Eifs stucco
EIFS stucco (EIFS: Exterior Insulation and Finish System) or Synthetic Stucco provides excellent wall insulation, besides being a top finish material with high-resistance to cracks and a wide variety of textures and colors.
Two types of EIFS Stucco
Typical EIFS Stucco is a polymer system, based on three elements: 1) a reinforced base coat, 2) an insulation layer and 3) a finish coat. The typical insulation layer involves expanded polystyrene (EPS or XPS).
EIFS stucco differs significantly between manufacturers and is available in two types: EIFS Drainable systems and EIFS Barrier systems.
EIFS Stucco Problems
Drainable EIFS is more expensive but avoids many of the water problems of simple EIFS barrier systems.
Simple EIFS barrier systems resist well to water penetration at its outer surface, but whenever water gets behind that surface, the product doesn’t allow it to drain, causing water accumulation and moisture problems. That’s why drainable EIFS is largely prefereable and is replacing simple EIFS.
EIFS Stucco and the environment
EIFS Stucco may help homeowners to save energy by cladding their buildings with an energy-efficient system, that it is also an eco-friendly product: the raw materials and the manufacturing process associated with the production of EIFS yield a relatively small environmental impact.
Insulation performance
EIFS stucco involves a continuous insulation surface that is very energy efficiency. The insulation layer is typically expanded polystyrene (EPS or XPS) and is either installed through adhesives,or mechanically attached to the sheathing.
The thickness of the insulation layer is important, and variable, and you should take it into account. The insulation performance is largely dependent on that thickness.
Aesthetics
EIFS stucco is aesthetically diverse (with several available colors and textures) and easy to cut and to adapt to the needs.
Costs
EIFS stucco (namely the drainable system) is among the most expensive exterior finish and insulation products in the market.
Installed prices for EIFS drainable systems between $4 and $7 per square foot are common (these prices can be very similar to those of brick veneer and the double of vinyl siding). EIFS barrier systems involve lower prices: around $1 less per square foot...
Be also aware with the installation costs: since EIFS Stucco is a relatively new product, there are few trained installers, which can rise installation prices. Manufacturers use to provide lists of local installers.
Disadvantages and cares
Improper design or installation can be a cause of water-related problems. There are reported cases of mold, mildew, staining, and also cracking - only avoidable with a careful design and installation.
Building Codes
Drainable EIFS systems are well accepted by most insurers (contrary to barrier EIFS systems). Building codes do not restrict the use of drainable EIFS, but some third-party inspections during construction may be required.
Installation and EIFS manufacturers
Dryvit, Senergy and Sto are well known manufacturers of EIFS Stucco. But there are others. Only trained installers using materials made or approved by the manufacturer should install EIFS systems. Design and EIFS installation are extremely important and the only way to avoid problems like water intrusion.
Project responsibility and installation checklists
Take into account the NAHB Quality Control Plan for the Installation of EIFS. To help you to define the project and installation checklists, use the NAHB Research Center guides.
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