FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “eifs” (pronounced eefs) or E.I.F.S.?

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems are multi-layered exterior wall systems.


A basic EIFS system consists of the following components:

  1. For residential projects. An air/moisture barrier over the substrate such as “Tyvek Stucco Wrap” or a liquid applied barrier as supplied by the manufacturer of the EIFS.
  2. EPS – Expanded Polystyrene “STYROFOAM’ in thicknesses from ¾” to 4’ and unlimited shapes including, column covers, crown molding, window and door surrounds or any design you desire.
  3. An open weave glass fiber reinforcing mesh in a variety of strengths.
  4. A 100% acrylic or an acrylic/cementitious basecoat which the mesh is embedded into.
  5. An acrylic co-polymer finish coat, which is colorfast and comes in several textures and specialty finishes, with a choice of standard and custom colors.

What are the differences between PB EIFS, PM EIFS and STUCCO?

Polymer Based (PB): This system is sometimes referred to as “Synthetic Stucco”. The system uses expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation either adhesively or mechanically attached. As well as glass fiber reinforcing mesh embedded in the base coat over the EPS, and an acrylic finish coat. This system is flexible and requires minimal expansion joints.

Polymer Modified (PM): This system is sometimes referred to as “One-Coat Stucco”. This system consists of two (2) layers of a secondary weather barrier. Followed by metal, plastic or fiberglass lath with a variety of accessories such as control joints, expansion joints, weep screeds, casing beads and corner beads. Next is the “One-Coat Stucco” a polymer (acrylic) modified basecoat applied over the lath in thicknesses from 3/8” to 5/8” applied in one (1) application. The final application can be a coating such as paint, or one of the many acrylic finishes. This system requires numerous expansion joints at a minimum of every 144 square feet.

Stucco: This system is also referred to as “Portland Cement Plaster, Exterior Plaster, Traditional Stucco and Hard Coat”. This system, as with the EIFS – PM, consists of two (2) layers of a secondary weather barrier. Followed by metal, plastic or fiberglass lath with a variety of accessories such as control joints, expansion joints, weep screeds, casing beads and corner beads. The basecoat for stucco has two major differences from the EIFS – PM, it is mixed on the site from raw material or is a premeasured bag mix of sand, cement, lime and water with no performance enhancing additives. Stucco’s minimum thickness is 7/8” applied in two (2) applications when installed over lath. The final application is the same as the EIFS – PM a coating such as paint, or one of the many acrylic finishes. This system requires numerous expansion joints at a minimum of every 144 square feet.


How long has EIFS been around?

EIFS was originally used in Europe in the late 1940s as a cost effective means to repair and insulate war damaged structures. EIFS was first used in North America in the late 1960s.



What colors are the finish coats available in?

All of the manufacturers have standard color charts from which you can choose. You can also choose to have a special color made from any color swatch.



What type or textures are available for the finish coat?

The standard finish comes in several textures depending on the manufacturer. There are also numerous stone and synthetic finishes available. Please see the manufactures links on this site.



Are there any finish coat colors that should be avoided?

Deep dark colors should be avoided on large wall surfaces.



Are there any design benefits for EIFS over Stucco?

The designs are almost limitless with both, since the insulation board can be designed into almost any shape and then adhered to the base wall. Virtually any cornice, arch, column, keystone, cornerstone, special molding or accent can be achieved with either.



Are there any energy efficiency benefits with EIFS?

Insulating the outside of the structure, E.I.F.S. reduces air infiltration and stabilizes the interior environment reducing energy consumption. E.I.F.S. can reduce air infiltration by as much as 55% compared to standard brick or wood construction. Walls are one of the greatest areas of heat and air conditioning loss, having the exterior wall insulation can greatly improve energy conservation. The insulation board used with an E.I.F.S. system will add an R-value of R-3.85 to R-5.6 per inch and will not decrease with age.



Are there any energy efficiency benefits with Stucco?

Stucco is more energy efficient than wood clad homes. The concrete slows down the passage of heat moving through the wall. This means that, with the same insulation, a stucco home will retain the heat and cooling better than a wood clad home. Air leakage accounts for a large percentage of energy loss in the home and the mass of the stucco slows down the passage of air moving through the wall.



Are there any restrictions to installing an E.I.F.S. or Stucco system?

Yes, as with any exterior cladding there are numerous restrictions. The most commonly ignored or unknown are: EIFS or Stucco can only be installed in temperatures above 40 degrees and rising for a twenty-four hour period (unless under heated tenting). EIFS or Stucco cannot be installed below grade. And EIFS or Stucco can never be abutted tight to a dissimilar material.



Is there a warranty for PB EIFS and PM EIFS?

There is no industry standard warranty. Each EIFS manufacturer defines their warranty’s coverage. The most common is a five (5) year warranty. Keep in mind that the manufacturer normally only warrants their materials, and not the installation of the material. Superior Designs, Inc. is a preferred applicator with manufacturers and can offer extended warranties that can include coverage of the installation.



Is there a warranty for Stucco?

Since the stucco is either site mixed or proportioned bags of sand, cement and lime the warranty is limited to the construction industry standard of one (1) year.


What maintenance would be involved with an E.I.F.S. or Stucco system?

Periodic checking of the flashing and sealing should be done to ensure that the building remains watertight. Cracked or deteriorated sealants should be addressed and damaged flashing should be repaired or replaced. E.I.F.S. finishes are formulated with 100% acrylic binder, which gives a superior resistance to fading. The systems tend to maintain their original appearance over time and since the color is integral to the finish coat, even if the surface is scratched, the same color appears beneath the abrasion.



Can the finish color be changed?

If you want the change the finish color this can be achieved by using a standard acrylic or elastomeric coating. A high quality acrylic latex paint can also be used.



What can you clean the E.I.F.S. or Stucco with?

Typically, simply hosing the wall down with water will be sufficient. Power washing can be done, but there is a preferred low pressure option which will not damage the surface. Contact us for recommended methods or products.



Have any questions, feel free to contact us!