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Services for Real Estate Pros with Modern Wall Systems 07240-47

Modern Wall Systems EIFS & Stucco Renovations

If you are looking to have your house or your clients house - new or old - renovated with EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish Systems, or "synthetic stucco") in the Hampton Roads Area, there is no reason not to get a quote from Santanabiz.com.

You might be wondering, why?

1. There are no charges, and no obligations.
If you are seriously considering renovating with stucco, we will give you all the information you require to make an informed decision, and you are under no commitment to purchase anything off of us. How can we afford to do this? Put simply, most people choose to use our contractors in the end.

2. We educate you.
Too many stucco contractors thrive off of providing low-quality, low-value services, and over-charging for it because the home owners don't know any better.Don't be made a fool of by these unscrupulous contractors. In fact, by not educating yourself about this high risk (if done improperly), high reward renovation - you are setting yourself up for disaster.

3. We tailor each project to our clients' individual needs.
There are dozens of details that need to be addressed to meet your particular reasons for renovating or repairs. By targetting these goals, we are able to deliver the highest possible quality, while potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

What is Stucco & EIFS
The term "Stucco" is an ambiguous term, but is most commonly used to refer to EIFS in the United States. EIFS is the beautiful material you see on homes that has a fine texture, is typically customized with mouldings, and has an unlimited range of colors. Under the surface, it has a layer of modified cement with an embedded fibreglass mesh that makes it simultaneously strong and flexible (to prevent cracking), a layer of energy preserving insulation, and a weather barrier that keeps moisture out of your walls.

EIFS itself has a spotted history, and there are many different systems and materials out there. When acquiring bids, you want to ensure that all the contractors are specifying the same system - the most up to date one. Previous EIF-systems used inefficient screws to adhere the insulation, did not have a weather barrier and used cheaper materials, resulting in pre-mature failure.

Here's a scenario that plays itself out constantly: On a $15,000 renovation a home owner got a quote for$13,000 from a contractor because they did not ask the right questions, and the contractor used an old faulty system (or simply excluded some unseen components). The home owner, thinking they were a great negotiator, thinks that they saved $2,000. However, 5 or 10 years down the road during a standard home inspection mold and rot is discovered. Not only has it affected the stucco and sheathing, but it made it's way into the studs. You now have costs of $7,000+ for mold remediation, $10,000+ to replace your structural wall studs, $15,000 to re-do your stucco the right way, and if you can find the contractor, another $30,000 to sue them. Save yourself the headache and hire a competent EIFS professional with a proven track record.

 

Comments(6)

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Marilyn Boudreaux
Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

informative post, I know that when working with relocation clients they cannot purchase a home with EIFS stucco on it

Aug 24, 2011 05:59 PM
Ed Santana
Modern Wall Systems - Virginia Beach, VA
Modern Wall Systems, EIFS Wall Systems Specialist

Really? I don't know why not. Apparently the folks who make those decisions are still living in the 90's. EIFS and stucco systems have come a long way. But you are right there is definitely a stigma associated with EIFS. But what I don't understand is why, if the system is sooo bad why do so many affluent people choose to have EIFS on their homes. I know of a couple of reasons. Curb appeal for starters. The design flexibility is unmatched when compared to any wall cladding. Another reason is energy savings.

Aug 24, 2011 06:08 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

So tell us more about synthetic stucco systems and how they are different from traditional stucco.

Aug 24, 2011 06:27 PM
Steve Stenros
Poway,La Jolla,Del Mar,Mira Mesa,Carlsbad,Escondido,Temecula - San Diego, CA
CREIA MCI, ICC, ACI Home Inspector,San Diego

Thanks Rob. Many folks aren't aware of the concerns associated with a poorly installed EIFS system. You should write an educational post on the ins and outs of EIFS. If installed correctly and maintained, it can be a good exterior system.

Aug 24, 2011 06:29 PM
Ed Santana
Modern Wall Systems - Virginia Beach, VA
Modern Wall Systems, EIFS Wall Systems Specialist

Well, here we go. Traditional stucco is basically sand and cement embedded in metal lath or applied directly to a solid base such as concrete or masonry walls. Hard coat stucco is actually concrete but without the aggregate. It has been around since the beginning of civilization. You can find it anywhere from the Egyptian pyramids to the Roman cathedrals. I would venture to say stucco, conventional or otherwise, will be around for a very long time. That said, stucco has its pros and cons as does virtually every wall cladding. For starters as I mentioned earlier it is basically a concrete system and as you all know concrete has a tendency to crack; especially if its one inch thick vertical concrete. Remember, buildings settle thanks to gravity and so cracks in hard coat stucco are inevitable.

EIFS on the other hand is a far more superior wall cladding in my opinion due to the fact that on every level EIFS out performs traditional stucco. Design flexibility is a major plus. Most people get EIFS homes or building because they want a facade that looks nice. Lets face it. Most EIFS homes are beautiful architectural masterpieces. At least most of the buildings I work on are. EIFS are crack resistant, because the lamina (polymer modified basecoat, fiberglass mesh & acrylic finish coat) is only 3/8" thick and sits on expanded polyurethane insulation/foam. The foam acts as a buffer between the substrate and the stucco, hence no cracks. 

Special services most people know little about.

Check out some of the manufacturer sites.

Aug 24, 2011 07:09 PM
Ed Santana
Modern Wall Systems - Virginia Beach, VA
Modern Wall Systems, EIFS Wall Systems Specialist

By the way Steve, you are right. EIFS is a great system if properly applied. I've had EIFS on my home for close to twenty years and I've never had a single problem. Ever. Granted, my men are highly skilled and I did supervise them from start to finish. I guess it pays to have quality control initiatives in place from the outset.

Aug 24, 2011 07:25 PM