Now, EIFS Stucco, otherwise known as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, is a modern method to cover buildings. It brings together underneath a single package, high-performance protection and extensive design options. EIFS helps buildings stay warm or cool, lasts long, and looks great because it has insulation with a finished surface layer. This system saves energy and can provide a wide variety of textures and colors in the design. EIFS was a giant step in building coverings: it would correspond to the different architectural requirements while being good for the environment and saving money.
A stucco exterior consists of cement, lime, sand, and water. This mixture creates a strong, watertight barrier that will complement any type of architecture. Stucco is preferred because it can be molded into various textures and designs that will give buildings a rich, elaborate finish in the end. It releases a significant amount of moisture from the building; hence, there is no risk of development of mold or decay. This makes stucco an excellent option where both functionality and aesthetic value are concerned.
Stucco walls are tough, durable, and can be designed in many ways. That makes the material very strong because of its layering, which can be a great base for many architectural styles, from classic to modern.
It can have a smooth or naturally rough texture, like stone, hence leaving much room for creativity for the architects while keeping the exterior of the building strong and long-lasting.
Exterior stucco gives dual benefits of strength and temperature control of a building. It saves from wind, rain, and sun, while insulation from the inside can retain constant temperatures inside that lead to reduced energies. This can also be finished to mimic most exterior surfaces, like brick or stone, making it a highly practical and visually appealing material.
Other benefits of Stucco are; fire resistance, water resistance and weather resistance
When it comes to Stucco plaster, there are two different types:
Traditional Stucco: This type of stucco is made from a mixture of lime, sand, cement and water. This is the oldest style of stucco which is still being used on some houses. It's a durable material but more prone to cracks as it is not much flexible and over time, it may require more maintenance
Acrylic Stucco: This type of stucco is made from a mixture of Portland cement, silica sand and resins. Acrylic stucco provides much better flexibility and resistance to cracking compared to Traditional Stucco. This type of stucco is available in many different colours and has variety of design options available.
The installation of stucco does require some detail in its application and needs a little finesse. This is where professionals come into play by preparing the surface correctly, applying the layers, and finishing the stucco to be smooth and long-lasting. Proper installation will bring out the bottom line in the money you are going to pay for this product in regard to its strength, energy efficiency, and beauty.
Stucco is mainly used for exterior walls of residential homes, as well as buildings. It provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing look. One of the advantages of stucco is, it can be installed on variety of substrates and surfaces. Stucco adhere well to all masonry surfaces, such as concrete, brick, blocks and more. You can also easily install Stucco on wood substrates, whether is traditional or acrylic stucco. Installing stucco can also be done over ICF(Insulated Concrete Forms).
The short answer is, NO.
When comparing the cost between stucco and siding, you need to consider some factors such as materials and labour costs, as well as the type of siding used.
In terms of the materials, Stucco is more costly compared to Vinyl siding. However, there are other siding options like fiber cement, steel, aluminum and wood, which can be many times more expensive than the stucco material.
Stucco is much more labour intensive, compared to siding. Stucco requires skilled craftsmanship, as it's a form of art. You need to be very meticulous and detail oriented. Stucco also has many different steps involved in installations. Siding on the other hand, is much less labour intensive, which reduces its costs.
When all these factors taken into consideration, you can easily say that Stucco is more expensive than Siding
Stucco is well known for its durability and longevity. When it's properly installed by qualified contractors, using the quality materials, it can last you a life time.
There are many substitutes for stucco materials out there which some contractors use unfortunately. This has a huge impact on the durability of stucco. The craftsmanship of stucco application also plays an important role in its lifespan. You need an experience contractor who knows what they are doing. You may not be aware when the stucco is done but, there are many layers behind the stucco which are more important, than the outer textured coat.
You need to also regularly inspect your stucco walls. Cleaning, sealing the openings and repairing the stucco in a timely manner will significantly extend the life of your stucco exterior.
You can easily clean your stucco and always have it look fresh, as well as prolong its lifespan. You can formulate a mixture of warm water and some dish soap, then gently apply the solution - using a soft-bristle brush - over the areas you would like to clean.
Mould or algae can be devastating for your stucco exteriors if left uncleaned. You can also use TSP solution to clean your stucco, which is readily available in most of the your local hardware stores.
One thing you should avoid when cleaning your stucco walls is power washing. Remember to use very low pressure when washing your stucco. Remember, it's not the power washing, it's the solution that cleans stucco. You are only using your hose or power washer to rinse your walls.
Dealing with the right exterior stucco contractors will produce good results. A reputable contractor like Holistic Contracting, has professionals working for them who have full knowledge about installing stucco. We work towards quality and customer satisfaction, and therefore, every job is completed meticulously so that flawless, long-lasting finish is achieved. A good contractor will also guide you into using appropriate materials and designs for your building.
Holistic Contracting is among the best and most on-time stucco companies. They bring concepts into reality with long-lasting gorgeous finishes. Their experience in stucco means that quality is maintained from conceptualization all the way to the finishing touches, thus proving to be reliable for building and renovation work.
Holistic Contracting gives detailed free estimates so that you understand the scope and cost of your project. This kind of transparency helps create trust and assurance that homeowners are comfortable investing in their property's look and function.
Holistic Contracting never saves on the quality of the material used for the stucco, so you can be sure that your work will look amazing but also very strong. The quality of the materials will help the stucco bear through different weather conditions and give it an excellent shape for years to come.
Basically, stucco serves as a great material for both protection and decoration of the exterior parts of buildings. In addition to being long-lasting and energy-efficient, it can be used in design by reigning in a particular look while maintaining strength and being low maintenance on the outside of the building.
The cost of stucco installation per square foot will vary, based on the type of stucco and complexity of the project. Some of the factors to be considered when installing stucco are;
These are only some of the factors that we take into consideration when pricing your project. The cost of installing stucco will range anywhere between $12 to $20 per square foot.
This section answers some of the common questions about stucco and EIFS, outlining numerous benefits which accrue from using this versatile material on your building projects.
Go with the EIFS for your beautiful look that lasts with strong protection. Holistic Contracting is on your side, as a partner dedicated to excellence, quality, and satisfaction. Assuring superior stucco finishing in your taste, their experience is sure to add eternal charm and energy to your building. If you are in need of best local exterior stucco contractors, look no further!
Related content: Does Stucco Insulate your house?
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