Both types of stucco are fire-resistant. Both are visually appealing. Yet, there are differences that are worth considering before you choose. EIFS stucco became popular in the s, especially for stucco patching, because of its energy efficiency. However, as it turns out, EIFS stucco is only slightly more energy efficient than hard coat stucco. It also makes it more easily damaged. As for hard coat stucco, it has many other advantages.
First, traditional stucco is much harder, so it provides a good barrier against woodpeckers, dings from bumping against it or hitting it with a stray golf ball, or hail. In areas like Colorado, where snow and rain are often abundant, hard coat stucco makes sense because it is more resistant to water damage.
It absorbs less water, and water is less likely to get behind the stucco and cause rot. Cost can be another factor, as hard coat stucco is a bit less expensive than synthetic stucco. In the long run, it brings an even greater cost benefit, because it holds up better over time.
Of course, the choice is entirely up to you. However, talking to an expert can ensure that you make the most informed decision possible. To get a better idea of which is right for your home, contact GS Exterior Experts by calling 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.
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 percent less heavy than stucco, but it has a higher R-value, coming in between 4 and 5. 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? By simply visually observing the building from a short distance, it can be extremely difficult to distinguish between the two systems.
But fear not! Originally, the different systems were classified according to the composition of their respective finish or color coat. Finally, the finish coat, available in a wide variety of colors and textures, is applied over the base coat.
First, the insulation board used is often extruded polystyrene which has a smoother finish and greater compressive strength than EPS and the reinforcing mesh can vary between a heavy fiberglass and thin metal lath. The reinforcing mesh is mechanically attached via screws and plates to the insulation board and sheathing rather than being embedded in the wet base coat.
The finish coat is then applied over the base coat. PM EIFS is in some aspects similar to some of the newer hybrid stucco systems seen on the market today, which consist of hardcoat stucco applied over insulation boards.
A discussion of these hybrid stucco systems is outside the scope of this paper, but it is important for the reader to realize these systems do indeed exist. As evidenced by the hybrid stucco systems described above, traditional stucco has changed in recent years. The one-coat stucco system consists of a wire lath attached to the substrate over a weather resistive barrier. Finally, the finish coat similar to EIFS is applied in a wide variety of colors and textures over the base coat.
Pretty simple right?
0コメント