Traditional Stucco facts:

• A Moisture Barrier is required on top of moisture sensitive substrates.
  
• Three coats or layers with a total thickness of 3/4 of an inch or more -
  
• Scratch Coat, Brown Coat, and Finish Coat.
  
• Metal Accessories - Casing Beads or Stops or Grounds.
  
• Corner beads, and Control Joints or Expansion joints at 144 square feet.
  
• Flashings are required as a part of weatherproofing the system.
  

EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) or Synthetic Stucco
Since EIFS is a non-load bearing exterior wall system, the system's primary function is to provide a weather barrier, thermal insulation, and an attractive exterior cladding. When properly installed and maintained, the system will provide many years of beauty and function.

System Components:

• EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) insulation properly attached to substrate
• EPS properly prepared to receive basecoat.
• Polymer Based basecoat applied to EPS.
• Fiberglass mesh immediately embedded into fresh basecoat.
• Finish Coat properly applied to cured basecoat.
• Edges must be properly back-wrapped to protect the EPS and minimize damage.
• Details have developed over the past 30 years by the manufacturers.

Moisture Intrusion may occur at the following:

Windows and doors - Points of concern to be evaluated

• Look for peeling paint, evidence of water damage on the interior wall, staining on the exterior.
• Check for calking around window sills and door jams.
• Stucco manufacturers recommend a specific sealant for their windows

Flashings:

• Flashings at appropriate places direct water away from the house.
• Missing, improper or unsealed flashings where roof lines terminate into an EIFS wall will allow roof run-off to be dumped directly behind the EIFS.
• Water must be directed away from windows, decks, gutters, etc.

Caulking:

• Penetrations in the EIFS at decks, hose bibs, dryer vents, light fixtures, satellite dishes, etc. must be properly sealed with the appropriate sealant.
• All joints where EIFS meets a dissimilar material must be sealed with the appropriate sealant.
• Existing sealants should be adhered, soft and flexible.

Installation Issues:

• Foam insulation should be at least 3 inches above soft grade and two inches above hard surfaces. This prevents wicking of moisture and eliminates a termite path into the structure.
• The foam substrate should be properly back-wrapped in order to provide for proper protection of the exterior system.
• EIFS used on non-vertical surfaces such as trim and decorative accents should have a sloping surface to prevent standing water.
• The use of fiber in hard coat stucco mixtures will help prevent cracks in the stucco and moisture intrusion.