Description
The term ~stucco~ is an ambiguous term, but is most commonly used to refer to EIFS in the Toronto and surrounding areas. 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 colours. 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 prevents mould in your walls by keeping moisture from entering them.
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.