Many different kinds of stucco are available, so picking one for your house can initially be a little confusing.
This essay aims to give you a thorough understanding of the wide varieties of stucco so you can go from there confidently.
What is Stucco? What is EIFS
Stucco is a cement-based plaster used for thousands of years and is still used today in construction. It has been used in some capacity throughout the world, and Jersey City, New Jersey, where it is also widely used as a building material, is no exception.
Stucco is a broad term that covers a variety of materials based on the same building principles, despite the misconception that it only refers to one particular type of material.
A standard three-coat stucco system that is now in use in New Jersey is seen in the picture on the left. The two items with a gray tone are the system’s foundation coatings, sometimes known as “hard coats.”
Stucco is coated to a wall or other surface to produce a durable exterior for the house. Stucco is manufactured by combining Portland cement, sand, and water. It is intended to shield the structure from the weather and keep the building insulation in place and is applied by troweling or spraying it onto the substrate you are working with.
The most popular “hard coat” foundation used in stucco systems, Portland cement, lends stucco its “hard coat” moniker. This is the “hard coat” used most often in stucco systems and is the source of the term “hard coat” for stucco. In New Jersey, Portland cement stucco is often utilized.
EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System)- This stucco finish is used for exterior cladding. After World War II, EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, was created as a retrofit for masonry walls. It became well-known in the 1970s as a result of the widespread use of it to save energy for heating and cooling.
What is EIFS?
The exterior of a house is finished with a synthetic stucco system called EIFS, or Exterior Insulation Finishing System. The system has been used in New Jersey since the late 1970s and is well-liked in Europe. The EIFS system is reinforced with layers of synthetic stucco. EIFS comes in two main varieties: one coat and three-coat. The one-coat, typically based on polyurethane, is a single layer that does not include a base or finish coat. The three-coat stucco system, which consists of a base, a scratch coat, and a brown coat, is more conventional.
On the outside of the house, a water-resistant barrier is installed. A synthetic substance is often used to create a water-resistant barrier.
A correctly built water-resistive barrier will produce a vapor barrier that will stop moisture from entering the house.
Compared to conventional stucco, the EIFS system is more energy-efficient. It is a more affordable option than copper, aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Synthetic stucco is a good choice for locations subject to strong winds and severe weather. Unlike conventional stucco, it is less susceptible to the elements.
EIFS is a fire-resistant and non-combustible substance. EIFS is a suitable material for dwellings where fire resistance is crucial because of its fire-resistant qualities.
EIFS Advantages
EIFS is a material that is particularly energy efficient and has several additional benefits. It is a quicker and less expensive alternative to regular stucco because of how rapidly it can be erected. Additionally, it is the best option for locations that often experience wind and rain. EIFS, for instance, performs well in coastal regions. EIFS is a fantastic option for locations subject to heavy rain since it is less permeable to water than conventional stucco. The substance is further resistant to freezing and thawing.
EIFS is a long-lasting material that can last up to 50 years. Rain, hail, snow, and sun are just a few of the harsh weather conditions and exterior elements it can withstand. EIFS can, in some circumstances, aid in protecting a house from the sun’s heat.
It continues to be strong because it is weatherproof. Additionally, the item resists fire.
EIFS may also be pressure-washed and painted over for simple upkeep.
