Eifs Vs Stucco Siding

The fiberglass layer provides more durability even against hard blows from weather.

Eifs vs stucco siding.

Eifs does not provide the same dual layer of protection against water damage as stucco. If conserving energy isn t benefit enough there s more. With a well trained eye one will be able to differentiate the two in a matter of minutes. After this a fiberglass mesh is applied and then a finishing coat.

Traditional stucco siding is made from portland cement sand lime and water. Also called exterior insulation and finish system eifs synthetic stucco siding can be a terrific alternative but there are benefits to each. Stucco at roughly an inch thick offers an r value of about 20. First it includes a layer of insulation.

When considering synthetic stucco vs traditional stucco eifs siding has two advantages. When you combine an eifs with insulation in the wall cavity you can achieve r values of about 16 or more. Secondly it offers even more finish options than stucco. First there is a layer of polystyrene board over which a synthetic stucco is applied.

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. 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. Pros and cons of eifs siding.

Eifs is notably lighter than traditional stucco however. It is basically a layer of rock surrounding your home. Stucco dating back to the greeks and romans is composed of portland cement sand and water. Stucco the original hard coated fine grained cement is sturdier and more durable than eifs also known as synthetic stucco.

Eifs is not the same as stucco. 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. 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.

Eifs is a relatively new cladding option that was introduced to the us in 1969. Eifs can work well in certain situations but will lead to mold build up or hidden water damage if not installed improperly. Traditional stucco is not prone to the moisture problems discussed below. It s strong and porous.

Contractors found stucco to be a good repair choice for buildings damaged during the war.