![]() ![]() This will not be present in stucco, though you may indeed be able to see the edge of the metal mesh under the base coat.īy using these three different test methods, you should be able to identify whether or not you have traditional stucco or if an EIFS system was used in the construction of the structure. If you can see the Styrofoam board, you have EIFS. Remove an outside light fixture, gutter trap, intercom, or any other object that is installed into the wall in or around the stucco/EIFS. If you are still not sure whether or not you have EIFS or stucco you should check installation points. With stucco insulation, you do not have this. When installing an EIFS system, the baseboard uses an extension system that is not always completely covered. If you can feel cladding that comes out from the foundation close to an inch (or more) you probably have EIFS insulation on your wall. Often times at the base of the construction foundation there is a gap between the bottom of the stucco/EIFS insulation on the wall and the ground itself.įeel the area under the stucco/EIFS. The entire stucco system is like a single large rock, so you can easily tell the difference with this knocking test.Īnother way to test for stucco or EIFS is to check the gap. With stucco, it should feel like knocking on stone. This is because the sound travels through the Styrofoam base, hits the wall behind it, and then reverberates back. If it has a hollow sound, it likely is EIFS. One of the best ways to test out the material is to perform what is known as the “ Knock test.”Go outside and knock on the material. It can prove difficult to instantly identify one from the other by just looking at it. If you did not install the material yourself, you may still wonder whether or not you have traditional stucco or EIFS. The pores can prove helpful in some climates, as fluctuation can prevent cracking. Essentially, it allows the stone to breathe. This allows some moisture to move both in and out of the wall. The traditional stucco system, on the other hand, is naturally porous. The synthetic stucco used in EIFS will not allow water to pass through, either in liquid or vapor form, due to the solid nature of the material. However, while one is synthetic and the other is an actual layer of rock, there are some ways to identify differences. Breathable Propertiesīoth Stucco and EIFS can appear similar at first glance. Once in place, a base coat is applied, followed by a finish coat. In most cases, this board will be made of styrofoam. On the other hand, EIFS uses a baseboard that is installed in the desired location. Aside from giving the stucco a surface to attach to, the wire mesh also permits water within the structure to drain. ![]() Once the wire mesh is in place, the layer of stucco is applied above. This structure serves as a foundation for the rock material. ![]() When installing stucco, a wire mesh structure is created. Stucco and EIFS are installed in two different ways. Three EIFS And Stucco Test Methods The Installation Process If you’ve ever wondered what kind of material coats the exterior of your house, here are a few ways you can identify each. On the other hand, there exists a similar material known as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), which is a softer, synthetic material that does not provide as much protection as stucco. ![]()
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