When we say EIFS we mean synthetic stucco and vice versa. On the whole, EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. The product refers to a multi-layered exterior finish and is also called synthetic stucco. It appeared in European construction shortly after the World War II, when contractors found out that it’s a good repair option for buildings damaged during the war.

It was in the 1980’s when North American builders took up EIFS as a building and repairing material. Initially, it was used in commercial buildings, and then applied as an exterior finish mostly to wood frame houses. Consequently, North American builders adopted techniques that had been successfully mastered in Europe. Synthetic stucco is usually compared with traditional stucco in the given aspects: synthetic stucco is soft and sounds hollow when tapped, while traditional stucco is hard and frail, and sounds solid.

Contemporary modifications of EIFS (synthetic stucco) consist of three layers:

-        The inner layer: Foam insulation board that is fixed to the exterior wall surface with the use of adhesive.

-        The middle layer: A mixture of polymer and cement base that is applied on top of the insulation, and then reinforced with glass fiber mesh.

-        The exterior layer: A textured finish coat.

Pay attention to the fact that synthetic stucco layers form a covering that doesn’t breathe. It can be fine when no moisture is present behind the covering, however, if moisture seeps in it can become trapped behind the layers. Having no place to go, constant exposure to moisture can cause rot of wood and other vulnerable materials within the home. Consequently, what had worked well as an exterior covering for concrete and stone became a double trouble when used on wood.

Talking about EIFS maintenance specialists most often concentrate on several crucial aspects:

-         All sorts of openings, for example, door or window frames plus the areas around flashings, must be sealed properly to prevent water from penetrating behind the stucco finish.

-         Gutter collectors have to be kept clean and placed to drain away from the house.

-         Avoid extending the foam below the grade.

-         Items that contact the stucco finish directly must be sealed stiffly so that no moisture seeps behind the EIFS.

Remember that swollen wood around door or window frames, mold or mildew on the interior or exterior of the home, blistered or peeling paint, cracked sealant or cracked stucco finish are one of the signs of EIFS problems. Nevertheless, today newer EIFS modifications include a drainage arrangement to help keep moisture from being trapped behind the covering.