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 can you tell the difference between real stucco and synthetic stucco?
Synthetic
stucco will feel a bit soft and sound hollow when tapped
. Traditional stucco will feel hard, brittle, and not give when pushed on, and will sound solid when tapped. Additionally, if there is a hole in the exterior, such as for light fixture or vent, you may be able to see the layering of the material.
What’s the difference between EIFS and stucco?
Unlike traditional stucco that utilizes natural ingredients and mesh, External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. … When such layers are applied,
EIFS provides more protection and insulation than traditional stucco
—but it also comes with some risks.
Is EIFS stucco still used?
In the Southwest and on the Gulf Coast, especially, EIFS—also known as synthetic stucco—appealed to builders and architects as a reliable alternative to true stucco. … 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.
Is EIFS a stucco?
EIFS stucco refers to
Exterior Insulation and Finish System
, also called synthetic stucco. It’s made of acrylic and applied in several 1/8” layers over polystyrene or some other insulation board on top of plywood or some other exterior sheathing.
What are the problems with synthetic stucco?
Mold, mildew, or fungi growth on the interior walls or
on window frames
.
Cracking of the drywall
.
Cracking, peeling
, and bubbling of paint. Cracking on the EIFS dressing bands around windows.
What is the main problem with stucco?
But due to its brittle nature, stucco siding
will crack if a house foundation settles
. It simply isn’t the best choice in regions where soil is high in clay, notorious for swelling and causing foundations to shift. Over time, even stucco on homes with firm foundations can develop hairline cracks.
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?
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
.
Is Dryvit still used?
While doing your research to see which system is best, you may have come across something called Dryvit. Siding like Dryvit has become a more popular option throughout the U.S., because it increases
durability
and has multiple ways to customize stucco systems to meet your needs.
Why is Dryvit bad?
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.
When did they stop using EIFS?
Future homeowners loved the look of the EIFS houses. The recession of 1990 was the only thing that slowed down the business as the EIFS industry’s sales dropped for the first time in 1991. But the business rebounded in
1992
and the EIFS residential business continued to grow—that is until it ran into the perfect storm.
Is Dryvit the same as 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.
How do you tell if you 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.
What does EIFS stand for?
Exterior Insulation and Finish System
(EIFS) is an exterior wall cladding that utilizes rigid insulation boards on the exterior of the wall sheathing with a plaster appearance exterior skin. EIFS in its current basic form was developed in West Germany in the 1960s and introduced in the United States in 1969 by Dryvit.
Can EIFS be installed over brick?
So can you install EIFS over brick? You can indeed.
EIFS is only as good as the installation though
, so be sure the install is done properly. First, make sure that if the brick is a veneer, it’s free of efflorescence (that white, chalky stuff on old bricks).
