There are different kinds of outdoor build materials commonly used in both residential and commercial properties. Stucco, for instance, is commonly used throughout the home. Traditional stucco is a hard coat product applied to the outside of a house. Once set, the stucco forms a durable, protective layer against the elements. Synthetic stucco, a more expensive option than traditional, is also available.
On the other hand, there exists a similar material known as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), which is a softer, synthetic material that does not provide as much protection as stucco. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of material coats the exterior of your house, here are a few ways you can identify each.
Three EIFS And Stucco Test Methods
The Installation Process
Stucco and EIFS are installed in two different ways. When installing stucco, a wire mesh structure is created. This structure serves as a foundation for the rock material. Once the wire mesh is in place, the layer of stucco is applied above. Aside from giving the stucco a surface to attach to, the wire mesh also permits water within the structure to drain.
On the other hand, EIFS uses a baseboard that is installed in the desired location. In most cases, this board will be made of styrofoam. Once in place, a base coat is applied, followed by a finish coat.
Breathable Properties
Both Stucco and EIFS can appear similar at first glance. However, while one is synthetic and the other is an actual layer of rock, there are some ways to identify differences. The synthetic stucco used in EIFS will not allow water to pass through, either in liquid or vapor form, due to the solid nature of the material.
The traditional stucco system, on the other hand, is naturally porous. This allows some moisture to move both in and out of the wall. Essentially, it allows the stone to breathe. The pores can prove helpful in some climates, as fluctuation can prevent cracking.
Performing The Knock Test
If you did not install the material yourself, you may still wonder whether or not you have traditional stucco or EIFS.
It can prove difficult to instantly identify one from the other by just looking at it. One of the best ways to test out the material is to perform what is known as the “Knock test.”Go outside and knock on the material. If it has a hollow sound, it likely is EIFS. This is because the sound travels through the Styrofoam base, hits the wall behind it, and then reverberates back.
With stucco, it should feel like knocking on stone. The entire stucco system is like a single large rock, so you can easily tell the difference with this knocking test.
“Check the Gap”
Another way to test for stucco or EIFS is to check the gap. Often times at the base of the construction foundation there is a gap between the bottom of the stucco/EIFS insulation on the wall and the ground itself.
Feel the area under the stucco/EIFS. If you can feel cladding that comes out from the foundation close to an inch (or more) you probably have EIFS insulation on your wall. When installing an EIFS system, the baseboard uses an extension system that is not always completely covered. With stucco insulation, you do not have this.
Check Installation Points To Be Sure
If you are still not sure whether or not you have EIFS or stucco you should check installation points. Remove an outside light fixture, gutter trap, intercom, or any other object that is installed into the wall in or around the stucco/EIFS. If you can see the Styrofoam board, you have EIFS. This will not be present in stucco, though you may indeed be able to see the edge of the metal mesh under the base coat.
By using these three different test methods, you should be able to identify whether or not you have traditional stucco or if an EIFS system was used in the construction of the structure.
Murtagh Construction in PA
We hope our page has proved useful to you. We intended for it to not only explain the difference between these insulation systems but also teach our readers about the installation process.
We believe a more wholesome explanation of the process is always valuable, though we understand some folks may not find this eifs vs stucco discussion as entertaining as we do here at Murtagh Bros Construction! However, if you do, make sure to check back regularly for more articles dealing with everything construction-related.
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Interested in stucco siding? No one’s going to blame you. It’s a durable material with lots of character to brighten up the curbside and protect your home from the elements. Stucco forms a solid shield around the house when properly installed, and it can be a quick and cost-effective project. So, yes, stucco definitely gets a thumb’s up from us, but did you know that there is more than one kind of stucco cladding for your house?
There are traditional and synthetic, or External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco, that you can select. How do you know which one is best for your home?
Though both systems sound similar at first, EIFS and traditional stucco have differences that change how the stucco functions. Let’s have a look at the differences between stucco and EIFS.
What is Traditional Stucco?
Generally, when someone is talking about regular stucco, they are referring to the traditional style that is a natural mix of Portland cement, limestone powder, sand, and water. Stucco is applied to a building using a 3-coat system that puts the stucco mix over a base mesh that looks similar to chicken wire but is entirely different. From there, it is spread with the trowel over the ceiling, walls, and other surface where the stucco is being applied. Textured finishes and colors can be added to enhance the overall look and feel.
Benefits of Traditional Stucco
Traditional stucco has been a long-standing favorite in architecture for good reason: It’s a beautiful siding to work with. It’s also highly affordable for both homeowners and contractors.
Stucco cures quickly, is easy to repair, and any remediation that is eventually required is not much of a hassle. You can also add more decorative elements than EIFS stucco, because the system is simpler.
Cons of Stucco
- Stucco is heavy, weighing about 10 pounds per square foot.
- When damaged, traditional stucco requires remediation of an entire wall.
- Stucco is prone to cracking over time, as well as water damage. If water gets into a traditional stucco system, there can be cracking, peeling, chipping, and even structural damage throughout the whole wall.
- Stucco is susceptible to buckling in extreme weather. It can become very high maintenance in places with quickly changing seasons and varying weather patterns.
Unlike traditional stucco that utilizes natural ingredients and mesh, External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. The first layer is comprised of a polystyrene foam board. Then, that is followed by a fiberglass mesh and a finishing coat. Some systems add in water-resistant barriers or other layers. When such layers are applied, EIFS provides more protection and insulation than traditional stucco—but it also comes with some risks.
Benefits of EIFS For Your House
The leading reason EIFS has gained popularity is the increased insulation. 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. The fiberglass layer provides more durability, even against hard blows from weather.
EIFS is notably lighter than traditional stucco, however. It is 80-percent less heavy than stucco, but it has a higher R-value, coming in between 4 and 5.6, which is notably higher than the 0.20 R-value of regular stucco.
Cons of EIFS Stucco
- The installation process for EIFS stucco is much more complicated and time-consuming than traditional stucco. The multiple layers also need to be installed by an expert, since the risk of error runs high.
- EIFS is more costly than traditional stucco.
- You need to hire a professional contractor to install EIFS. Without a trustworthy and experienced contractor on the team, EIFS is easy to mess up, and that can result in a lack of water resistance and long-term damages down the road.
- More difficult to customize compared to traditional stucco.
What Is The Best For Your Home?
When you consider the differences of cost, installation, and maintenance, you might end up asking a questions such as, “How do I decide what’s best for my home?”
The answer depends on the very factors that separate traditional and synthetic stucco. A general rule of thumb is this: Consider your budget, whether you would like a stylized wall or color, and your climate. If you live somewhere that receives a lot of inclement weather and precipitation, you might want a properly installed EIFS house. If you live somewhere with more constant temperatures and drier air, than traditional stucco might be best for you.
However, there is no denying that EIFS is a versatile and durable system, despite the higher price tag.
Now that you know the differences between EIFS and stucco, what else would you like to know? If you are looking for more information about these systems or have questions that were left unanswered, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Fill out the contact form to get more information delivered right to your inbox! We’re happy to share our years of knowledge and experience with you.