Expert/Advice at Stripping Stucco off Facade?
So we bought a house whose facade is sheathed in stucco (synethetic stucco, or EIFS, to be exact). We really want to remove it but aren’t sure what we’ll find underneath. 1. can anyone recommend a facade person who could do this work? 2. and for anyone who has done it, any ideas of what…
So we bought a house whose facade is sheathed in stucco (synethetic stucco, or EIFS, to be exact). We really want to remove it but aren’t sure what we’ll find underneath.
1. can anyone recommend a facade person who could do this work?
2. and for anyone who has done it, any ideas of what the brick could look like? I don’t know if it was glued or propped over the brick. If was glued on, can that brick be repaired without replacing?
Grateful for any insights/advice.
Hi!
If you have brick facade underneath stucco you should not have any problems scraping it. The styro foam is usualy glued to the brick facade. After replacing the EIFS you can spot replace the existing bricks. Either pressure was or steam clean as required and re-point the facade for better waterproofing.
Ab general contracting is an experienced water proofing company which has dealt with historical facade restoration numerous times. You can visit them at http://www.abcontractorsny.com
Mike
First of all, the installation of EIFS system over a brick veneer is intriguing. I would assume EIFS was preferred to avoid a costly repair or beautification that would cost more than EIFS installation.
Second, when poorly installed(usually the case) EIFS system blocks the movement of water and water vapor. Especially older barrier EIFS is notorious for serious water infiltration and mold problems. So due to possible water damage the backing may not be salvageable.
Nevertheless, according to this text: http://www.supreme.courts.state.tx.us/ebriefs/08/08059206.pdf
“EIFS cannot be scraped off like paint or removed like nails or shingles on a roof. Removing EIFS from a home requires removing and destroying the exterior wall itself”
You can google “EIFS class action lawsuit” to get a better picture. It brings numerous posts from people going through litigation against EIFS manufacturers and installers. The main cause for the lawsuits are the significant repair or replacement of backing material which is not covered by the insurance companies.
Therefore, you need to know what you are up against before taking this path.
If you like, I can consult you evaluating the existing conditions and assist you finding a reputable contractor who has experience doing this type of work.
barispe@bldgengineer.com
Unfortunately eman is correct.
Do not initiate the job until you undertand that in most cases the brick has been damaged beyond repair, and that pointing will not be possible.
We have in the past peeled the front (finish) course of brick off, and gone to the trouble of having the mason rebuild the front facade with recycled bricks and new pointing.
A back wall would end up thorosealed, but a front wall???
EIFS is generally laid over a layer of styrofoam which is glued and mechanically fastened to the underlying surface (think lots of ramset pins all over the brick surface) THat probably caused endless damage to the underlying brick facade