Expect EIFS repair costs to average $400 for 10 square feet. Overall, you'll spend between $300 and $500 for the same, depending on the cause and location of the damage.
The average EIFS repair costs fall between $30 and $50 per square foot, or $300 to $500 for a standard 10-square-foot area. Due to its unfortunate reputation for water damage, EIFS repair costs are rather common, averaging $400 between labor and materials. Let’s review how much you can expect to pay for EIFS repairs, and when to hire a pro.
Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems, commonly referred to as EIFS or synthetic stucco, became a popular solution for homebuilders in the mid-20th century. The system's lightweight, highly insulated R-value, and low-maintenance perks made it a hit for both durability and energy efficiency. However, when compared with other common home siding repair costs, the cost to repair EIFS is higher—offsetting some of its benefits in the long run.
A home sided with EIFS includes six layers, including a water-resistant barrier, drainage plane, an insulation board, a mesh layer, and two coats for water resistance and finish. While these layers add significant water protection and insulation, breakage on the surface or surrounding the outside of the EIFS installation leads to several common issues.
Type of Problem | Cost Range |
---|---|
Water Damage | $8–$45 per square foot |
Mold | $8–$70 per square foot |
Cracks | $30–$50 per square foot |
Woodpecker Holes | $30–$50 per square foot |
Stains and Discoloration | $150–$1,400 |
Due to its multi-layered structure, EIFS-clad homes are infamous for moisture and water-related issues. Water seepage through cracks, incorrect installation, or condensation can lead to water damage, wood rot, and mold.
When facing large-scale water issues, full siding replacement may be a homeowner's best bet. Total EIFS replacement costs between $8 and $45 per square foot, or $16,000 to $32,000 for a 2,000-square foot house. Replacing smaller areas may require complex labor and water damage inspection, pushing the price to $30 to $50 per square foot, including labor.
Similarly, intruding water or condensation from poor home insulation can become trapped between layers and encourage mold growth. Contractors suggest replacement in this case, costing between $8 and $45 per square foot plus the potential cost of mold remediation, which adds $10 to $25 per square foot.
Small cracks in the exterior layer of EIFS may only call for a DIY patch that costs between $10 and $60, depending on the crack's size and depth. However, it's best to hire a professional to inspect cracks and signs of damage since EIFS water damage is notoriously hard to detect. Professional care will fall between $30 and $50 per square foot of the cracked area.
Woodpeckers and similar birds can break down the outer layer of EIFS siding. If you catch the damage quickly, DIY patch kits cost between $20 and $40 and professional repairs will range from $30 to $50 per square foot on average.
Stains and discolored areas of synthetic stucco are just as common as the real thing but are often remedied with a low-pressure setting on a pressure washer. Professional pressure washing costs between $150 to $1,400 for the siding of a home.
Above all else, EIFS repair costs come down to the size of the damage. Small DIY repairs for minimal cracks and holes may only require a $10 kit, while repairs that require a professional cost an average of $30 to $50 per square foot. The final price will depend on how much siding you need, which—due to the comparatively high cost of synthetic stucco materials—drives the majority of the cost.
Size of Repair in Square Feet | Cost Range |
---|---|
10 | $300–$500 |
50 | $1,500–$2,500 |
100 | $3,000–$5,000 |
1,000 | $30,000–$50,000 |
The top layer of synthetic stucco used in EIFS costs between $0.25 and $0.50 per square foot, five times as much as traditional stucco, which is quite high in the scheme of home cladding costs. The multiple layers and long-term benefits of EIFS also push up the price, adding up to between $1 and $4 per square foot before labor.
It's important to contact a local siding contractor familiar with homes clad in EIFS. Labor prices range from $40 to $75 an hour, or an average of $29 to $46 per square foot if they break down their EIFS repair costs that specifically.
As is the case with most home repairs, the trickier it is to reach the area, the higher the labor costs. Siding repairs on upper levels or blocked by a porch take more time to inspect and repair. EIFS repair costs can also rise when it surrounds an area prone to costly damage such as your foundation.
Depending on your plan, your home insurance plan will cover EIFS repair costs in a few scenarios. For example, some weather and impact damage—such as from a vehicle or a tree—may fall under your plan. In most cases, however, repairs from water damage or typical wear and tear do not qualify.
Be sure to ask your siding contractor if your project requires a building permit. Most small EIFS repairs do not, but larger replacements and any structural repairs to your home could cost an extra $150 to $2,000.
Water, mold, and impact damage to EIFS siding can typically indicate related problems that are either causing or were affected by the original culprit. Here are just a few of the common EIFS repair cost additions to consider in your project.
Type of Repair | Cost Range |
---|---|
Trim Replacement | $0.50–$10 per linear foot |
Drywall Replacement | $1.50–$3 per square foot |
Flashing Replacement | $0.50–$3 per linear foot |
Foundation Repair | $1.50–$12 per square foot |
Removing siding from your home may require contractors to repair or replace damaged trim around windows and doors. Trim replacement costs between $0.50 and $10 per linear foot.
Extensive water damage to your EIFS siding can lead to problems down to the drywall. Drywall replacement costs between $1.50 and $3 per square foot.
Flashing and soffits that run alongside waterproofed areas of your home, such as a chimney, may need replacing along with your EIFS siding. Flashing costs between $0.50 and $3 per linear foot.
Damage to the lower sections of your EIFS siding can cause stains or even damage to your home's foundation. Foundation repairs cost between $1.50 and $12 per square foot, though structural issues can run much higher.
Your contractor will be the best expert to determine whether EIFS repair or replacement is cost-effective. Minor damage from light hail or animals likely only calls for small repairs. A simple patch can cost under $100. While you'll pay more per square foot for repairs—between $30 and $50—the smaller area means a lower bottom line. Replacing EIFS siding costs between $8 and $45, but replacement often covers a larger area affected by water damage or other major disturbance.
Small EIFS repairs are certainly possible, but not always ideal. For example, without a professional inspection, it can be hard to detect whether water damage seeped into small cracks or holes in the siding. Learning how to install EIFS yourself is complex and risky, particularly in storm-prone regions. While you can save significantly by repairing EIFS yourself, you could pay more for repairs in the long run.
That’s why we recommend hiring a local siding repair professional who can inspect, diagnose, and repair the problem safely and efficiently. These pros have the skills, tools, and knowledge to restore or replace EIFS to ensure it continues to protect your home for years to come.
The secret to lowering the cost of EIFS repair costs is keeping a close eye on your siding. While you'll still find this design on plenty of homes, it's losing popularity due to its susceptibility to water damage. Here are some ways to keep EIFS repair prices low.
When replacing your siding or building a new home, create a list of questions to ask your stucco contractor to ensure EIFS is right for your region.
Hire a professional to inspect your EIFS siding every one to three years, or more frequently if your area is prone to storms.
Keep up with small, DIY-able EIFS repairs, such as cracks and small holes caused by impact damage.
Request and compare quotes from at least three contractors to weigh your options.
Weigh the pros and cons of either repairing or replacing your EIFS siding, depending on the size of the issue.
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Installing EIFS costs between $8 and $45, or an average of $16 per square foot. The price will fluctuate depending on the size and shape of your home as well as the cost of labor in your area. Synthetic stucco runs higher than the cost of traditional stucco siding on average, which costs between $7 and $9 per square foot.
EIFS siding should last between 50 and 60 years, depending on your local climate and the quality of the initial installation. However, high winds, storms, hail, or damaged flashing and sealant can lead to earlier issues. Extend the lifespan on EIFS by hiring a siding professional to inspect and maintain it regularly, resolving any issues quickly to avoid long-term damage.
Even though EIFS weighs less and has stronger insulation than traditional insulation, it does have its downsides. EIFS costs more to install and repair, particularly if it encounters water damage. The low breathability of the layers increases the chance of condensation, water seepage, and mold, leading to costly and extensive repairs if left unresolved.