Eifs Vs Stucco Siding

When you combine an eifs with insulation in the wall cavity you can achieve r values of about 16 or more.

Eifs vs stucco siding.

Between eifs and traditional stucco traditional stucco is the superior solution. It is basically a layer of rock surrounding your home. After this a fiberglass mesh is applied and then a finishing coat. 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. Traditional stucco is not prone to the moisture problems discussed below. Eifs is a relatively new cladding option that was introduced to the us in 1969. Eifs is not the same as stucco.

Eifs is notably lighter than traditional stucco however. Around the 1950s a synthetic stucco siding began to replace traditional stucco in some homes. With a well trained eye one will be able to differentiate the two in a matter of minutes. Unlike traditional stucco eifs is applied in layers.

However eifs depending on the thickness of the insulation board can offer an r value between 4 and 5 6. First there is a layer of polystyrene board over which a synthetic stucco is applied. Eifs is synthetic stucco siding. When considering synthetic stucco vs traditional stucco eifs siding has two advantages.

The fiberglass layer provides more durability even against hard blows from weather. 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. Stucco the original hard coated fine grained cement is sturdier and more durable than eifs also known as synthetic stucco. 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.

Stucco at roughly an inch thick offers an r value of about 20. First it includes a layer of insulation. 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. Contractors found stucco to be a good repair choice for buildings damaged during the war.

Secondly it offers even more finish options than stucco. 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. Pros and cons of eifs siding.

It s strong and porous.