Edward Santana – $650 EIFS Inspections

Careers

Edward Santana — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:55:31 +0000

Join Our Team

Modern Wall Systems is always looking for new people to join our team as we become the finest building restoration and maintenance company in the region. With such an aggressive growth strategy, the room for advancement is infinite. Apply below and attach your resume and cover letter.

Apply now

Now Hiring

Experienced crews wanted.

Modern Wall Systems is an exterior building restoration company seeking experienced crews to handle large restoration projects for immediate and full-time work. Must be experienced in all aspects of exterior high-rise access restoration work, not only residential services. These are contract positions with compensation based on pre-negotiated square foot or linear foot prices.

Modern Wall Systems provides inspection and project management oversight for these engagements. All crews and subcontractors are independent contractors and must carry their own valid business license and liability insurance for the jurisdiction in which the work is performed; proof of both is required prior to engagement.

Below are the building restoration crews wanted:

CRW 01

EIFS & stucco installation / repair

CRW 02

Drywall

CRW 03

Stone veneer & masonry

CRW 04

Glass restoration / window cleaning / pressure washing

CRW 05

Caulking — all types, silicone & urethane

CRW 06

Tuck pointing & masonry repairs

CRW 07

Painting & elastomeric coatings

Ready to apply? Fill out the form below and select the crew type you’re interested in.

Application

Apply to Modern Wall Systems.

Whether you’re applying individually or as an experienced crew, tell us a bit about yourself and attach your resume. We’ll follow up within 1 business day.

Response timeWithin 1 business day

PositionsIndividual & contract crews

AttachmentsResume / cover letter (PDF preferred)

Full name

Phone

Applying for

Cover letter / experience notes

Attach resume

No file selected

No obligation — we’ll follow up if there’s a fit.

Contract work referenced against —

Full-Time Availability
High-Rise Access Experience
Sq. Ft. / Linear Ft. Pricing
Own License & Insurance Required

757-833-4063

Modern Wall Systems

EIFS & Stucco Restoration, Inspection & Waterproofing Services

Non-Intrusive EIFS Inspection

Edward Santana — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 19:51:34 +0000

When homeowners hear “EIFS inspection,” some assume it involves drilling holes or cutting into the wall to check for moisture. That’s not how a proper inspection should work — and it’s not how we do it.

The Problem With Probe-Based Inspection

Older inspection methods relied on physically penetrating the wall to test for moisture at specific points. The obvious downside: every probe hole is itself a new penetration in the water-resistant barrier, meaning the inspection process could introduce the high risk it’s meant to identify.

How Surface Moisture Scanning Works

Moisture Entry Point

Non-intrusive moisture meters read moisture content behind the wall surface using electronic signals, without penetrating the finish. This allows an inspector to scan large areas of wall efficiently, identify elevated moisture readings, and map problem areas without creating new vulnerabilities.

What a Thorough Scan Covers

All wall penetrations (windows, doors, vents, utility penetrations)
Roof-wall intersections and flashing details
Deck ledgers and other structural attachments
Wall terminations at grade, foundations, and other materials
General field-of-wall scanning across all elevations

Interpreting the Results

Elevated readings don’t always mean the same thing at every location — interpretation requires understanding of wall assembly, building orientation, and common failure patterns. This is where experience matters as much as the equipment itself.

Certified Inspectors

We conduct inspections using this methodology and prepare formal reports for documentation, real estate transactions, or repair planning. This thorough approach respects the integrity of your wall system throughout the inspection process.

EIFS Color Matching Is Trickier Than It Looks

Edward Santana — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 19:51:23 +0000

One of the more frustrating experiences for homeowners is completing an EIFS repair, only to have the patched area stand out clearly against the surrounding wall. Here’s why color and texture matching is more complex than it appears.

Finish Coats Fade Unevenly

Sun exposure, weathering, and pollution cause EIFS finish coats to fade gradually over years. A brand-new patch, even in the “correct” original color, will often look noticeably different from surrounding material that has weathered for a decade or more.

Manufacturer and Product Discontinuation

EIFS finish products are manufacturer-specific, and formulations change over time. On older homes, the exact original product may no longer be manufactured, requiring a close match from a current product line rather than an exact replication.

Texture Consistency

Beyond color, EIFS finishes come in different aggregate sizes and application textures (fine, medium, coarse, or specialty textures like Quarzputz). Matching texture takes experience — the same trowel technique can produce different results depending on the applicator.

Strategies for Better Blending

Feathering the repair into a larger surrounding area rather than a tight patch
Testing a sample patch in an inconspicuous area before committing to the full repair
In some cases, recommending a full wall or elevation re-coat instead of a spot repair, when blending isn’t achievable

Setting Realistic Expectations

We always discuss color and texture matching expectations with homeowners before starting a repair, since a perfectly invisible patch isn’t always achievable — especially on older, significantly weathered walls. Being upfront about this avoids surprises at project completion.

New EIFS Install

Edward Santana — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:11:25 +0000

New EIFS Install – Suffolk, VA

Project Type: Single-Family Residence
Location: Suffolk, Virginia
Service: Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) Installation

Project Overview

Modern Wall Systems completed a residential EIFS installation in Suffolk, VA, providing the homeowner with an energy-efficient, durable, and visually appealing exterior cladding system. The project required a water-managed EIFS assembly designed to enhance insulation value while protecting against moisture and Virginia’s coastal weather conditions.

The client chose EIFS for its seamless appearance, long-term performance, and versatility in design accents and textures.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Substrate Preparation and Waterproofing
The exterior sheathing was inspected and properly prepared before applying a liquid-applied waterproof membrane. This membrane created a continuous moisture barrier, ensuring full substrate protection and long-lasting performance.
EPS Board Installation
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards were installed with precision to form a continuous thermal layer. Architectural foam accents were added at selected areas to highlight window trim, corners, and detail features, enhancing the home’s curb appeal.
Reinforced Basecoat
All walls were covered with two layers of fiberglass mesh and basecoat to provide superior crack resistance, improved impact durability, and a uniform surface profile across all elevations.
Free-Style Textured Finish
A free-style textured acrylic finish coat was hand-applied to match the homeowner’s desired look—creating a visually dynamic and custom appearance. The finish coat offers superior UV stability, color consistency, and low maintenance.
Sealant and Detailing
All terminations, joints, and openings were sealed using an approved elastomeric sealant to ensure complete weatherproofing and long-term watertight performance.

Results

The finished EIFS-clad home in Suffolk, Virginia, now boasts a modern, seamless appearance with improved energy efficiency and outstanding moisture protection. The new façade not only complements the architecture but also delivers long-term value with minimal maintenance.

Why Clients Choose Modern Wall Systems

Experienced EIFS project management serving Suffolk and Hampton Roads, VA
Complete moisture management and insulation solutions
Custom foam accents and free-style textures available
Fully compliant with manufacturer and industry specifications
Proven results in both residential and commercial applications

Modern Wall Systems continues to provide Virginia homeowners with high-quality project management for EIFS installation and repair services, combining technical expertise with craftsmanship to protect and beautify every property.

New EIFS Install

Suffolk, VA

EIFS Repair Case Study

Residential and Commercial EIFS Repair

Edward Santana — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:23:41 +0000

Residential EIFS Repair & Remediation

Is your home’s exterior showing signs of water intrusion, cracks, or impact damage? Our expert team specializes in comprehensive residential EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) repair, ensuring your home remains protected, energy-efficient, and beautiful.

Original Condition
Custom Panel Not Sealed
Moisture Entry Point
Moisture Damage
Moisture Damage
Moisture Damage
Moisture Damage
OSB substrate replaced with manufacturer approved moisture resistant materials.
Moisture managed substrate.
Moisture managed substrate.
Basecoat Application
Basecoat Application
Another Happy Customer
Another Happy Customer

Commercial EIFS Repair

Expert Commercial EIFS Repair & Restoration

Protect your investment and maintain a pristine building exterior with our professional Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) repair management services. EIFS offers superior energy efficiency and aesthetic versatility, but, over time, moisture intrusion, physical damage, or seal failure can compromise its integrity. Our specialized team diagnoses and manages repairs of everything from cracks and water damage to structural issues, preventing costly, long-term deterioration. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and keep your building in top condition.

EIFS Impact Damage Repair
EIFS Impact Damage Repair
EIFS Impact Damage Repair
EIFS Impact Damage Repair
EIFS Impact Damage Repair
EIFS Impact Damage Repair
EIFS Impact Damage Repair

What is the Difference Between EIFS and Stucco?

Edward Santana — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:56:24 +0000

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.

Moisture intrusion has compromised the wood substrate behind the EIFS.

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.