Know the facts: Let’s dive into one of the questions that comes up all the time when people talk about building materials.
When selecting an exterior finish, many businesses and homeowners struggle to find a product that meets all their needs. Stucco is known for its durability and cost-effectiveness, and it can brighten your exterior while protecting it from the elements. However, not all stucco is the same – there is traditional stucco, and then there is synthetic stucco, which is known as External Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS).
How do you know what is right for your project? Let’s take a look at the difference between Stucco and EIFS and examine the benefits and drawbacks of each, while also examining some solutions from Dryvit, a leading manufacturer of EIFS.
Traditional Stucco
Traditional stucco, also known as hard cut stucco, is an outer coating for a home composed of a mixture of cement, sand, limestone powder, and water, along with other additives. It is applied in either a one-coat or three-coat system to ceilings, walls, or other surfaces. Stucco homes and buildings typically feature exteriors with a variety of textures, such as a hard, pebbled finish or a virtually smooth wall.
Stucco has been part of construction since 1824, undergoing many refinements since then and remaining a longstanding favorite in architecture and design. Stucco is easy to repair, dries quickly, and is highly affordable for both contractors and homeowners. Here are some of the primary benefits of using traditional stucco:
Durable – When installed correctly and in the right climate conditions, Stucco can be a long-lasting exterior solution. The system must be designed to last its service life.
Great Look – Stucco can be easily painted over or mixed with dyes to achieve a certain look. Many homeowners find the surface so appealing that they keep it as-is.
Powerful Fire Resistance – A 7/8-inch stucco coating provides a one-hour fire rating, making it ideal for dwellings subject to strict fire codes.
EIFS
EIFS – also called synthetic stucco – has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional stucco for its greater flexibility and durability. EIFS uses several layers of synthetic materials to achieve the desired performance and finish, consisting of a polystyrene foam board, a fiberglass mesh, and a finishing coat. Together, these layers provide greater insulation and protection against the elements than traditional stucco. To be more specific, it provides up to R46 at 12” thick EPS.
The drawback of EIFS is that, while it offers greater flexibility, installation is somewhat more time-consuming. This results in a slightly higher price point than traditional stucco. However, depending on where you live (especially in a wetter, cooler climate), EIFS may be the right option because it holds up better over time. This is why stucco is commonly found in warmer regions of the southern United States.
EIFS Manufacturers – (Dryvit)
Dryvit is a leading manufacturer of EIFS products. Their products are so common that sometimes, when referring to “synthetic stucco,” people use Dryvit’s name interchangeably. As a company, they have helped pioneer many of the innovations in the exterior and “Outsulation” space, including the ability to install external insulation on top of existing exterior systems.
Dryvit offers six main systems which serve different purposes, including:
- Continuous Insulation System (CI): Consisting of foam insulation on the outside of a building, adding more insulation and protection.
- Direct Applied System: Designed to be applied over masonry, wood, and ICF substrates.
- Stucco System: The Dryvit stucco system is similar to a standard 3-coat application but may include additional components, such as water and air barriers, for enhanced protection.
- NewBrick: Offers the look and feel of brick without the weight, hassle, and cost associated with clay bricks.
- Panelization – Modulite: Pre-fabricated panels that help enhance the insulation and durability of an exterior wall system.
- ReVyvit by Dryvit Solutions: A renovation solution set that allows an exterior system to perform better in a less costly way by improving insulation and performance.
Whereas traditional stucco may be used itself as a system, Dryvit’s products can be added as “Outsulation” – external insulation to an existing stucco system. This additional layer helps protect the entire exterior system, resulting in greater durability and therefore less maintenance costs.