Choosing a kind of stucco for your house might initially seem perplexing since there are so many kinds available. If you read this article and learn about the different kinds of stucco, you’ll be able to make a good choice.
What is Stucco?
The construction material stucco, a plaster made of cement, has been used for thousands of years and is still in use today. It has been used in one way or another around the globe and is a widely used construction material in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
Many people mistakenly believe that stucco is just one material, but in reality, “stucco” refers to various materials that all share common building principles.
On the left is a picture of a simple three-coat stucco system used in East Brunswick, NJ. The base coats, or “hard coats” in the design, are the two materials with a gray color.
Stucco is created by combining Portland cement, sand, and water to create a durable exterior for the house. It is then applied to a wall or other surface. It is designed to shield the building from the elements and maintain the building insulation in place and is used by spraying or troweling onto the substrate you are working with.
The most famous “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 the US, stucco made of Portland cement is frequently used.
EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System)- This external cladding material has a stucco finish. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) were created in the 1960s and 1970s as a post-World War II retrofit for masonry walls. Because it was extensively utilized to save energy for heating and cooling, it became popular in the 1970s.
What is EIFS?
The outside of a house is finished using a synthetic stucco system called EIFS, or Exterior Insulation Finishing System. The technique has been used in North America since the late 1970s and is well-liked in Europe. The EIFS system is strengthened with layers of synthetic stucco. EIFS comes in two main varieties: one-coat and three coat. The one coat, often based on polyurethane, is a single layer that does not include a base or finish coat. The three-coat stucco method, which consists of a base, a scratch coat, and a brown coat, is more conventional.
The exterior of the house is covered with a water-repellent barrier. Typically, synthetic materials are used to create a water-resistant barrier. The water-resistive barrier will create a vapor barrier that will stop moisture from entering the house.
Compared to traditional stucco, the EIFS system is more energy-efficient. It is more affordable than wood, vinyl, copper, and aluminum. Synthetic stucco is a wise option in areas subject to strong winds and severe weather. In contrast to conventional stucco, it is less vulnerable to the elements.
EIFS is a fire-resistant material that is non-combustible. EIFS is a good material to use in homes where fire resistance is important because of its fire-resistant qualities.
EIFS Advantages
EIFS is a very energy-efficient product that also has a number of other benefits. First off, compared to traditional stucco, it is more affordable because it can be installed quickly. It is also a great option for places that frequently experience wind and rain. For instance, coastal areas benefit greatly from EIFS. EIFS is a good choice for places with heavy rain because it lets less water through than regular stucco. The substance can withstand both freezing and thawing.
EIFS is a long-lasting material with a 50-year lifespan.
It can withstand inclement weather and various outside elements, such as rain, hail, snow, and sun. In some circumstances, EIFS can aid in protecting a house from the heat of the sun. It maintains its durability since it is weatherproof. Additionally, the item is fire-resistant.
For simple maintenance, EIFS can also be painted over and pressure-washed.