Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 2000 03:01am | #1

   *
   Kathy, I hold an opposing view to your suspicions. Dryvit doesn't leak; only the joints that deteriorate over time or the poorly installed system can possibly leak. Keep in mind, joints, like Expansion joints, need to be inspected (at least once a year) and serviced from time to time. Portland Cement stucco is classified as a Class PM (polymer modified) and is more brittle and less flexible. EIFS, like Dryvit, are a Class PB (polymer based) and are much more flexible, less brittle and need far fewer Expansion Joints. The only reason I would go with PC-stucco rather than an EIFS system is because of impact resistance, which is better than the "basic" EIFS. Other than that, you only need to find someone who knows what he/she is doing - try a certified Dryvit contractor. The industry you are questioning has now moved into accepting the fact that some of the necessary flashing and joints are going to get neglected over time and almost all manufacturers, like Dryvit and USG, are promoting "entire water management systems" which have a water barrier redundancy built into them. This usually takes the form of an internal passage for incidental moisture to travel away from the substrates in the case of joint failure.' Most companies are promoting high grade proprietary substrates/sheathing products to go along with these systems - products like Dens-Glass Gold, etc. So, I'd consider the Class PB systems - it's what gets used commercially for good reason. You never have to worry about the EIFS cracking like Stucco and needing repair. The only real repair to the actual Finish is if someone runs into it with a piece of lawn care equipment, and the like. Stucco is harder but rarely will you get to notice that in my estimation. Hopes this helps.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 2000 03:16am | #2

   *As I posted once before, at least one applicator around here is doing 3-coat traditional stucco (over lath or block, not EPS) but using the Dryvit finish as the final coat.Didn't get much of a reaction at the time in terms of anyone else doing this.Jeff

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 2000 05:48am | #3

   *b WBA At Your ServiceKathy, Yes, absolutely. We have several stucco contractors in the Lehigh Valley PA that are installing traditional stucco over diamond mesh and felt paper. Many good installers can achieve textures with stucco that cannot be achieved with EIFS. EIFS (Dryvit is a brand) has received a bad rap recently, which is unfortunate because it is a great product that can be used in so many ways that stucco cannot. The problem with it is usually not the product itself, but the installer. The stucco installers now fancy themselves EIFS installers, but the installation process is much more complex. Most guys like to leave out a step at the end, such as caulking around all penetrations in the product. This leads to leakage, major rot and mold growth and NO coverage from your homeowner's policy on a repair that could be $50,000. With all this in mind, I would still use the product on my own home under certain curcumstances. EIFS is a good insulator because it is usually used with a styrofoam base. It is also very resistant to the cracking which is a major drawback to stucco. If you want to use EIFS with styrofoam and the product will be used on the first floor, you really should spend the extra money for the heavy fiberglass mesh (often called Panzer mesh here). This helps with the kids baseballs although it is not a cureall. If an impact occurs and a repair is necessary, you will find that UV rays cause fading which prevents an exact color match in the repair. This then requires painting the whole side of the house. What I am trying to say is, try to stay away from EIFS on the first floor, but if you must, either use the mentioned Panzer mesh, or don't use the styrofoam which creates that hollow feeling. Lastly, ask your EIFS installer which manufacturer's design he is going to use on your home to take care of any water infiltration. Have him show you and your GC the drawings and make sure EVERY step is followed. Naurally, spend the time to check out his work on other jobs. Good Luck

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 2000 05:54am | #4

   *b WBA At Your ServiceKathy, Yes, absolutely. We have several stucco contractors in the Lehigh Valley PA that are installing traditional stucco over diamond mesh and felt paper. EIFS (Dryvit is a brand) has received a bad rap recently, which is unfortunate because it is a great product that can be used in so many ways that stucco cannot. The problem with it is usually not the product itself, but the installer. The stucco installers now fancy themselves EIFS installers, but the installation process is much more complex. Most guys like to leave out a step at the end, such as caulking around all penetrations in the product. This leads to leakage, major rot and mold growth and NO coverage from your homeowner's policy on a repair that could be $50,000. With all this in mind, I would still use the product on my own home under certain curcumstances. EIFS is a good insulator because it is usually used with a styrofoam base. It is also very resistant to the cracking which is a major drawback to stucco. If you want to use EIFS with styrofoam and the product will be used on the first floor, you really should spend the extra money for the heavy fiberglass mesh (often called Panzer mesh here). This helps with the kids baseballs although it is not a cureall. If an impact occurs and a repair is necessary, you will find that UV rays cause fading which prevents an exact color match in the repair. This then requires painting the whole side of the house. What I am trying to say is, try to stay away from EIFS on the first floor, but if you must,don't use the styrofoam which creates that hollow feeling. Lastly, ask your EIFS installer which manufacturer's design he is going to use on your home to take care of any water infiltration. Have him show you and your GC the drawings and make sure EVERY step is followed. Naurally, spend the time to check out his work on other jobs. Good Luck

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 07, 2000 01:47am | #5

   *How do EIFS do in shady damp locations..? I am thinking about doing it to a new cottage surrounded by a lot of trees right off the beach. The old cottage will be torn down.. It has moss growing on the roof and is a little damp from being in the shade most if the time.

2. 
   Guest_ | Oct 07, 2000 02:30am | #6

   *Yes, there's a building a couple blocks from me where they just replaced most of the cripple walls due to termite damage, and they did traditional three coat stucco. This is in Hollywood, CA.-- J.S.