Written by Stucco Champions — Southern California’s Authority on Exterior Plastering.
What Is Dryvit? Demystifying Brand vs. System
In the construction industry, "Dryvit" has become like "Kleenex" or "Band-Aid"—a brand name used to describe an entire category of products. When a homeowner asks, "Is my house Dryvit?" they are usually asking, "Is my house Synthetic Stucco (EIFS)?"
Dryvit Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of exterior cladding, but they produce a wide range of products, from traditional cement stucco to advanced energy-efficient foam systems. This guide clears up the confusion and explains the difference between a "Hard Coat" and the famous "Outsulation" system.
1. The "Kleenex" Effect: EIFS Explained
When people say "Dryvit," they almost always refer to EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System). This was popularized in the 1980s as an energy-efficient alternative to traditional stucco.
- Insulation Board: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam glued to the exterior sheathing.
- Base Coat: A cementitious adhesive troweled over the foam.
- Mesh: Fiberglass grid embedded in the base coat for strength.
- Finish: A textured acrylic polymer coating (Synthetic Stucco).
2. Dryvit vs. Traditional Stucco: The Breakdown
Dryvit manufactures materials for both systems, but they function differently physics-wise.
EIFS (Synthetic / Foam System)
Behavior: Flexible, lightweight, and highly insulating (High R-Value).
Pros: Reduces energy bills, resists cracking due to flexibility, and allows for complex architectural shapes (cornices/columns).
Cons: It is a "barrier system." If water gets behind the foam (usually via failed window caulk), it cannot evaporate. This traps moisture against the wood framing, leading to dry rot.
Traditional Hard Coat (Cement System)
Behavior: Rigid, heavy, and breathable.
Pros: Highly impact resistant (baseball proof), fire-resistant (1-hour rating), and permeable (allows the wall to breathe).
Cons: Prone to hairline cracking and offers very little insulation value.
3. How to Identify Your System
Not sure what is on your house? Perform the "Thumb Test."
- Push on the wall: If you can press your thumb into the texture and it feels slightly spongy or hollow, it is EIFS (Synthetic).
- Knock on the wall: If it hurts your knuckles and sounds like a solid rock, it is Traditional Hard Coat.
4. Modern Solutions: The New Dryvit
Technology has evolved. Dryvit now offers "Drainage EIFS," which solves the old water-trapping problem by adding a drainage plane behind the foam.
They also offer "NewBrick," a lightweight brick veneer that matches the weight of stucco but the look of masonry.
If your home is EIFS (Dryvit), you must maintain the sealant joints around windows and doors. Unlike traditional stucco which has building paper to shed water, EIFS relies 100% on the surface seal. If the caulk fails, the system fails.
Conclusion: Know Your Cladding
Whether you have a Dryvit EIFS system or a Dryvit Hard Coat system, maintenance is key. EIFS requires specialized acrylic coatings and rigorous sealant maintenance, while hard coat requires breathable masonry paints. Knowing the difference ensures you don't apply the wrong repair material.
Last week, we shared Stucco Systems: Identifying What Is On Your Home. If you are still unsure if you have EIFS or Stucco, check this guide.
