synthetic stucco

Synthetic stucco (or EIFS: External Insulation and Finish System) 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 Synthetic Stucco

EIFS textures and colors Typical Synthetic Stucco is a polymer system, based on a reinforced base coat, an insulation layer and a finish coat. The typical insulation layer involves expanded polystyrene (EPS or XPS).

Synthetic stucco differs significantly between manufacturers and is available in two types: EIFS Drainable systems and EIFS Barrier systems.

Drainable vs. Barrier Synthetic Stucco

Drainable EIFS is more expensive but avoids many of the water problems with barrier EIFS (and with other finish systems).

Barrier EIFS resists well to water penetration at its outer surface, but whenever water gets behind, it doesn’t allow it to drain, causing water accumulation and the related problems. That’s why it is losing implantation to drainable EIFS.

Synthetic Stucco and the environment

Synthetic Stucco may help homeowners to save energy by cladding their buildings with an energy-efficient system; furthermore, the raw materials and the manufacturing process associated with the production of EIFS may yield a relatively small environmental impact.

Insulation performance

Synthetic stucco involves a continuous insulation surface and high energy efficiency. The insulation layer is typically expanded polystyrene (EPS or XPS) and is 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.

Aesthetics

Synthetic stucco is aesthetically diverse (in terms of available colors and textures) and easy to manipulate in order to create or adapt to specific architectural features.

Costs

Synthetic 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 application prices: since synthetic stucco is a relatively new product, there are few trained installers, which may cause higher installation prices. Manufacturers use to provide lists of local and authorized installers.

Disadvantages and cares

In case of improper design or installation even EIFS drainable systems aren’t immune to water-related problems. There are reported cases of mold, mildew, staining, and also cracking - only avoidable with a careful design and installation.

Pay also attention to temperatures and wet conditions during installation and construction. Uncured materials are a source of problems.

Building Codes

Drainable Synthetic Stucco systems are well accepted by most insurers (contrarily 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

Proper design and proper selection and installation of materials (weather resistive barriers, flashing, sealants…) are extremely important to avoid water intrusion and subsequent problems.

Dryvit, Senergy and Sto are well known manufacturers of Synthetic Stucco. But there are others. Many manufacturers demand homeowners to call their trained installers and to use the materials approved by them.

Project responsibility and installation checklists

Due to the importance of a proper installation and inspection, take into account the NAHB Quality Control Plan for the Installation of EIFS. To help you to define the project responsibilities and to establish installation checklists, you may also use the NAHB Research Center guides.