Among our other specialties we provide Synthetic Stucco installation, stucco repair and stucco restoration for homes, residential property and commercial buildings in the Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona, and valley areas.
Synthetic Stucco Applications, Installations and Stucco Repair
Determining the difference between Synthetic Stucco and Traditional Stucco Walls or Siding is relatively simple. Unless your home or project is new construction, you might want to know how to tell the difference between the types of stucco on your home or building. Stucco walls whether synthetic or traditional look almost identical. One method to see what you have is to push firmly on the wall. If it is rigid it is probably traditional stucco, as synthetic is a little softer. The other method is to look for an access hole such as a vent or a light fixture. If you see foam core layering it is synthetic, if you see wire mesh layering it is traditional stucco.
Choosing Your Stucco
The cost difference between Synthetic (EIFS) and Traditional is minimal with synthetic stucco costing a bit morel. The actual benefits of both types of siding are based more on your needs or personal choice and area you live in. Some people that in live in wetter areas of the country or know the building or home may be bumped into a lot might want more rigid traditional stucco. Those people concerned with energy efficient siding or want ornate designs usually go with synthetic stucco.
Our company offers both types of stucco siding installations and applications, so it is a personal decision you will need to make based on design and budget. Contact us at 602 478-1355.The Difference Between Traditional and Synthetic Stucco
Synthetic stucco is a multi-layer siding application that includes foam insulation (usually polystyrene) board, fiberglass mesh, a coating of the synthetic stucco, and a final top coat. Traditional stucco on the other hand is created from sand, water, lime and Portland cement. The traditional stucco is a three-coat application over mesh screening or lath base, and often finished with a coating of an acrylic polymer that is expansive to help deter cracks. Though rigid traditional stucco has been used as siding for exterior walls for buildings and homes for many years, in the early 1950's a new siding was developed and used on some homes or buildings. To avoid confusion, it is also known as (EIFS) which stands for (exterior insulation and finish system). It can be a great alternative to traditional, there are numerous benefits for both siding types.
Benefits and Features of (EIFS) Synthetic Stucco
Synthetic stucco was developed to help patch walls after WWII in Europe, You can imagine how many walls need patching during that time. Once builders discovered it was energy efficient, some started to use it instead of traditional stucco. Its use became more popular after the energy crisis that started in the early 1970's. EIFS is thought to provide better insulation than the more traditional stucco due to the multiple layering. Because it is more flexible, it allows builders to add cornerstones, ornate keystones, and accents to a building or home that the traditional stucco application formerly could not support. In addition, there is no fading or yellowing with synthetic materials.
Benefits and Features of Traditional Stucco Exteriors
One of the true benefits is in wetter environments. being it is not as susceptible to water absorption or sustain damage by it, compared to synthetic stucco. Additionally because synthetic is a softer material it is not a tough. Traditional holds up much better against dings or other things that come in contact with the exteriors walls. EIFS's energy efficiency is a bit more, but is a minimal difference is degree. Both types of sidings are fire resistant, are great barriers to the elements and sound, and both types are available in a wide variety of textures, colors, and styles.
Stucco Repair and Custom Stucco Applications
Our company takes pride in our ability to provide custom stucco application and installation for any project. Please feel free to contact us for a free estimate for stucco repair or custom stucco installations.