EIFS & Stucco Inspection & Forensic Services
- EIFS / synthetic stucco

EIFS stands for exterior insulation and finish system, often called synthetic stucco. Instead of cement stucco over lath, it uses foam insulation board covered by a reinforced base coat and a textured finish coat. It looks like stucco from the street but behaves differently, especially when water gets behind it, so repair and inspection need someone who knows the system.
Most California homes with a stucco look have traditional cement stucco, and only a few listed businesses show EIFS in their name, website address or Google search results. That makes this a short list. If you are not sure which system your house has, a contractor can usually tell on site.
Traditional stucco is a cement-based plaster applied over lath. EIFS is a layered system with foam insulation board, a mesh-reinforced base coat and a finish coat. They can look alike, but they are built and repaired differently.
Tapping on traditional stucco usually sounds hard and solid, while EIFS can sound hollow and the surface may give slightly. A cut-out sample or a contractor visit gives a reliable answer. Do not guess before ordering materials or a repair.
If water gets behind the finish and has nowhere to drain, it can damage the wall behind the system. Careful flashing around windows and roof lines and prompt repair of cracks are the usual concerns, so ask any contractor how they handle water management.