EIFS Systems

Stucco or EIFS systems are one excellent material for building in Edmonton and Toronto especially when it is properly installed. These Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems are manufactured from water, lime, cement and sand. This building material is also used for finishing the interiors as well as the exteriors. However, its popularity lays in its use as a type of exterior coating for residential homes and buildings. In the United States, stucco was well received which resulted in the manufacture of synthetic stucco. This essentially means that there are two types of stucco i.e. the traditional one and the synthetic one. The two types are widely used in the building and construction industry involving both residential and commercial buildings.

The traditional EIFS systems are more synonymous with Edmonton contractors who have vast experience in the use of stucco and who understand clearly the advantages of the same. The traditional stucco is extremely efficient and beautiful when used well in a building. Synthetic stucco on the other hand is gaining widespread popularity as it is extremely durable and cost effective when properly installed. Traditional stucco is more solid as compared to EIFS which sounds a bit hollow when tapped. The EIFS stucco is a form of synthetic stucco. Experts in this field seem to differ with some saying that the Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems is not entirely synthetic but that synthetic stucco is a component of EIFS.

Stucco was initially used way back in 1980 in North America in the setting up of buildings and then residential homes later. EIFS systems consist of some three layers. The insulation board is the first layer followed by a polymer layer and base coat in the middle hemmed in by a finish coat as the exterior layer. This type of stucco is very durable although it is a bit softer than the traditional stucco. The most important thing to consider is to ensure that it is properly installed. Improper installation of the same has led to many home owners cursing EIFS especially when it is excessively wet.

It is important to realize that EIFS systems prone to attracting moisture which leads to their softening and consequent weakening. It is therefore important that before you embark on using EFIS, you ensure that you are sufficiently informed on all the necessary procedures. Use of traditional stucco is advisable if you have any doubts concerning the synthetic stucco. Moisture and water should be kept out of EIFS systems at all costs since they cause the sheathing and wood inside to rot which eventually results in the loosening of the bond. All openings like doors should be covered well to prevent the seepage of moisture. Properly installation of the synthetic stucco will see gain a lot from its installation as opposed to its problems when incorrectly installed.