Stucco is known to be an excellent building material when properly installed. It mostly consists of sand, cement, lime and water. It can also be used for interior and exterior finish but it is more popularly used as exterior coating in buildings and even residential homes.
Stucco is also widely utilized now in the US and this paved way to the creation of synthetic stucco. There are now two types of stucco: the traditional and synthetic that are being utilized in the construction of buildings and residential homes. Traditional stucco are patronized by constructors who have experienced how efficient and beautiful stucco is for homes and buildings. On the other hand, synthetic stucco is now slowly gaining popularity because it is cost-effective and durable if properly installed. Also, compared to traditional stucco, EIFS sounds hollow when knocked.
One popular type of synthetic stucco is the EIFS stucco. EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. It is oftentimes referred to as synthetic stucco itself but some people say that EIFS is not synthetic stucco but synthetic stucco is only a component of EIFS. Nevertheless, many still consider EIFS stucco as synthetic stucco. Home builders in North America started using of stucco in 1980s in the construction of buildings then later with residential homes.
EIFS stucco is composed of 3 layers where the first layer is the insulation board, the middle layer is the polymer and base coat and the exterior layer is the finish coat. It is said to be softer than traditional stucco but still very durable when installed correctly. Some residents complain about EIFS because they said they got many problems when they applied EIFS stucco but like other building materials, EIFS when too wet can cause problems to homeowners. EIFS tend to trap moisture which causes the stucco to soften. Most constructors suggest using or shifting to traditional stucco if you are not well-informed about EIFS stucco installation.
Water or moisture should be prevented from reaching EIFS stucco because one water get trapped the wood and sheathing inside will rot and cause the bond to loosen. Any opening like a door should be covered to prevent moisture from seeping through.
With the right knowledge, you can properly install EIFS and reap the benefits it has to offer than suffer the problems it can give when applied incorrectly.
