a 'perfect barrier' system—one which provides waterproofing protection at the exterior face of the cladding. The idea of barrier cladding assemblies is to create a face-sealed façade that repels moisture to keep the building dry.

How can I tell what is behind stucco?

You'd have to go through the insulation, through the sheathing, and through the house wrap, to see if there is any brick or other material before the stucco. At that point, there's a good chance you'll punch a hole right through the stucco anyway. The inside structure will tell ALL about the stability of the stucco.

Is the most common type of EIFS?

The most common type of EIFS is the polymer based (PB) system. This system has a nominally 1/16 inch thick reinforced base coat applied to the insulation prior to application of the finish coat.

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.

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.

How common is EIFS stucco?

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

Does EIFS require painting?

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.

How do you remove mildew from EIFS?

Cleaning EIFS should be done by a skilled professional. 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.

What is EIFS made of?

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are a relatively new cladding system that combine a finish with a layer of exterior insulation. The finish is comprised of polymeric (organic) bonded aggregate and cement reinforced with a glass mesh.

Can you replace EIFS with stucco?

Homeowners who have needed to replace EIFS on their homes are also turning to Stone veneer and other materials like Hardie board and stucco because of the great flexibility and personalization they offer.

Can you put siding over EIFS?

One of the major perks of using fiber cement siding boards is that their trim can easily be installed over built-out sections of EIFS-covered exteriors.