EIFS has a softer surface than traditional stucco. That makes it easy to shape, but it also means it can dent. Lawn mowers, ladders, basketballs, car bumpers and hail all leave marks. Small dents may look cosmetic, but holes in the finish can let water reach the foam and the wall behind. If you need an EIFS contractor near me for impact damage, this guide explains how repairs are done and how to keep walls from getting hit again.
Key takeaways
- Even small holes should be repaired quickly to keep water out.
- Proper repairs rebuild each layer and overlap new mesh with old.
- High-impact mesh near the ground prevents repeat damage.
- Matching texture and color takes care, especially on large flat walls.
Common causes of impact damage
- Lawn equipment and string trimmers near the bottom of the wall.
- Car and truck bumpers at garages, drive-throughs and parking areas.
- Ladders, carts and delivery dollies at entries and loading areas.
- Balls and outdoor play near homes and schools.
- Hail and wind-blown debris during storms.
Why fast repair matters
A dent that hasn’t broken the finish is mostly cosmetic. But once the finish and base coat are punctured, water can get into the foam and, in some cases, reach the sheathing. Foam exposed to sunlight also slowly breaks down. The longer a hole stays open, the larger the repair can become.
Tip: If you can’t schedule a repair right away, ask your contractor about a temporary seal for open holes. It is a short-term fix, not a replacement for proper repair.
How a proper repair is done
1. Cut out the damage
The damaged area is cut back to a clean, square edge. The surrounding finish and base coat are removed a little beyond the hole so new mesh can overlap.
2. Check the foam and backing
The crew checks whether moisture got behind the system. If the backing is wet, that has to be fixed first.
3. Replace the foam
A new piece of foam is fitted and bonded in, then rasped flush with the surrounding wall.
4. Base coat and mesh
New base coat goes on with mesh that overlaps the existing mesh around the repair. This overlap is what keeps the edges of the patch from cracking later.
5. Finish coat
The finish is applied and textured to blend. Sometimes the finish is extended to a corner or joint so the edge is less visible.
Repair techniques compared
| Damage | Typical repair |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Shallow dent, finish intact | Fill and refinish, if the maker allows |
| Small hole through finish | Cut out, rebuild base coat and mesh, refinish |
| Larger hole, foam damaged | Replace foam piece, base coat, lapped mesh, finish |
| Damage with wet backing | Open up, replace backing, rebuild all layers |
Manufacturers publish repair details for their systems. Dryvit’s product information shows examples of the components used in these repairs, including impact-resistant mesh.
Preventing repeat damage
High-impact mesh
Heavier reinforcing mesh in the base coat makes the lower part of the wall much more resistant to dents. It is common on commercial buildings and smart near driveways and patios at homes.
Physical protection
Bollards near drive-throughs, curb stops in parking spaces and trim boards along mowing edges keep equipment away from walls.
Landscaping choices
A gravel strip or edging along the base of the wall keeps mowers and trimmers at a distance.
What affects repair cost
- The size and number of damaged areas.
- Whether foam or backing must be replaced.
- Height and access.
- How much finish must be redone for a good color match.
Documenting damage for insurance or tenants
If a vehicle or a tenant’s equipment caused the damage, take photos right away with a date, and note who was involved. Those records help if you need to file an insurance claim or recover repair costs.
A quick checklist after you find a dent
Take a photo with a coin for scale. Check if the finish is broken or just dented. Look for cracks around the edges. Note what caused it, if known. If there is a hole, keep water out until it can be repaired. Then call for a repair before the next storm.
Finding an EIFS contractor near me for impact damage
Choose a crew that knows the system on your wall and explains each repair step. Mark Daniel Exteriors repairs EIFS on homes and commercial buildings across DFW. Owner Mark Bakewell is certified with Dryvit systems and has trained with Dryvit, Sto and Parex. Learn more on our EIFS stucco page, our stucco repair page and our commercial stucco page.
Got dents or holes in your EIFS?
Send photos and a quick note about where they are.
FAQ
Does Mark Daniel Exteriors repair dents and holes in EIFS?
EIFS stucco and stucco repair are listed services, and the owner is certified with Dryvit systems.
Does the company work with insurance on damage repairs?
The company states that it works with your insurance.
What does the company guarantee?
The company states a 100% guarantee on all labor and materials and offers warranties on goods and workmanship.
People Also Ask
What affects EIFS repair cost?
Cost depends on the size and number of damaged areas, whether foam or backing must be replaced, access and height, and how much finish is redone for a good match.
How do contractors repair EIFS?
They cut out the damaged area, check for moisture, replace foam if needed, apply new base coat with mesh that overlaps the old, and finish with a matching texture and color.
What repair techniques work best for minor EIFS damage?
Small dents and holes are usually cut out and rebuilt with base coat, lapped mesh and finish. Proper overlap of the mesh is what keeps small repairs from cracking.