A wide variety of stucco is available, and picking the right kind for your house can initially be a little bit challenging.

This post was created to assist you in getting a sufficient understanding of the wide varieties of stucco so that you can proceed with making a selection that is based on accurate information.

What is Stucco?

Stucco is a cement-based plaster used as a construction material for thousands of years and continues to be utilized in modern construction. It has been used in some capacity or another in all many locations of the globe, and it is also a fairly frequent construction material in the Wayne area of New Jersey.

Many people have the misconception that stucco refers to just one specific material. Still, in reality, it is an umbrella word that describes a variety of construction materials that adhere to the same fundamental architectural principles.

An example of a simple three-coat stucco system used in the United States today may be seen in the picture to the left. The two different materials that are grey in hue make up the base coatings, also known as the "hard coats" in the system.

Stucco is produced by combining Portland cement, sand, and water. Once the mixture is ready, it may be applied to a wall or another surface to create a sturdy exterior for a house. It is meant to protect the building from the outside elements and keep the building insulation in place, and it may be applied to the substrate you are working with either by spraying it on or trowelling it on.

The term "hard coat" is given to stucco because it is often made with a foundation of Portland cement, the most prevalent hard coat base used in stucco systems. This is the "hard coat" used in stucco systems the most often, and it is also the component that lends the moniker "hard coat" to stucco. Stucco made of Portland cement is a material that is often used in New Jersey.

EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System) –This stucco finish is utilized as a material for coating the outside of the building. After World War II, brick walls were fitted with EIFS, which stands for exterior insulation and finish systems. These systems were first developed in the 1960s and 1970s. It was frequently utilized to preserve heating and cooling energy in the 1970s, contributing to its popularity during that decade.

What is EIFS?

A synthetic stucco application known as Outside Insulation Finishing Systems, or EIFS for short, is a system used to finish a house's exterior. The system is widely utilized in Europe, and its use on the American continent dates back to the late 1970s. The exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) utilizes a synthetic stucco that is strengthened with layers. The one-coat and the three-coat EIFS are the two primary varieties of this kind of siding. The one-coat is a single layer often composed of polyurethane and does not include a base or finish coat. A base, a scratch coat, and a brown coat are the three layers that make up the more conventional stucco application known as the three-coat system.

On the outside of the house, a barrier that is water-resistant will be installed. Synthetic material is often used for the construction of water-resistant barriers. If the water-resistant barrier is placed correctly, it will provide a vapor barrier that will stop moisture from entering the house. This will keep the home from becoming damp.

The EIFS system is a more energy-efficient alternative than the conventional stucco application. Copper, aluminum, wood, and vinyl are all more expensive than this material, which makes it an attractive choice. Synthetic stucco is an excellent option for use in regions that are characterized by strong winds and severe weather conditions. In contrast to typical stucco, it is not subject to damage from exposure to the outside environment.

EIFS, or external insulation and finish system, is a material that does not burn and is resistant to fire. EIFS is an excellent material to employ in residential construction projects that need a high level of fire protection due to its fire-resistant features.

EIFS Advantages

EIFS is a product with very high energy efficiency and comes with several additional benefits as well. It is more budget-friendly than conventional stucco since it can be put in a shorter amount of time. In addition, it is an excellent option for locations that often experience gusty winds and wet weather. For instance, EIFS is a good option for use in coastal regions. EIFS is a good option for locations prone to heavy rain because, compared to traditional stucco, it does not allow as much water to pass through it. Additionally, the material is unaffected by temperature extremes such as freezing or thawing.

EIFS is a long-lasting product with a lifespan of up to fifty years. It can withstand severe weather conditions as well as a variety of different sorts of environmental factors, such as rain, hail, snow, and sun. There are circumstances in which EIFS may be useful in insulating a house from the sun's heat. It can withstand the test of time since it is unaffected by the weather. Additionally, the item is resistant to fire.

To make maintenance of EIFS as simple as possible, it may be painted over, and pressure washed.