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Stucco, Explained by the People Who Fix It
Stucco is a family of wall systems, not a single product. We install, repair, waterproof and maintain all of them on Georgia homes and commercial buildings, and this page is the map to everything we do.
- Hard coat & EIFS
- Installation & repair
- Waterproofing & sealants
- Homes & commercial
Request a consultation & estimate
Residential or commercial. We’ll get back to you to set up an evaluation.
We never share your information. Prefer to talk? Call (888) 592-1304.
One word, several wall systems
When people say stucco, they can mean three different things. Hard coat stucco is portland cement, sand and lime troweled in layers over metal lath, roughly an inch thick or less, and it feels solid when you knock on it. EIFS is a foam insulation board covered by a thin base coat with reinforcing mesh and a textured finish, and it sounds hollow. Synthetic stucco is a loose term that usually means an acrylic finish, either on EIFS or over a cement base.
The difference matters because each system handles water in its own way. Hard coat relies on a weather barrier and a weep screed to let moisture drain out. Older barrier EIFS was designed to stop water at the face, so any gap at a window or joint lets water in with no way out. Modern drainable EIFS adds a drainage plane behind the foam.
Since 1999 we have worked on every one of these systems across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Read more about hard coat stucco, EIFS and stucco repair.
Our stucco work, start to finish
Most walls need more than one of these over their life. We handle all of them, so nothing falls between trades.
New installation
Three-coat hard coat and drainable EIFS on new homes, additions and commercial buildings, built to the manufacturer’s specification.
Repair
Cracks, holes, delamination and water damage rebuilt from the substrate out and blended into the existing wall.
Inspection & leak detection
Moisture probing and water testing show whether a wall is dry and where any leak starts.
Waterproofing
Flashing corrections, kick-outs and elastomeric or breathable coatings keep water on the outside of the wall.
Sealants & joints
Failed perimeter and expansion joint sealants cut out and replaced with backer rod and the right sealant.
Maintenance
Periodic checks, cleaning, sealant renewal and small repairs for owners who want to stay ahead of damage.
Often paired with this work
Most wall problems involve more than one part of the envelope.
Stucco Contractor
Plenty of crews can trowel a finish coat.
Learn more
Hard Coat Stucco
Three-coat portland cement stucco is the original masonry finish: dense, durable and solid to the knock.
Learn moreTraditional Stucco Finish
The finish coat is the part of a stucco wall everyone sees.
Learn more
Stucco Cement
Most cracking in cement stucco is decided at the mixing board and in the first days after application.
Learn more
Stucco Base Coat
The base coat is the body of any stucco or EIFS wall.
Learn more
Stucco Mesh & Lath
Reinforcement is buried inside the wall, so nobody sees it until cracks appear.
Learn moreHard coat, EIFS or synthetic finish
Neither system is better everywhere. Hard coat is dense and tough at ground level and around entries, and it suits masonry walls and traditional architecture. EIFS adds continuous insulation and allows deep foam shapes and trim, which is why it is common on hotels, offices and larger homes.
On an existing building the question is usually not which to choose but what is already there and what condition it is in. We identify the system first, then talk about repair, recoat or replacement. If you plan to change a building, see modifying existing systems.
| System | Build-up | Knock test |
|---|---|---|
| Hard coat stucco | Lath, scratch, brown, finish | Solid |
| Barrier EIFS | Foam, mesh base, finish | Hollow |
| Drainable EIFS | Barrier, drainage, foam, finish | Hollow |
| Acrylic over cement | Hard coat base, acrylic top | Solid |
How we approach any stucco wall
Whether you need a repair, a recoat or a new system, the first visit follows the same order.
Identify the system
We confirm whether the wall is hard coat, barrier EIFS or drainable EIFS, because the right repair depends on it.
- Knock and probe test
- Terminations checked
- Age and history noted
Check for water
Moisture readings at windows, doors, roof lines and the base of the wall show whether there is hidden damage.
- Readings mapped
- Flashing reviewed
- Photos taken
Recommend a scope
You get a written scope that explains what we would repair, recoat or replace and why, shared through Jobber for review.
- Options explained
- Quote online
- Questions answered
Not sure what is on your walls?
Start with an evaluation. Knowing the system saves money on every decision after.
What our customers say
Homeowners and long-time commercial clients on working with ASR.
“Willy came today at precisely 8 o’clock and did an outstanding job on everything! I am more than satisfied and will look forward to calling in your company’s service again.”
“I have worked with Darrin on several occasions over the last few years. He is extremely knowledgeable and highly professional. He is reliable and reasonably priced. He does good work.”
“ASR has repaired the bulk of our recent new home that was wrought damaged stucco, termite, water, and mold damage. They completely transformed our home from the inside and out, providing consistent communication and quality craftsmanship.”
General stucco questions
Answers to the basics owners ask before they hire anyone.
What is the difference between stucco and EIFS?
How long does stucco last?
Is stucco a good choice in Georgia’s climate?
Do you work on both homes and commercial buildings?
Can you tell me what kind of stucco I have?
Talk to a stucco specialist
Tell us about the building and the wall. We will identify the system, check for water and recommend what makes sense.
Request a consultation & estimate
Homeowners and commercial clients alike: tell us about the property and what you are seeing.
- Call(888) 592-1304
- E-mailinfo@advstucco.com
- Headquarters138 Mountain Brook Dr, Canton, GA 30115
- HoursMon–Fri 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Send us your project details
Residential or commercial. We’ll get back to you to set up an evaluation.
We never share your information. Prefer to talk? Call (888) 592-1304.