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ALL ABOUT STUCCO
ADEX Architectural Coatings is a Quebac based manufacturer of exterior wall coatings. For 25 years, ADEX has been supplying the industry with products that are superior in durability with a focus on energy efficiency.
Stucco and EIFS
One thing we should clear up first before we start. Stucco is not EIFS and EIFS is not stucco. Though it is common for homeowners to refer to EIFS as stucco, the two are quite different.
What is stucco?
Stucco is a material made of an aggregate, a binder, and water. Stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid. It is used as a coating for walls and ceilings and for decoration as well. Stucco may be used to cover less visually appealing construction materials such as concrete, cinder block, or brick.
As a building material, stucco is a durable, attractive, and weather-resistant wall covering. The finish coat usually contains an integral color and was typically textured for appearance.
While we do have a few traditional installers of stucco, we tend to focus on EIFS since it carries energy efficient qualities while providing the same aesthetic values of traditional stucco.
What is EIFS?
Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a type of building product that provides exterior walls with an insulated finished surface and waterproofing in an integrated composite material system.
Basic EIFS (called Barrier EIFS) are generally made up of three (3) parts;
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A layer of foam insulation
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A layer consisting of a fiberglass reinforcing mesh ( or "mesh") embedded in a cementitous adhesive
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A final topcoat, usually referred to as finish coat
Another type is called an EIFS with Drainage, which is a barrier EIFS to which a water drainage capability has been added. This type of EIFS is required by many building codes on areas with wood frame construction and is intended to provide a path for incidental water that may get behind the EIFS with a safe route back to the outside. This would be the first layer added on top of your substrate.
Below is an example of EIFS with Drainage. Please refer to the labels on the diagram to get a better understanding of how this system is installed.
**PLEASE NOTE** This is only one example of an EIFS system. There are different options available depending on the substrate of your project.
1. Membranes
Membranes are weather resistive barriers with specific vapour and water permeability features. They offer total air barrier continuity, preventing air infiltration. They allow for better moisture management and protect the structure against water infiltration damage. A tight building is much more energy efficient and comfortable.
2. EPS Insulation
The expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid panel is the insulation component of the wall systems. The EPS panel has numerous advantages, including a guaranteed and permanent R-value, a high resistance to water and does not promote mildew. Made of 98% air, the EPS panel is very light. It contains no CFCs or HCFCs, and can incorporate recycled content. ADEX is the only manufacturer to have an EPS panel whose design is protected by patent. The innovative design of this EPS panel allows for better moisture management.
3. Basecoat & Mesh
The base coat and mesh combination serves several functions. It helps to smooth the surface and correct imperfections. In addition, the cement base and mesh embedded form a solid and resistant shell which solidifies the wall surface.
4. Finish Coat
The finishes are the visible part of the system. They come in a wide range of 300 colours and are available in 12 different textures.
Why EIFS is better.
The majority of users of our site choose EIFS. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing which raises property values, it also provides insulation which lowers energy bills. This can prove to be quite effective when renovating older homes with poor insulation. In new construction, due to the energy efficiency of EIFS, it may be possible to specify lower-capacity heating and air conditioning equipment without sacrificing anything in terms of interior comfort.
EIFS is an exceptionally versatile and attractive product, hence its popularity.
There aren't too many contractors (although we know of a few) who still do traditional stucco. If you think your home insulation is above average and just want to re-face your exterior, consider this less expensive option.
A closer look at insulation
Traditional stucco, since it's traditionally applied over concrete, block or brick, at the end of the day, provides no insulation. There's not much else to say about that.
EIFS is the exact opposite. EIFS is versatile enough to be attached to concrete, block, brick, masonry, plywood, various types of gypsum-based sheathings, and cement board. It's insulation capabilities are high.
EIFS add to the "R-value" of a home. (R-value is a measurement of the resistance to heat flow; the higher the R-value, the better the material's insulating value.) Most EIFS use insulation board with an R-value of R-4 to R-5.6 per inch as the innermost layer in the wall system. When combined with standard interior insulation, this extra layer can boost wall insulation from R-11 to R-16 or more. Great right? Wait, there's more.
EIFS can reduce air infiltration by as much as 55% compared to standard brick or wood construction. And since walls are one of the greatest areas of heat and air conditioning loss, improvement in the wall insulation can be very meaningful in terms of energy conservation. And heating bills.
For more on exterior insulation, please visit our insulation page.
Maintenance
Periodic maintenance of anything should always be exercised to ensure a long lasting life. The same goes for EIFS.
EIFS rarely need painting. Most EIFS systems are specially formulated with 100% acrylic binder, which gives it a superior resistance to fading, chalking and yellowing. As a result, the systems tend to maintain their original appearance over time. And since the color is integral to the finish coat, even if the surface is scratched, the same color appears beneath the abrasion.
EIFS has an excellent resistance to dirt, mildew and mold. Should the surface ever become soiled, it can usually be cleaned by hosing it down.
EIFS is great... when properly installed
In our opinion, the application of EIFS is not a DIY endevour. We always recommend properly trained professionals to do the work. This ensures longevity and protects what may be the largest investment in your life. An improperly installed wall or use of sub-standard materials can contribute to negative effects.
stuccocontractors.ca is the nation's most reliable resource for eveything stucco.
To start looking for a reputable and reliable stucco contractor in your area, please click here.
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