Plaster has been used as a construction material since ancient times. Its durability and cost-effectiveness make it a popular material, especially recently as new materials and procedures are being developed that make it cheaper than ever. They dramatically improve appearance and increase the value of any project. Both lime based and gypsum Plaster is applied to walls and ceilings inside buildings to make it resistant to heat, fire, and to muffle sound. Plasterers also cover drywall with a plaster finish that creates an even or textured surface.
Pre-made insulation that is applied on the outside of walls that are both energy efficient and attractive. Plasterers also use plaster casts to create decorative and interesting designs for building interiors. These applications are more common in older or traditional style homes.
EIFS assemblies are usually attached to and supported by building framing and sheathing. The finished surface, which can be colored and textured, often has a stucco-like appearance.
SUMMARY: Oak Ridge National Labs states that EIFS are “best performing wall systems.” New research comparing both overall insulating ability and moisture resistance show EIFS with 4-inch foam insulation “outperformed” walls of brick, stucco, concrete block and cementious fiber board in moisture handling with “superior thermo performance” ATLANTA, Oct. 28, 2006 — EIFS “outperformed all other walls in terms of moisture while maintaining superior thermal performance.”