Stucco or EFIS or? [Archive] - Home Construction Forums

Mepop

06-08-2005, 11:01 AM

I am renovating and adding on to a large English Tudor home with lots of Stucco. There is not a single exterior wall that is not being changed due to window sizes, door openings and additional living space so almost all of the original stucco needs to be removed and or redone. Do I go back with traditional stucco or EFIS?

I have seen horror stories with EFIS but I don’t see it to be a problem if installed properly. From my research, it appears EFIS has less of a problem with staining or mold growth. I have seen where stucco can crack and be more of a maintenance issue. I don’t really care if it’s true stucco or EFIS as I am not a traditionalist so I am strongly leaning to EFIS. I keep hearing about the problems with EFIS but EFIS seems to make more sense. What am I missing here?

Mepop

06-08-2005, 11:03 AM

Sorry, thats EIFS, not EFIS, duhhhh

montytx

06-11-2005, 06:42 PM

I would go with EIFS. Its easier, just worry about matching the old.

plekang

06-21-2005, 06:02 PM

:oops:

Sweep

07-08-2005, 07:33 AM

If you use EIFS be sure to provide a "drainage plane" behind the insulation and use the reinforced hard-coat stuff.
Make sure the building code in your area does not restrict the use of it. Make sure the contractor has had a lot of experience with EIFS drainage systems. Check out his work. Make sure the system has properly designed horizontal drainage relief and sealant joints where the material meets other materials. Don't expect this system to save any money, now or later.

Read these web sites carefully:

http://www.nahbrc.org/tertiaryR.asp?DocumentID=2043&CategoryID=1718

http://www.dspinspections.com/eifs_facts.htm

Personally, as an architect with 40 years experience I will not use any system that relies on sealant to prevent water from being trapped between the exterior finish and the sheathing, even with a drainage plane, and especially with Tyvek as the underlayment which can often compound the problem. In my opinion EIFS is an expensive flawed concept and no amount of detailing or careful installation will provide the level of service expected by homeowners.