Stucco Cladding And EIFS Cladding

Construction & Contractors Blog

Stucco and EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) provide protection to commercial buildings. Stucco and EIFS products look the same, but possess different properties. Learn the differences between the two, prior to having the outside of your commercial structure updated.

Cladding Materials

Stucco and EIFS serve as cladding materials. Stucco and EIFS both possess peaked ridges. These ridges provide the finishing materials with dimension and a rough texture. Cladding products protect commercial buildings from precipitation, saltwater, and wind. They add thermal protection to buildings. Cladding can improve the aesthetical value of a commercial structure too. A contractor may feature pigment products that can be used to customize the color of stucco or EIFS.

Stucco Cladding

Stucco is made of portland cement (a mixture of limestone and clay). Stucco installations require a wire mesh base layer. This layer provides an adequate surface for the stucco to attach to. The wire also improves the permeability of stucco. If water infiltrates the metal base layer, the wire will efficiently drain the moisture.

A contractor will prepare a single-layer or multi-layer stucco system that will adequately protect a building's exterior. Once stucco products have dried, they will be rock hard. They will be resilient to many adverse weather conditions.

Stucco should be cleaned annually. The location of a commercial structure may require more frequent cleaning sessions. For instance, if a building is located near the ocean, it will be susceptible to saltwater damage. A contractor can assist with removing mildew and surface stains from stucco cladding. A contractor can upgrade cracked stucco and add a fresh coat of stucco to an existing stucco surface.

EIFS Cladding

EIFS is made of synthetic materials. The addition of an exterior insulation finish system will require a contractor to install a foam baseboard product first. The foam will lay directly against the siding that comprises a commercial structure. Next, a contractor will add a synthetic base coat. A top (finishing coat) will be added on top of the base coat.

An exterior insulation finish system will not be porous like stucco. It will not be as rigid as stucco either. EIFS materials are not as resilient as stucco. EIFS materials should be cleaned annually. An exterior insulation finish system may need to be repaired more often than stucco cladding. A contractor will provide a range of EIFS services, including patching and resurfacing the materials that make up an exterior insulation finish system. 

For more information, contact a local stucco installation company. 

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8 February 2023

Build It Better

Construction contractors have a very important job. They literally build the structures we live in, work in, and entertain ourselves in. They have control over how these spaces look, and also over how safe these spaces are. Some contractors lay flooring. Others install flooring. Some are generalists and do a bit of everything, from roofing to painting. When you start to understand the nature of a contractor's job, you start to really appreciate all of the buildings around you. It's that appreciation that we really hope shines through as we write this blog to share with you all, our loyal readers.