A Dryvit Exterior: What Is It?

Dryvit, a brand that pioneered the exterior insulation and finish industry in 1969, offers a wide array of colors, finishes, and textures for efficient and beautiful buildings. Dryvit, also known as the Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), is a type of synthetic stucco siding used to insulate external walls. The brand, Dryvit, is known for its ability to provide a seamless and visually appealing exterior finish while offering a multi-layered system with engineered moisture drainage that incorporates continuous insulation and an air/water-resistant barrier.

Dryvit Outsulation is a high-performance cladding system for commercial and residential construction, utilizing exterior continuous insulation (CI). It is made of lightweight, two inch thick polystyrene panels with an acrylic coating that mimics traditional stucco. Dryvit offers numerous finish textures, more commonly associated with the look of stucco, concrete, and limestone. Dryvit is a cost-effective exterior insulation and finishing system suitable for new construction or refurbishment projects. The brand’s name Dryvit is often used to imply a stucco-like finish, but it is actually a complete Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) that focuses on enhancing the efficiency and beauty of buildings.

What is the lifespan of Dryvit?

Dryvit EIFS are designed to have a lifespan commensurate with that of the building itself, with the actual longevity largely influenced by the maintenance program implemented. Some facades have demonstrated durability over a period of 50 to 60 years.

What is another name for Dryvit?

Dryvit, a prominent manufacturer of EIFS products, is frequently employed as a synonym for “synthetic stucco” due to its pervasive usage.

What is the difference between stucco and Dryvit?

Dryvit, a manufacturer of stucco systems, is often confused with the company’s materials. Dryvit is a synthetic stucco used as the final coat of another stucco system, like EIFS, to prevent water from permeating other layers of the wall. Unlike stucco, which has been used since 1824, Dryvit was introduced in 1969 and is gaining traction. Dryvit can be added as external insulation to an existing stucco system, making it a more versatile option than traditional stucco.

Can Dryvit be applied directly to concrete?

Dryvit One-Coat is a single-coat concrete block application solution that obviates the necessity for a key coat slurry on concrete blocks.

How to identify Dryvit?

EIFS siding is a type of stucco that is not as solid as traditional stucco and has a slightly different sound and texture. It is often used as a decorative element and requires regular inspection to ensure seams are intact and the surface is not damaged. It is important to check after a windstorm to prevent limbs from piercing the siding and to avoid attaching items that puncture the surface, such as mailboxes, hose holders, street numbers, and planter boxes.

EIFS should not contact the ground or other surfaces where water accumulates, as this could allow moisture to be absorbed through the bottom of the wall. Some brands may require specific repair techniques, so it is essential to consult a professional if necessary. Proper installation is crucial for the product’s performance, and to qualify for a warranty, the installer must be certified by the manufacturer.

How long will Dryvit last?

Dryvit EIFS are designed to have a lifespan commensurate with that of the building itself, with the actual longevity largely influenced by the maintenance program implemented. Some facades have demonstrated durability over a period of 50 to 60 years.

What is exterior Dryvit?

Dryvit® is an exterior insulation and finish system that incorporates continuous insulation and an air/water-resistant barrier. It offers architectural shapes, adhesives, base coats, air/water/vapor barriers, flashing, coatings, stain options, elastomeric finishes, metallic coating, primers/sealers/accessories, reinforcing meshes, stone, masonry, quartz finishes, and textured finishes. These shapes can add a stately, classical architecture aesthetic without the structural demands, material weight, labor requirements, or environmental impacts of actual stonework.

Does Dryvit need to be painted?

The application of sealant is a relatively straightforward process that can be enhanced by the input of a professional to ensure a neat appearance, prolonged protection, and the safeguarding of the property. While Dryvit finishes may never require repainting, the addition of a new color can be made at any time should one desire to do so.

What is the problem with Dryvit?

Water penetration into EIFS insulation boards is not the issue, as water can easily penetrate wood and brick exterior finishes. However, some civil engineers argue that the insulation system can leave water trapped within, causing it to collect moisture and not drain or evaporate. To address this, the EIFS industry has developed a more drainable exterior finish, which includes a secondary moisture barrier and a drainage mat with weep holes in the bottom. This new “drainable” or “water-managed” system allows water to escape and promotes energy efficiency.

What are the benefits of Dryvit?

Moisture-drainage EIFS, which adds insulation to external walls, serves to eliminate thermal bridges, stabilize interior environments, minimize thermal shock, and enhance weatherability by providing a second line of defense against air, moisture, and weather.