Eifs Vs Stucco Siding

Eifs is more flexible than traditional stucco as well so there is less cracking and crumbling as a result of shifting foundations or thermal expansion.

Eifs vs stucco siding.

First there is a layer of polystyrene board over which a synthetic stucco is applied. Secondly it offers even more finish options than stucco. Eifs is not the same as stucco. Also called exterior insulation and finish system eifs synthetic stucco siding can be a terrific alternative but there are benefits to each.

The hollow sound indicates eifs due to the thinner base coat and insulation board while the solid sound can be attributed to the thicker solid stucco base coat and no insulation board caution pm eifs or hybrid stucco system can also produce a solid sound. First it includes a layer of insulation. Traditional stucco is not prone to the moisture problems discussed below. Stucco dating back to the greeks and romans is composed of portland cement sand and water.

Eifs is a relatively new cladding option that was introduced to the us in 1969. It s strong and porous. Pros and cons of eifs siding. Unlike traditional stucco eifs is applied in layers.

Eifs does not provide the same dual layer of protection against water damage as stucco. Can t quite tell if the sound is hollow or solid. However eifs depending on the thickness of the insulation board can offer an r value between 4 and 5 6. Between eifs and traditional stucco traditional stucco is the superior solution.

After this a fiberglass mesh is applied and then a finishing coat. If conserving energy isn t benefit enough there s more. When considering synthetic stucco vs traditional stucco eifs siding has two advantages. Eifs is notably lighter than traditional stucco however.

Around the 1950s a synthetic stucco siding began to replace traditional stucco in some homes. Eifs can work well in certain situations but will lead to mold build up or hidden water damage if not installed improperly. When you combine an eifs with insulation in the wall cavity you can achieve r values of about 16 or more. With a well trained eye one will be able to differentiate the two in a matter of minutes.

Stucco at roughly an inch thick offers an r value of about 20. It is basically a layer of rock surrounding your home. The fiberglass layer provides more durability even against hard blows from weather. Eifs is synthetic stucco siding.

Eifs is an acronym for exterior insulation and finish systems the product is also called synthetic stucco and it refers to a multi layered exterior finish that s been used in european construction since shortly after world war ii.