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.
Faux stucco, on the other hand, is made up of synthetic products and is widely used decoratively to create a grainy, plaster-like finish on exterior or interior walls. While traditional stucco is non-insulating, specific kinds of faux stucco can be made and used for exterior insulation as well.
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.
Stucco is a high end siding material, which is most commonly used on Contemporary, Mediterranean, Ranch and Spanish-mission style homes. The average cost to stucco a house is $10,000-15,000 for a 1,600 sq.ft. ranch house.
Synthetic Stucco (EIFS)It's more flexible than traditional stucco and consists of a moisture barrier, foam insulation, cement basecoat, reinforcing fiberglass mesh and an acrylic finish. Synthetic stucco is 80% lighter than traditional hard coat and more durable because it contains fiberglass.
The Process of Smoothing StuccoIn most cases there's no need to remove the old stucco to create a smoother surface. A stucco pro will simply apply a new texture over the existing one. The pro's first step will be to power-wash the home. After that, the pro will apply a new stucco base coat.
A Guide To Different Stucco Textures
- Lace and Skip. Lace and skip is the kind of texture you automatically think about when you imagine stucco siding—and you probably weren't even aware of that!
- Dash Finishes.
- Cat Face Texture.
- Sand/Float Finish.
- Smooth Finish.
- Santa Barbara.
- Worm/Swirl/Putz Textures.
If you want smooth stucco over an existing stucco wall that has a rough texture, it will cost about $4,000 or about $3 to $6 per square foot. For fresh installations, the stucco can be smoothed out in the final layer.
Fortunately, you can smooth over rough stucco by applying a coat of another product, and finishing with tools designed to give walls a flat, glossy finish. Say goodbye to rough, harsh stucco walls and turn your home into a sleek expression of modern style.
Product. Overview. Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Exterior Stucco is a premium quality portland cement based color coat finish material designed to achieve a smoother texture reminiscent of the many historical buildings in the Santa Barbara area.
When it comes to cost, stucco siding is among the most expensive siding options. Stucco costs between $6 and $9 per square foot. Still, because of it's longevity, durability, and energy efficiency, many find that stucco pays for itself over time.
Go outside and knock on an outer “stucco†wall of your home. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance you have EIFS. If it feels like you are knocking on a brick wall, it is more likely that you are knocking on traditional “hard-coat†stucco.
Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is an exterior wall cladding that utilizes rigid insulation boards on the exterior of the wall sheathing with a plaster appearance exterior skin.
If you want a completely new look for your stucco exterior, siding is an option that covers your existing stucco so that it looks like it was never there. Vinyl siding is a versatile and durable option for covering up stucco, but re-siding your stucco should only be undertaken by a professional contractor.
Spanish lace is an interesting, smooth-yet-not-smooth type of finish. The bumps are there, but they aren't rough like dash or sand. If your home has faults, then adding Spanish lace can cover it up. This is one of the few types of stucco that only requires two coats instead of three.
20/30 is considered a high-end residential or commercial level finish. Fine Float finish, is a scratch and double-same day two coat. Light or Extra Fine Machine Applied-Dash Finish, a scratch and double-two coat, allowed to dry between applications. Santa Barbara Mission Finish (SBMF) contains only # 30 silica sand.
Choose a latex paint made for exterior use and experiment with a small amount of paint and silica sand until you get a texture you like. Apply two coats of the textured paint to your walls using a low pile or sponge roller.
Stucco is a cement-based siding that adds a textured finish to a wall. It is made from a mixture of cement, sand, water and lime. It can come in a variety of colors and textures and comes in two types of stucco systems. These are known as the 3-coat system and the 1-coat system.
