EIFS Stucco R-Value

Unlocking the Mystery of EIFS Synthetic Stucco: The R-Value Debate

If you’re looking to increase the R-value
of your wall, EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish System) Dryvit synthetic stucco is a great option. Not only does it have a high R-value, but it also reduces thermal
bridging and air leakage, making it an extremely efficient insulation material.

R-value

is a number used to express a material’s thermal efficiency, and the higher the number, the better. However, just taking into account the insulating value of the material itself isn’t enough. The whole wall can be compromised due to thermal bridging and air leakage, which can decrease the actual R-value by as much as 50 percent or more in steel-framed walls, and 24 percent or more in wood-frame walls. Adding thicker cavity insulation does little when trying to improve the thermal efficiency of the wall, as it does not solve the problem of thermal bridging or air leakage.

Thermal bridging 

is the movement of heat across an object that is more conductive than the materials around it. An example is the wood or steel framing in the exterior walls of homes and
buildings. The wood-frame or steel frame walls create a path of least
resistance for heat. Heat travels through the framing, thus circumventing the
insulation properties of the wall. Thermal bridging can be a major source of
energy loss in homes and buildings, leading to higher utility bills.

Air Barrier & Continuous Insulation

This is why an air barrier and continuous
insulation (like synthetic stucco) are required to meet the energy code’s R-value
requirements. The this stucco system will greatly improve thermal efficiency of
the full wall assembly, and correct for all of its imperfections.

Conclusion

The exterior placement of an air barrier, and EIFS stucco insulation system are the most effective ways to eliminate thermal bridging and air leakage issues associated with stud framing and cavity insulation.

Call a professional Exterior Insulation and Finish System contractor today
to learn more about how this system can improve the efficiency of your home or
building.

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