posted by: Brian - 12-12-2006 | 5:31PM
What is the difference between EIFS and real Stucco? Positives and Negatives of both?
reply by: James River Ext. - 12-18-2006 | 8:47PM
EIFS stands for Exterior Insulated Finish Systems, people commonly use the brand name Dryvit to describe EIFS. EIFS is an acrylic based product. The color on an EIFS finish is integral and seldomly needs painted. This acryilic finish coat adds to the flexiblity of the product and prevents cracking in the finish coat. As the name describes, EIFS is insulated and far more energy efficient than traditional stucco. Due to the lessening of thermal shock, it makes for a more stable building.
Traditional or cementitious stucco is installed over metal lathe in a three coat application. It is more impact resistant than EIFS, but is less energy efficient. There are several finishes available over traditonal stucco walls. Acrylic finishes can be used over stucco, it can be painted, and there are some \"cementitious\" finishes. Stucco needs integrated control/expansion joints to allow for building movement or there will be significant cracking in the lamina.
EIFS is less expensive than traditional stucco in this particular climate. In some southern climates traditional stucco is more cost effective than EIFS but due to the amount of \"freeze-thaw\" cycles in our region, this is not the case.
I could type a novel on this subject, please feel free ask additional questions.
