Hello all,

I'm getting ready to do a foam retrofit on a 1948 brick home in Denver, CO.  We're looking at 2" of xps or eps (probably whichever is cheaper at time of purchase) and would like to finish with stucco, but aren't sure the proper way to adhere it to the foam.

EIFS is the leading option at this point for its lack of thickness and low weight.

Do I need a layer of paper between the foam and the EIFS?  Two layers?  Kraft?  Roofing felt?  Tyvek?  I know I need to stay away from full-fledged vapor barriers, but do I need to have SOME form of bond break between the foam and the finish, or is EIFS sufficiently stretchy that it won't crack if it expands/contracts at a different rate than the underlying polystyrene?

Thanks!
charlie
denver, co

For EIF's stucco material goes right over foam - Check out  PAREX.
lisa

It goes right over foam with a mesh. The ICF/EIFS coatings are very nice, I got some samples. One sample has a waterproofing that looks like it is the same as their base-coat for above grade. I like the idea of applying the base-coat from footing to roof and covering the above grade with a finish coat.

cool. will look further into synthetic products. Now it's a matter of fastening the foam reasonably . . .