Dear Tim,
We are in the planning stages of house building and the house plan we have selected would look fabulous with an EIFS finish. From what I have read on your website, it sounds as if I should steer clear of the EIFS finish. Is there a good EIFS finish? I really like the looks of the exterior finish. What are some other breathable options like EIFS?
Nichole Rueckert
South Dakota
Nicole,
You have read my columns, so you know how I feel. The EIFS people will tell you their products are fine. I still have very basic philisophical differences with them becasue of the formulation of the products. The EIFS manufactures will tell you that their products absolutely positively block and stop the movement of liquid water. This is not good in my opinion as water can possibly get trapped behind the EIFS coating. The EIFS people all make drainable systems, but if there is a flaw in the installtion, what happens?
In my opinion you are making a wise decision. I must have failed you because in a past column I discuss traditional cement stucco. Cement stucco is what you are looking for and it can be permanently tinted just about any color as EIFS is. You can mix colors and textures and make your stucco home two or three tones, one color or leave it the natural gray stucco color.
I love traditional cement stucco because it breathes and will last far longer than you or I on this Earth if done right. After all, you are simply applying a man-made stone to your home. What is more durable than stone?
Contact the Portland Cement Association. They have a bookstore and sell a fantastic Cement Stucco Manual that outlines exactly how cement stucco should be mixed, installed and finished. Follow those guidelines to the letter and you will end up with a superb home.
Tim Carter
www.askthebuilder.com
W3ATB