What is the difference between Dryvit and EIFS?

Having a house with EIFS, also known as Dryvit, isn't the end of the world. EIFS isn't a disease; it's synthetic stucco. And even though your house may have been built using it, with knowledge and proper maintenance everything can be just fine. EIFS is an Exterior Insulation and Finish System.

What is the most common problem with Dryvit stucco?

The most common problems with Dryvit stucco are caulking and sealing issues that go unnoticed over time. This leads to serious mold issues that can get into the building structure and cause costly damage, as well as causing medical issues for residents.

How long does Dryvit last?

Dryvit EIFS are designed to last for the typical design life of a building. The actual longevity on any specific building will depend mainly on the building maintenance program. Some EIFS facades date back 50-60 years.

Are stucco and Dryvit the same?

Dryvit stucco is actually the name of a stucco manufacturer, not an actual stucco system specifically. Dryvit is the name of the stucco company and they have different stucco systems including 3 coat stucco systems, EIFS systems, decorative systems and more.

Discussing Sto, Dryvit, EIFS and Stucco

How do you fix a crack in Dryvit?

Repairing Hairline Dryvit Cracks

To apply the patch, cut through the wall's lamina to expose a uniformly-sized area of insulation that is a bit larger than the cracked area. Sand the area with a belt sander to remove the finish before removing any damaged foam. Mix Dryvit's Rapid Patch, applying it with a trowel.

Is Dryvit considered EIFS?

Dryvit Systems

Continuous Insulation System: The continuous insulation system is an EIFS stucco system that utilizes foam insulation on the outside of the building to create an airtight barrier that prevents temperature fluctuation inside your household.

When did they stop using EIFS?

EIFS has been in use since the 1960s in North America, first on masonry buildings, but since the 1990s the majority on wood-framed buildings.

Can Dryvit be painted?

Acrylic latex paint is the best for using on Dryvit stucco as it is easy to apply and you can clean the same by using water and a mild detergent. When used properly, acrylic latex paint provide the stucco surface with a good gloss and color.

Can you pressure wash Dryvit?

The local Dryvit distributor can give you the name of contractors. CAUTION: If power washing by a professional, keep pressure under 600 psi and use cold, unheated water. Hold sprayer with a fan-tip nozzle at a 45° angle from the wall (not perpendicular) and keep spray tip at least 2' 0" from surface.

Where is EIFS banned?

North Carolina has banned the so-called "barrier" variety of EIFS in new home construction, and Georgia plans to do the same in the fall, according to the NAHB.

Should I avoid stucco homes?

Stucco can tolerate moisture and expansion only up to a certain point. It is not as good as brick veneer or vinyl siding for keeping water out of the exterior walls of your house during periods of heavy rain. It will repel water well in average climates, but it may not be recommended in extremely rainy areas.

How do you tell if your house is EIFS?

The easiest way to identify synthetic stucco (EIFS) is by touching the material with your bare hand. When you touch the wall where the stucco is installed, it will feel like plastic. You can also knock gently on the wall. If it sounds hollow and thin, you have EIFS on your home.

What is better EIFS or stucco?

The fiberglass layer provides more durability, even against hard blows from weather. EIFS is notably lighter than traditional stucco, however. It is 80-percent less heavy than stucco, but it has a higher R-value, coming in between 4 and 5.6, which is notably higher than the 0.20 R-value of regular stucco.

Is Dryvit waterproof?

A. The Dryvit Weatherlast products include a waterproof elastomeric coating and primer for use over exterior concrete, masonry, stucco and exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).

How thick is Dryvit?

Generally the minimum thickness of EPS for Dryvit EIFS is 1 inch. Locally, where clearance may be an issue (window and door returns, etc.). 3/4 inch thickness is acceptable.

Does Dryvit need to be sealed?

Contact Dryvit for information. Maintaining a weathertight seal around windows and doors is very important for any exterior cladding, whether it's clapboard, shingles, stucco, brick or a Dryvit system.

Can you paint over EIFS?

Painting or recoating EIFS is normally unnecessary unless a color change is wanted or unusually stubborn stains cannot be removed. EIFS buildings should not be painted like most surfaces.

Why do insurance companies not like EIFS?

A great deal of insurance coverage disputes arose over the years due to the tendency of EIFS to trap water behind a building's walls. As a result, many insurers implemented an EIFS exclusion in commercial general liability policies barring coverage for property damage that results when EIFS is used in construction.

Do people still use EIFS?

Yet today, EIFS are still around. About 100 million square feet of EIFS went on new and remodeled homes last year, rivaling any other siding material.

What's wrong with EIFS?

The problems with barrier EIFS cladding all stem from water intrusion. These problems include moisture accumulation in the wall cavity, subsequent wood damage and, in more advanced cases, mold growth and the infestation of pests such as carpenter ants or termites.

Should I remove EIFS?

Unless the adhesion of the entire cladding is compromised, during application the entire lamina became frozen, or the entire exterior has non-compliant mesh, there is no need to remove all of the EIFS (let the word “entire” rest in your memory).

Can you put Dryvit over stucco?

Tested in the lab and, more importantly, proven in the real world: Dryvit E Finish is the best high-performance solution for finishing stucco walls.

Can Dryvit be applied over concrete?

There are two TAFS™ options: Option 1 consists of Dryvit's tinted primer and finish, and is used primarily over rigid, highly impact-resistant walls, such as concrete or stucco. Other surfaces may be approved by Dryvit's Engineering Department.