Synthetic stucco, also known as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), is an exterior cladding system that was first used in Europe as an alternative to traditional stucco. Where traditional stucco is made of Portland cement, lime, sand, and water, synthetic stucco is made of acrylic and various synthetic materials. It has 3 main layers:
- Insulation board (made of polystyrene)
- Base coat (cement and fiberglass mesh)
- Finish coat (acrylic)
This layering system makes for very durable stucco. Here are four advantages of synthetic stucco.
- Energy efficient – Because synthetic stucco insulates structures so well, it increases the building’s energy efficiency. The insulation allows your property to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, regardless of the season, without making your heating and cooling system work too hard. This saves you a tremendous amount of energy.
- Waterproof – One common issue with traditional stucco is that it is porous and absorbs moisture, which can pose a problem for your property if it is not maintained properly because it can allow mold growth, structural damage, and a host of other issues. In contrast, synthetic stucco is designed to be waterproof.
- Lightweight – Synthetic stucco is about 80% lighter than traditional stucco.
- Flexible – Stucco cracks can be a major problem because they allow moisture to enter. However, synthetic stucco is very flexible, so it doesn’t crack as easily as traditional stucco.
If you’re interested in all that synthetic stucco can offer, give us a call at G.H. Stucco. As a company with over 30 years of experience, we are prepared to help you meet your goals for your residential or commercial property.