Terms Stucco and EFIS are commonly interchanged, being very similar, having common characteristics. And information below applies to both Stucco and EFIS. EIFS is the acronym for “Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems”, Ok, with that out of the way, we can get down to business, and now we all know what the world EIFS stands for. 
Thanks for dropping by, and hope you find this informational. If you like, or wish to add something, drop me a comment below! Would like to hear from you. This system employs several materials for home’s exterior surface, making a fresh new, crisp look that adds value to any property no matter where it may be located. From 4′ X 8′ Styrofoam sheets nailed on top of rolled out Tyvek sheathing. Styrofoam is then covered with a 8 gauge mesh screen, attached by staples to hold in place. The fun begins applying EIFS Stucco like mixture, troweling on at an even thickness. Colorants can be added to this mixture, but not recommended, as will be explained further below in article. EIFS adds long lasting characteristics from most any climates, which is also wind resistant. If cared for properly, this exterior substrate will last indefinitely.
Benefits Include:
- Your choice of color – EIFS can be painted with any color, mixed at your local favorite paint store location.
- Protection from the elements – EIFS is best coated with an Elastomeric paint coating, having the ability to expand and contract 7 times it’s original size in a flat sheen appearance.
- Always looking New, and Fresh
- Long Duration to a true Stucco like texture, giving a look of Western Culture and neutral color schemes throughout the U.S.
- Can easily repair tiny cracks from settling, and will never experience wood decomposition, or peeling paint of any sort.
Important EIFS Painting Tip:
If you are building new, or having this type of exterior installed on your current home, do not add paint colorant to EFIS Stucco Mixture. Although may be less expensive in the short term, as this settles, one can easily repair tiny cracks and touch up paint if exterior was originally painted after EFIS was installed. If color additives added in Stucco Mixture, repairs will be seen as an eye-sore until complete exterior is painted, so it makes no sense to add color into EFIS Mixture.
Most people do not think of this until it’s too late, and having to re-paint for a complete and uniform look anyway, in only a short few years after settling has occurred. Furthermore, no paint touch-ups can be done once Mixture is applied, as this can never be match properly, so a complete exterior painting job is in-store. Therefore, painting new EFIS may seem an extra step, but will add significant savings in the short term.
Painting Exterior EFIS:
- Cracks larger than 7 millimeters thick, an Elastormeric Textured caulk can be used filling all voids, leaving similar texture as rest of surface.
- Cracks smaller than 7 millimeters can be filled with a quality Elastomeric paint, as paint product is being applied.
- Application of Elastomeric paint is properly applied by a spray method and actual back roll method. Using both forms of application insures proper coverage, filling any voids such as cracks mentioned above.
- Depending on exterior surface, a test portion is recommended, as paint can change appearance, and a flat paint or Elastormeric is suggested.
- Employ a Professional Painting Contractor, having vast experience, as this is not an easy one-man weekend painting job.
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Tags: Denver Painting Contractor, EFIS, Elastomeric, Exterior, Exterior Painting, Exterior Siding, painting stucco, Painting tips, Stucco
