Special Interests

Sunbelt Residents Favor EIFS

MORROW, Ga.

— When it comes to home cladding products, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and conventional stucco appear to be the odds-on favorites of consumers in 12 Sunbelt states.

That's what emerged from a recent preference survey in which more than 300 newspaper readers in those states indicated what they would include in their dream home. More than 40% of the respondents said they preferred EIFS or stucco over wood, brick, stone, vinyl, aluminum or other siding products.

The "Homes From the Hearth" preference survey was conducted by Associated Designs, Inc., a Eugene, Ore. ,home-design firm that publishes and sells home plans nationally.

In addition to siding, respondents were asked to indicate their preference for style of home, special features, living areas, kitchen, utilities, main bath, master suite and garage.

Based on regional preferences of the survey participants, Associated Designs developed plans for seven model homes, including two that called for EIFS siding.

In the South Central region — which included the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas — EIFS or stucco was preferred by 47% of the respondents. That compared with 37% for brick, 21% for stone, and 20% for vinyl/aluminum. Meanwhile, 42% of the respondents from the South Atlantic region, encompassing Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, said they preferred EIFS or stucco over brick (37%), wood (21%) or stone (14%).

The survey results confirm that consumer preference for EIFS remains high throughout the Sunbelt more than 20 years after these products were introduced there as an alternative to brick and stucco.

"Homeowners have long recognized that EIFS are reliable claddings that offer design flexibility, energy savings and overall curb appeal unmatched by other sidings," said Stephan E. Klamke, Executive Director of the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA), an Atlanta-based organization that serves as the official voice of the EIFS industry.

Energy Usage Analysis-EIFS vs. Brick