What is Insulation Stucco?

What is Insulation Stucco?

Stucco itself is not a significantly effective insulating material. As a mixture of cement, lime, and silica applied in thick layers over a substrate, the material does create a concrete cladding over the exterior. This outer shell tends to require less energy to heat and cool the building compared to some other single layer materials.

Typical stucco does retard external noise transmission, an important attribute for those living near noisy freeways and other busy areas. 

But usually, when the term “insulation stucco” is used, the reference is to a more sophisticated building-cladding strategy known as EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish System. Simply put, EIFS is a scientifically designed combination of materials layered to prevent moisture accumulation and impede the loss of energy. EIFS is a superior wall cladding designed to reduce energy loss, enhance weather resistance, and can provide a beautiful stucco exterior.

What Makes Up Stucco Systems Cladding?

Stucco Systems by STO Corp, a strategic partner of ProCoat Systems of Denver is a combination of several compatible barrier layers beneath an exterior coat of stucco.

From the inside out, the STO Stucco System’s high-performance layers are designed to work together to form a protective barrier that eliminates moisture accumulation and reduces the total energy required to heat and cool the building.

Directly applied to the interior substrate, the first layer is an air and moisture barrier that limits moisture from entering the system. Second is a patented continuous insulation system with high R-value to prevent thermal bridging. The next section is a drainage mat and cavity that are designed to block moisture from entering and keeping it from accumulating within the wall system. The gap promotes rapid drainage away from the wall system.

The outer layer is the Powerwall stucco material that supplies additional thermal protection. A broad spectrum of premium finishes, coatings, and textures are designed to protect the stucco layer to keep it beautiful and functional for decades.

The STO Stucco System is easier to apply than many other exterior claddings. The layers are pre-manufactured and can be installed from either the exterior or the interior. The result is like coating your building in a warm blanket.

Contact ProCoat Systems

For more information about creating an energy efficient stucco cladding, phone the experts at ProCoat Systems of Denver. They will be happy to discuss the economics and practical aspects of surrounding your building in these energy saving materials.

Phone ProCoat Systems at 303.322.9009.

EIFS vs. Metal Cladding: What You Need to Know

EIFS vs. Metal Cladding: What You Need to Know

When choosing between a metal or EIFS cladding for any building, there are several factors to consider. Overall appearance, resistance to damage from weather, energy efficiency, and ease of installation should be primary considerations.

Incorporate these decision points choosing between metal or EIFS, an Exterior Insulation and Finish System.

What Is EIFS Construction?

EIFS is recognized as the most energy-efficient construction cladding for reducing long-term operating expenses. An EIFS building is sealed with specially designed layers of barrier materials to provide insulation and moisture resistance. The leading EIFS method is a scientifically designed system developed by STO Corp that engulfs the building much like an enormous thermal blanket.

And, any one of variety of attractive exterior claddings may be used to cover the insulating EIFS material.

Appearance

Metal cladding alone can be an attractive alternative to other external options. However, EIFS construction allows for a choice of exterior cladding options that have the appearance of stucco, brick, stone, or limestone to match surrounding buildings or the owner's preferences. Available in nearly unlimited colors with many decorative architectural features, EIFS cladding can result in the building of your dreams in every respect.

Resistance to Damage

Metal siding eventually succumbs to damage. Hail and physical impact from equipment and flying objects eventually take their toll on a metal-sided building and the accumulated effects can become obvious in very few years. EIFS claddings are far more durable and less likely to show signs of external damage.

Insulating Capability

In the category of insulation capability and energy savings, EIFS cladding stands as the reigning champion. With several layers of material integrated to diminish any loss of energy, the building will remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer at a much lower operating costs than with other construction types.

Metal cladding, on the other hand, is known to conduct, rather than restrict, heat and energy.

Ease of Installation

EIFS systems, incorporating all of the insulation plus moisture and air resistant layers, are manufactured by STO as an all-inclusive system. Metal sidings require special sizing and cutting using specially designed blades to achieve the right-sized pieces. Usually additional insulation must be added before the metal cladding is applied.

Contact ProCoat of Denver

ProCoat is a supplier for the innovative products from STO Corp, the worldwide leader in EIFS exterior cladding. For more information about EIFS and other innovative cladding concepts, contact the experts at ProCoat at 308.322.9009.