Stucco vs EIFS

Many people are getting confused between stucco and EIFS. That's why in this blog we will tell you the difference of Stucco and EIFS. So, if you are planning to buy a commercial or residential establishment, better read this to understand the difference between the two.

What is Stucco?

​If you do not know what is a stucco, well, stucco is a type of siding that is cement based. It can provide a seamless finish on interior and exterior walls. It is used for siding and covering concrete, cinder block, clay brick, or adobe. It can offer a variety of textures and colors, that's why it is good for home customization. In fact, it can be applied in a textured style to achieve the appearance of other materials like wood, brick, or stone. Stucco system has two basic types which is known as the three coat stucco system and the one coat stucco system. It is made from portland cement, lime, sand, and water. Many contractors prefer stucco because it is strong, cost effective, and can be used in a wide variety of climates. Aside from that, stucco is also excellent from deflecting heat. However, stucco can not hold up well in wet environments because it porous. So, if it is exposed to water over a significant amount of time, there's a chance that it will crumble. Stucco repairs are very expensive and time consuming, so if you are planning to use stucco system better decide wisely. 

​What is EIFS?

​On the other hand, EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. It is a synthetic stucco which has a multi-layered exterior finish. This kind of stucco has been used in European construction since shortly after World War II. This is because contractors found out that is a good repair choice for building damages during the war. EIFS may look like traditional stucco but its inner layers are different. In fact, this synthetic stucco uses multiple layers of different products which make a complete wall system that has special properties like improved water protection and increased air barriers. And unlike traditional stucco, EIFS or synthetic stucco's maintenance is less expensive. 

Difference between traditional stucco and EIFS

​Unlike traditional stucco, EIFS is soft and sounds hollow when tapped. On the contrary, traditional stucco is hard and brittle and it sounds solid when tapped. Aside from that, EIFS usually deflect when pressed with your thumb. So, if you want to check it out, just press your thumb to tell whether its traditional or synthetic stucco. Another way to identify traditional and synthetic stucco, is by searching for cracks. Why? Because traditional stucco is more prone to cracking. Traditional stucco usually has longer cracks while EIFS have smaller ones.
 
Both stucco and EIFS are highly appealing that's why they are popular with designers and owners.
And these systems can last for many years if properly designed and installed. So, if you are planning to use stucco or EIFS system, better call for an expert or seek for a professional's help.