When creating a commercial building, EIFS has started to become the go-to choice for contractors. With functionality and durability in mind, it was seen as an improvement from the old materials and systems. However, reality was inconsistent to what was promised on paper. Contractors started to see all the issues with EIFS both during and after the installation process. This left many trying to find a better EIFS alternative that was more reliable and easier to install. 

Although there are multiple different alternatives, there’s one construction material that has delivered both functionality and ease of installation. Compared to the traditional EIFS cladding system, it proves to be much more reliable and flexible in its color design options.

Understanding the issues and limitations of EIFS can help contractors make better building decisions that not only save on time but also money for their project.

Why was EIFS a popular choice?

At the beginning EIFS was hailed as the better version of traditional stucco. It had improved upon the previous shortcomings such as cracking and better insulation. It even had more potential design opportunities and was more energy efficient. For a time, it led to a quick adoption until it was found to be not as ideal as everybody thought it was.

EIFS Lingering Complaints

From a contractors perspective, the main complaints of EIFS cladding was the extra costs of having to hire a specialized contractor as well as the lengthy process of applying the cladding. Having to hire another subcontractor for the job is costly and can dramatically increase the price of a projected project quote. As for the time it takes to install, EIFS is applied in multiple layers making it a time consuming process. In addition, EIFS can only be installed in the right weather and temperature conditions. This leaves only a small window of opportunity to install the cladding and during the cold months, it makes installation completely unfeasible. 

For the end user, there are long term issues with moisture resilience. If water gets into EIFS, moisture can wreck complete havoc into the structural integrity of a building. This gets even worse if EIFS isn’t installed correctly which can lead to costly repairs in just a few years.

To avoid these issues in the first place, the best approach is to swap the EIFS cladding in the beginning for better alternatives. These alternatives leave you with a more reliable exterior in the long run and plenty of customization options for any type of project.

A Subpar Alternative: Fiber Cement 

The traditional alternative to EIFS is Fiber Cement. It is weather resistant, durable and low-maintenance. They also come as siding panels meaning a more simplified installation process no matter the weather conditions. Though fiber cement touts itself as a superior EIFS alternative there are some issues you have to deal with when choosing this option. The problem with fiber cement that they don’t tell you is that it is multiple times heavier, meaning more specialized equipment to install and more costly to purchase per sq. ft than all other siding options. 

Now that we have seen the shortfalls of both EIFS and Fiber Cement, what would be the best siding material option that covers these issues in any commercial project? The answer might surprise you. The best EIFS alternative is probably one you have never heard of: STUCCO CLAD

The Best Alternative: STUCCO CLAD

STUCCO CLAD is a synthetic high-density textured architectural panel board that is weather-resistant, durable, lightweight and easy to install. Since it is a pre-engineered panel rather than a mixture, it can be installed no matter the weather conditions. In addition, STUCCO CLAD doesn’t compromise the architectural design aspect and has the ability to be custom tailored to fit the building’s design specifications. This makes STUCCO CLAD the perfect material for any commercial project both for overall cost and time of installation.

However, don’t get STUCCO CLAD confused with traditional stucco. It simply takes the design elements you love from traditional stucco and condense it down into the design aspect of the panel with additional custom options. It does not bring over all the known issues of stucco and STUCCO CLAD is easier to install since they are panels rather than an application.

The best part about STUCCO CLAD is that it does not require a separate specialized sub-contractor to install. A general contractor/carpenter is all you need to install these sidings into your building. This means that you are able to minimize construction costs and reduce communication errors.

Why continue messing with EIFS and EIFS alternatives when you know the problems they cause later down the line. Contractors can now choose STUCCO CLAD as the top proven EIFS material alternative to finish your project faster without compromise. 

If you have any questions about Stucco Clad or want more information, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 314-524-2040 or contact URESTONE for more information. You can also order a STUCCO CLAD SAMPLE to see the benefits for yourself!