Michael Holigan: After the house has been wrapped in plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board), the first step in the EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems) process is attaching polystyrene foam with a strong adhesive. You can use thicknesses of one inch to 4 inches thick depending on how much insulation you're looking for.

After the foam is on, it needs to be smoothed out to a seamless, flat surface with a process called 'rasping'. Then the cement-based stucco mud is applied over a reinforcing fiberglass mesh. And on top of that will come the textured finish coat. What's different between EIFS and conventional stucco homes?

Jane Davis Medlin (EIMA Synthetic Stucco Assn.): There are many differences. The acrylic polymer technology in the finish and the basecoat allows it to be a much more flexible system. So it's much less prone to cracking than stucco, bricks or concrete.

MH: Putting an EIFS system on your house is usually about a three-day process, depending upon the size of the house. And there are some important things to make sure your contractor does right.

JDM: It's absolutely crucial, as with any cladding, to make sure you caulk the windows with proper sealant as specified by the manufacturer.

MH: When it comes to color, you can have an EIFS finish in just about any color you want. Compared to brick, vinyl siding and other exterior finishes, EIFS is competitive and in some regions, even less expensive than brick.

JDM: You can create a Victorian look, an ultramodern, sleek look, a typical stucco look. You can do just about anything.

I'm Michael Holigan, About The House.