EIFS is an acrylic product that installers apply to an under-panel, such as an insulation board, plyboard, polystyrene sheet or another exterior sheathing. … Synthetic stucco is 80% lighter than traditional hard-coat and relatively durable, due to containing fiberglass.

What's the difference between synthetic stucco and regular stucco?

Traditional stucco is also very porous and dries out quickly, while synthetic stucco is not and can have water damage issues if not installed properly. However, synthetic stucco has more elasticity and can expand and contract better than traditional stucco without cracking.

How bad is synthetic stucco?

But many homeowners have learned the hard way that what they thought was stucco is, in fact, a synthetic stucco known as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS). EIFS prone to water-related defects that can cause major headaches—and expenses—for homeowners.

Is synthetic stucco any good?

Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS). Homes with this exterior finish are often strikingly beautiful, offer great flexibility in home design, and provide energy savings.

How Can You Tell synthetic stucco?

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.

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 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.

Can you replace EIFS with stucco?

A potential homebuyer may insist on this in the contract and before completing their purchase of the home. -Consider replacing the EIFS with a stone veneer, Hardie board, actual stucco, or a combination of these materials.

Should I replace EIFS?

While moisture can get behind just about any exterior surface on a home, the plastic nature of the EIFS synthetic stucco coatings tends to trap moisture. This trapped moisture is the match that lights the mold growth and wood rot fuse. … The EIFS synthetic stucco system must be removed for any number of reasons.

Is EIFS more expensive than stucco?

EIFS is more costly than traditional stucco.

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How much does it cost to replace synthetic stucco?

Synthetic Stucco CostsZip CodeBasicBestInstallation Cost$252.00 – $384.00$504.00 – $648.00Total$372.00 – $576.00$744.00 – $984.00Synthetic Stucco – Total Average Cost per square foot$3.95$7.20

What type of stucco is best?

If weather is a concern and you have enough money in your budget, acrylic stucco might be the best choice for you. Synthetic stucco material is also called an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), and it is a polymer-based laminate that is applied in two coats over a rigid insulation board secured to a wall.

How long does EIFS stucco 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.

Does EIFS have one coat stucco?

The three wall systems that are widely accepted today are: traditional three- coat stucco; one coat fiber reinforced stucco (FRS); and exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).

How much does it cost to install EIFS?

EIFS is one of the most economical systems available, with an estimated material cost per square foot at $0.86 and installation cost of $5 to $6, which compares with the cost per square foot for brick at $1.25 with an installation cost of $8.50. EIFS also provides several other advantages over brick construction.

Can I paint EIFS?

Unlike wood, stucco and other siding materials, EIFS rarely need painting. Most EIFS systems are specifically formulated with 100% acrylic binder, which gives EIFS superior resistance to fading, chalking and yellowing.

What is the difference between Dryvit and EIFS?

Having a house with EIFS, also known as Dryvit, isn’t the end of the world. EIFS isn’t a disease; it’s synthetic stucco. And even though your house may have been built using it, with knowledge and proper maintenance everything can be just fine. EIFS is an Exterior Insulation and Finish System.

Why EIFS is the best?

Low maintenance: EIFS clad buildings have superior resistance to fading, chalking, yellowing, dirt, mould and mildew. … Crack-resistant: Enhanced flexibility helps EIFS absorb building movement and avoid the unsightly cracking problems common to stucco, concrete and brick exteriors.

Can EIFS be repaired?

The damage to the EIFS system may be the result of intentional vandalism, unintentional damage resulting from traffic, landscaping activities etc, or weather phenomenon such as blowing debris, heavy hail etc. Holes or other damage is easily repaired with Terraco Styrobond HB DP – less than 50 mm in diameter.

How do you know if EIFS is bad?

1. Heavy staining.
2. Thin cracks.
3. Long cracks.
4. Bulges in the stucco wall finish.
5. Missing stucco.

Can you remove synthetic stucco?

It provides a huge peace of mind to the homeowner.” The first step in removing synthetic stucco is to scaffold the area. A plastic tent is installed over the scaffolding to protect the house from inclement weather. The stucco is removed and disposed of in a drop box.

Can you put siding over synthetic stucco?

In short — yes! A stucco exterior can be covered with siding for an updated look. However, because of the process that must be done to cover stucco properly, this project should really only be completed by a professional.

How much does it cost to replace EIFS with real stucco?

EIFS Stucco Repair It costs between $30 and $50 per sq. ft. for EIFS stucco repair.

Can you replace synthetic stucco with brick?

First, you may be able to replace your synthetic stucco with brick or a synthetic stone product for about the same price or a little less. Vinyl siding might cost less, as would pre-stained wood.

Does synthetic stucco absorb water?

Synthetic Stucco (EIFS): More prone to water absorption and damage than traditional stucco. Slightly less resistant to impact damage.

Can you paint synthetic stucco?

When synthetic stucco fades, it can be stained or painted any color. Caulk hairline cracks on the surface and around windows, doors and other trim with paintable silicone caulking.

Is EIFS and synthetic stucco the same?

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.

Is synthetic stucco expensive?

Traditional stucco typically costs $4.50-$8 per square foot installed. For a typical house with 2,000 square feet of wall space, this would be $9,000-$16,000. Synthetic stucco Exterior Insulating Finishing Systems will cost $6-$10 per square foot of wall space, including installation.

How much does it cost to stucco a $3000 square foot house?

Home SizeAverage CostTypical Range3,000 square feet$25,500$15,000-$36,0005,000 square feet$42,500$25,000-$60,000

Can you install siding over EIFS?

One of the major perks of using fiber cement siding boards is that their trim can easily be installed over built-out sections of EIFS-covered exteriors. … We believe this type of siding is a great option for all types of homes.

What is the most popular stucco finish?

Float or Sand The most common finish for stucco of commercial buildings would be “float” or “sand.” This is a versatile finish that can be used on both traditional and synthetic stucco and is applied with a single coat.