07 Apr What’s the Difference Between Stucco and EIFS?

Since its development in the 1820s, stucco has been prized for its unique visual appearance, as well as its robust structural resilience. Traditional stucco excels at regulating the temperature in your home, meaning you stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also reduces outside noise and is resistant mold, mildew and rot. If you’re not in the construction industry, you could be forgiven for thinking that a home’s exterior doesn’t get much better than stucco.
Get ready to meet EIFS. This finish delivers the same gorgeous look as traditional stucco, but with some innovative twists. Before you redo the outside of your home, take some time to learn the difference between stucco and EIFS building materials in Indianapolis, IN.

What is EIFS?

Traditional stucco is composed of a specialized mix of concrete, lime and silica. The combination of these ingredients has been adjusted and swapped out over the years to improve the final result, but the basic recipe for stucco remains the same. Though the final product looks similar, stucco and EIFS building materials in Indianapolis, IN couldn’t be more different.
EIFS, or external insulation and finishing system, is a series of several layers designed to improve and advance on stucco’s benefits. The first layer is a basic water barrier like felt paper or gypsum board. EIFS contractors will then leave a small space for water drainage before adding the next part. The next layer is typically sheets of expanded polystyrene that aid in insulation. After the polystyrene comes a sheet of nylon mesh and a base coat of acrylic polymer. Finally, the stucco look is achieved with another layer of acrylic.

What are the benefits of EIFS?

It may be helpful to think of EIFS as a very robust version of stucco. For example, stucco is considered very energy efficient. It’s insulation rating, or R-value, is about .20. The insulation in EIFS starts at an R-value of 4—that means it’s 20 times more insulative than stucco.
EIFS also weighs roughly one-fifth as much as stucco, which makes it easier on your foundation. EIFS has the benefit of being more durable than stucco, as well. And if you’re not a fan of the stucco aesthetic, but you’re hoping to get the same advantages the finish offers, the final layer of EIFS can be switched up to mimic almost any kind of home exterior you might want.

Stay secure with the stucco and EIFS pros

If you’re in search of stucco and EIFS building materials in Indianapolis, IN and the experts to help you install or restore them, then look no further than Knauss Property Services, LLC. Since we opened our doors in 1991, we have established a reputation for unparalleled customer service and top-of-the-line workmanship.
In addition to our stucco and EIFS services, we also offer building washing, sandblasting, commercial painting services, waterproofing and so much more. We take immense pride in meeting and exceeding our customers’ needs. All you have to do is pick up the phone or visit us online to get the ball rolling!