What is the difference between stucco and Dryvit?

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 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.

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.

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).

Is Dryvit a hard coat 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.”

Discussing Sto, Dryvit, EIFS and Stucco

What is the fake stucco called?

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

How do you fix a crack in Dryvit?

Repairing Hairline Dryvit Cracks

To apply the patch, cut through the wall's lamina to expose a uniformly-sized area of insulation that is a bit larger than the cracked area. Sand the area with a belt sander to remove the finish before removing any damaged foam. Mix Dryvit's Rapid Patch, applying it with a trowel.

Does Dryvit need to be painted?

Dryvit Components.

If the paint cannot be removed with proper cleaning techniques, it will be necessary to refinish or paint over it.

How do you maintain Dryvit?

A small investment in maintaining your Dryvit system pays in the long-term appearance and protection of your home. With an investment as important as your home, we recommend that you inspect the finish and sealants twice a year and clean the surface thoroughly at least once every five years.

Are Dryvit and EIFS the same thing?

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.

Can you paint 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 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.

Is EIFS better than stucco?

The fiberglass layer provides more durability, even against hard blows from weather. EIFS is notably lighter than traditional stucco, however. It is 80-percent less heavy than stucco, but it has a higher R-value, coming in between 4 and 5.6, which is notably higher than the 0.20 R-value of regular 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.

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.

Can you use bleach on Dryvit?

If there is evidence of mold and mildew, bleach or similar cleaners should be used so these are killed and removed before any recoating of Dryvit can be applied.

Can you pressure wash synthetic 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.

Can you pressure wash EIFS?

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.

How do you seal synthetic stucco?

Use a quality acrylic or siliconized caulk to seal any cracks and openings. Allow the caulk to dry over night, and make a second application if necessary.

Can you paint over EIFS?

Painting or recoating EIFS is normally unnecessary unless a color change is wanted or unusually stubborn stains cannot be removed. EIFS buildings should not be painted like most surfaces.

Should synthetic stucco be painted?

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.

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.