Anything New on Drivit or Similar Material?
Hilltopper
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Would like to know if anyone has any new info in the last 5 years of how drivit holds up on homes. We are building a Spanish style house in the mid-atlantic with a clay tile roof. Should we use drivit or stucco and how do we find the best person to do the job?
Replies
EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finish System) vs Stucco
When you speak of Spanish Style with clay tile roof, I am assuming that you are refering to a Spanish Colonial opposed to Adobe Style. I mention this because Adobe style involves a few other considerations.
As to EIFS vs Stucco, it gets down to the quality of application. Although one would expect a quality application for both, it has been my experience that Stucco can be a little more forgiving than EIFS. ANY moisture that gets trapped behind an EIFS installation can be fatal. It is critical in both systems, but expecially EIFS, that all openings and penitrations be done using best standard pratices and per the mfrs. specification and instructions.
I have used EIFS on commercial work with very good results. I have not used it on residential. On residential, I use a standard 3 coat system over ply'd / osb sheathing. For my taste, EIFS has a too uniform look to it. I like the more irregular / natural look of stucco.
This is just my personal view and I expect that others may not agree, That's what makes the world go around as they say.
EIFS vs Stucco
I (wife) like the stucco look better too, but don't know if anyone around here does that these days. I would prefer it. Yes, we are building a Spanish colonial style as opposed to adobe. My husband has met with one certified EIFS installer this past week who does mostly commercial applications, but we will look at some of his residential work before we decide. Thanks for your helpful information.
hill
The devil is in the details-water management.
Ask questions of the commercial installer as much of that it over steel studs and as a block facade.
All the nooks a crannies of residential complicate the flashing details (as do the windows/doors).
EIFS/Dryvit systems need specific drainange details to work correctly. Dryvit has an installation manual on their website - ask to see a previously installed application and see if they followed the instructions. The key is to look for the drainage plane on the bottom and at seams.
EIFS/Dryvit
Good info, thanks.