Stucco siding is a durable material with lots of character to brighten up the curbside appeal of your Orlando area home while protecting it from the elements.
WHAT IS TRADITIONAL STUCCO?
When someone refers to "normal stucco," they typically mean the conventional type made from a natural mixture of Portland cement, limestone powder, sand, and water. Using a three-coat procedure, stucco is applied to a building, covering a foundation mesh that superficially resembles chicken wire but is actually quite different. The ceiling, walls, and other surfaces where the stucco is being put are then covered with it using a trowel. To improve the overall appearance and feel, textured finishes and colours can be incorporated.
BENEFITS OF TRADITIONAL STUCCO
For good reason, traditional stucco has been a longtime popularity in architecture: It makes for lovely siding to deal with. Additionally, it is quite reasonably priced.
Stucco dries rapidly, is simple to repair, and any final remediation that is needed is not too troublesome. Due to the system's simplicity, you can also incorporate more ornamental elements than with EIFS stucco.
WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE AN EXPERT IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING STUCCO
It’s heavy. Stucco weighs about 10 pounds per square foot.
If damaged, traditional stucco requires remediation of the entire wall.
Over time, stucco is prone to cracking and water damage. A typical stucco system may experience structural damage to the entire wall in addition to cracking, peeling, and chipping if water gets inside of it.
In severe weather, stucco is prone to buckling. In areas where the seasons change quickly and the weather is unpredictable, it can become extremely high maintenance.
WHAT IS EIFS STUCCO?
EIFS stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. With EIFS stucco, synthetic components are added in layers. One polystyrene foam board makes up one layer. Then a fibreglass mesh and a finishing coat are applied after that. Some systems have additional layers or water-resistant barriers. EIFS offers more protection and insulation than conventional stucco when such layers are used, but it also has some risks.
BENEFITS OF EIFS FOR YOUR HOUSE
The improved insulation is the main factor contributing to EIFS' popularity growth. Because EIFS is more flexible than conventional stucco, it is less likely to crack and collapse due to shifting foundations or heat expansion. More durability is provided by the fibreglass coating, even when exposed to severe weather. EIFS is also noticeably lighter than conventional stucco.
WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE AN EXPERT IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING EIFS STUCCO
The installation process for EIFS stucco is more complicated than traditional stucco. The multiple layers also need to be installed by an expert, since the risk of error runs high.
EIFS is more costly than traditional stucco.
You need to hire a professional to install EIFS. Incorrect installatui can result in a lack of water resistance and long-term damages in the future.
It is more difficult to customize EIFS stucco compared to traditional stucco.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT IS THE BEST FOR MY HOME?
The answer depends on the factors that separate traditional and synthetic stucco. Take into consideration your budget, your climate, and whether you would like a stylized wall or color. If you live somewhere that has a lot of inclement weather and precipitation like the Orlando area, EIFS is likely your best bet. If you live somewhere with more constant temperatures and less humidity traditional stucco might be best for you.
All this being said, EIFS is a versatile and durable system overall. While it is a bit more expensive up front, it will likely last longer and save you money in the long run.
Rockstadt Painting has years of experience installing Stucco and EIFS throughout Winter park and the Greater Orlando area. We would be happy to help you make a determination that best suits your home and budget. Give us a call today or request a free quote!
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