HACKENSACK, N.J. - Many New Jersey homeowners can't tell EIFS from traditional stucco. The two look almost the same once finished. But they work in very different ways. Knowing the difference can save a homeowner from costly repairs.
Plaster Pro Stucco Contractors LLC wants to clear up the confusion. The family-owned contractor is based in Hackensack. Owner Shivon Pardasie has worked with both systems for more than 25 years.
"People see a smooth exterior and assume it's all the same," Pardasie said. "It isn't. EIFS and hard-coat stucco are built differently, and they fail differently too."
Traditional stucco is a cement-based system applied in layers over a wall. It's heavy, tough, and can last 50 years or more. EIFS, short for Exterior Insulation and Finish System, is lighter. It uses a foam insulation board under a thin finish coat. That extra layer adds energy efficiency and a modern look.
EIFS has carried a bad reputation for decades. Early versions installed in the 1980s and 1990s often trapped water behind the walls. That led to rot and mold homeowners couldn't see until the damage was severe.
Pardasie says the material took the blame unfairly.
"The problem was almost never the EIFS," Pardasie said. "It was the install. If water can't drain, it stays trapped. Modern systems fix that with proper drainage, but only when someone installs them the right way."
For homeowners weighing their options, Pardasie offers a simple guide. Choose EIFS for energy savings and a sleek finish. Choose hard-coat stucco for maximum durability. Either way, the installer matters more than the material.
Plaster Pro works on both systems across Bergen County, including Hackensack, Paramus, and Fort Lee. The company also handles EIFS installation and remediation, fixing older homes where the drainage failed over time.
Plaster Pro has published a homeowner guide explaining how the system works and when it is a good fit. Homeowners can read it at teamplasterpro.com/what-is-eifs-and-how-does-it-work.
About Plaster Pro Stucco Contractors LLC
Plaster Pro Stucco Contractors LLC is a family-owned stucco, EIFS, plaster, and masonry contractor based in Hackensack, New Jersey. With more than 25 years of experience, the company serves homeowners and commercial clients across Bergen County and North Jersey. Plaster Pro is licensed under NJ HIC #13VH11592500. Learn more at teamplasterpro.com.
Email: shivon@teamplasterpro.com
Media Contact
Name
Plaster Pro Stucco Contractors LLC
Contact name
Shivon Pardasie
Contact phone
(201) 750-3590
Contact address
110 Orchard Street
City
Hackensack
State
NJ
Zip
07601
Country
United States
Url
https://teamplasterpro.com/
