Everything You Didn’t Want (But Need) To Know About Synthetic Stucco

Everything You Didn’t Want (But Need) To Know About Synthetic Stucco
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In a good apple you sometimes find a worm – Proverb. Why is there suddenly a rash of defective building products? Do manufacturers "just not build 'em like they used to," sacrificing quality for profits? Are lawyers dreaming up building product claims to fatten their purses with class action lawsuits? Are homebuyers more aware or just more picky?

While these questions can be endlessly debated, the claims over defective building products keep rolling in, with synthetic stucco being the latest in a series.

What is Synthetic Stucco?

Concerns have been raised about Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems ("EIFS"), commonly referred to as "synthetic stucco." Traditional stucco, used for
centuries in Europe and in the United States without a problem, is a cement-like substance. Traditional stucco consists of 3/8" to 1/2" of cement base troweled onto a metal lath which is fixed onto the exterior wall. An exterior finish coat is applied to the cement. EIFS, the synthetic stucco, is a multi-layered exterior wall system. The layers of EIFS typically consist of: The layers of EIFS typically consist of: (1) an insulation board made of polystyrene or polyisocyanurate foam fastened to the exterior wall surface with an adhesive and/or mechanically; (2) a water-resistant base coat applied over the insulation and then reinforced with fiberglass mesh; and (3) a hard and durable top coat.

The final product is attractive and strikingly similar in appearance to traditional stucco. In fact someone unfamiliar with synthetic stucco may not even know the difference.

Do you want to know...
The Difference Between EIFS and Real Stucco?
What's the Beef all about?
moisture damage and addressing the problem?
What if a seller does not want to disclose?
For the answers Read More...

"Everything You didn't Want (But Need) to Know about Synthetic Stucco" by Seth Weissman