Polaris Market Research estimated the global stucco market size value at USD 11.65 billion (around CAD 16.5 billion) in 2023. Given its beautiful appearance, robustness, and hardiness, it’s easy to see why the use of this exterior finish has grown significantly.
However, traditional stucco isn’t perfect: Its cement-based makeup makes it prone to cracking. As a result, its maintenance requires due diligence, including caulking, patching, and repainting. If it sustains damage, repairing the entire surface typically becomes necessary.
Fortunately, with EIFS stucco, you can still enjoy traditional stucco’s aesthetic appeal while having a longer-lasting exterior finish.
So read on, as our licensed Toronto renovation experts at Rostica Renovations will discuss the top seven reasons to choose EIFS-based exterior wall solutions in this comprehensive guide.
1. More Flexible Than Traditional Stucco
As the Toronto government points out, the city now experiences more frequent and more extreme weather and climate events. The drastic temperature changes these events bring raise the likelihood of traditional stucco cracking and becoming damaged.
EIFS, which stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System and also known as “synthetic stucco,” can withstand such environmental factors better than traditional stucco. One reason is that these exterior insulation finish systems consist of several layers, including:
- A water-resistive barrier (WRB)
- An insulation board, typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS)
- A drainage plane that sits between the WRB and the insulation board
- A fiberglass mesh
- A water-resistant base coat
- A finish coat
- An optional water-resistant barrier for additional substrate protection
Thanks to its base coat and finish layers, EIFS is more flexible than traditional stucco. As a result, it is less susceptible to damage from drastic temperature changes, such as extreme cold followed by extreme heat.
2. Excellent Insulating Properties
According to Pine.ca, Toronto residents spend around 5% of their monthly income on utility bills alone. Electricity is one of the most significant utility expenses; the average household might pay CAD 130 for this monthly bill. Then there’s heating, which averages around CAD 51 but can be much higher depending on home and household size and the season.
If you don’t want to continue paying high energy bills, consider investing in EIFS stucco, one of the most energy-efficient home upgrades for building envelopes.
Because of its insulating properties, EIFS installation is ideal for energy-efficient Toronto home renovations. It is highly insulating due to its many layers, including fiberglass. Fiberglass alone is a good insulator because it traps pockets of air, keeping spaces warm during Toronto’s chilly winters and cool during summer.
EIFS also has a high R-value, which measures a material’s ability to resist heat flow. So, in the winter, it effectively blocks heated air from your home’s heating system from escaping. Then, in the summer, it helps prevent hot outdoor air from entering your Toronto home.
So, to reduce your energy consumption and bills, consider hiring a professional contractor to install EIFS correctly in your home.
3. Aesthetic Appearance and Design Versatility
EIFS can resemble traditional stucco because professional contractors can color and texturize it to mimic the latter’s appearance and texture. However, EIFS is so versatile that experts can design it to look like other building materials, such as brick, wood, and adobe.
Furthermore, you can get your EIFS system in virtually any color you desire, making it much easier to work with than traditional stucco. The final finish is also relatively smoother.
Because of its versatility, you can choose an EIFS system and have it designed in a style and finish that matches your aesthetic preferences and complements the rest of your home.
4. Lower Maintenance Than Traditional Stucco
Compared to traditional stucco, EIFS will give you less headache regarding ongoing maintenance. As mentioned above, traditional stucco is prone to cracking over time, so you’d have to:
- Pay more careful attention to it
- Ensure you adhere to yearly inspections
- Fill any cracks you see immediately
Conversely, EIFS is less maintenance-intensive, although you should inspect and clean it yearly.
5. Lower Lifetime Costs
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), stucco and EIFS can last 50+ years.
The primary advantage of EIFS in this regard is that, with proper installation and maintenance, it will require fewer repairs over its lifetime. On the other hand, traditional stucco may require more upkeep and repairs to keep it in top condition and ensure it lasts for many decades. So, although EIFS may have higher installation costs, it can save you more in the long run.
6. Help Increase Indoor Comfort Levels
An EIFS system’s insulating properties can help make your Toronto home or condo more comfortable year-round. It makes heating your home easier in the winter and helps keep things cool in the summer. Its many layers also provide additional acoustic benefits, helping dampen outdoor sound.
Additionally, EIFS creates a tight seal around your home, minimizing drafts. The fewer air drafts and leakages in your home or condo, the fewer hot and cold spots you’ll experience.
7. Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly
EIFS can help reduce your household’s carbon footprint or emissions by improving building performance and reducing energy consumption. Remember, human-generated carbon emissions are the primary causes of global warming and climate change. So, by investing in EIFS, you can take a step toward helping slow down these global phenomena.
In addition, the less you rely on fuel fossil-based energy sources (e.g., oil, natural gas, and coal), the fewer air pollutants you generate. In this way, you’ll also be helping improve Toronto’s overall air quality.
Ready to Reap the Benefits of EIFS Stucco?
Now you know that EIFS stucco offers many benefits, including being more flexible and durable than traditional stucco, offering excellent insulation, helping reduce energy bills, and improving your home’s comfort. So, if you plan to renovate your Toronto home or condo soon, consider EIFS as one of your top exterior material options.
Rostica Renovations can help you turn your renovation dreams into reality. Our team consists of highly experienced, licensed renovation experts who serve Toronto. We’re confident in our top-of-the-line craftsmanship, guarantee 100% client satisfaction, and back our services with a one-year warranty.
Drop us a line today to request your free quote and project consultation!