Synthetic Stucco or EIFS

Synthetic stucco is an excellent product that can protect your home as well as any other type of exterior cladding as long as it is properly installed and maintained. There is no such thing as a permanently maintenance-free cladding system. Leak problems occur in all types of cladding systems, including brick and vinyl siding. The difference is that with stucco, the maintenance is more critical.

Traditional stucco or hardcoat stucco, is a cement based coating normally applied to a masonry wall. With the development of expanded polystyrene and polymers, it became possible to apply a stucco finish to non-masonry walls. Expanded polystyrene (or EPS) is the material used for insulation. Polymers (or plastic resins) are added to the cement coating to allow the exterior coating to expand and contract. These two products were key in the development of synthetic stucco or EIFS (exterior insulating and finishing system).

There are different types of EIFS but the most common type found on residential construction is called PB EIFS. The "PB" means it is a polymer-based coating that contains a large amount of polymer to strengthen and seal the coating. Most PB EIFS is made up of three layers applied to the exterior wall in three steps. The first is the insulation layer made of expanded polystyrene usually one inch thick. The insulation is attached using liquid adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The the base coat of stucco is applied over a layer of reinforcing fiberglass mesh that strengthens the coating. The finish coat is applied on top of the base coat and contains the desired color and texture.

Problems associated with synthetic stucco or EIFS systems typically have more to do with the original installation of the system rather than the product itself. An inspection by a trained third-party inspector will reveal these problems and provide information necessary to correct them.

I am certified by the Exterior Design Institute as a third-party inspector of EIFS. For more information contact me at dan@homesleuthpi.com or (501) 767-4040.