How much does EIFS repair cost for a small section of damaged cladding in Ottawa?

EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) — sometimes called synthetic stucco — requires a different repair approach than traditional stucco because of its layered construction: EPS foam insulation, fibreglass mesh, base coat, and finish coat. When one layer is damaged, simply patching the surface doesn't address what's happening underneath.

Repair Costs by Damage Size

For a small section of EIFS damage — say under 10 square feet, which covers most impact damage, woodpecker holes, or localized cracking — expect to pay $400 to $1,200 in Ottawa. Here's how that breaks down:

• Under 4 square feet (a dent, puncture, or small crack area): $400 to $700. The damaged finish and base coat are removed, the foam is assessed and replaced if crushed, new mesh is embedded in base coat with proper overlap onto the existing system, and the finish coat is colour-matched.- 4 to 10 square feet: $700 to $1,200. Same process but more material and labour. At this size, scaffolding may be needed if the damage is above the first floor, adding $200 to $500.- 10 to 25 square feet: $1,200 to $2,500. Larger repairs require more careful mesh integration and may involve reshaping foam to match the existing wall plane.

What makes EIFS repairs more expensive than traditional stucco patches is the moisture investigation that should accompany any repair. EIFS is a face-sealed system (unless it's a newer drainable EIFS design), which means any breach in the surface — a crack, a failed sealant joint, an impact hole — can allow water behind the foam where it sits against the sheathing with no way to drain out. In Ottawa's climate, that trapped moisture freezes, expands, and causes progressive delamination.

A responsible EIFS repair contractor will:

• Probe around the damage with a moisture meter: $150 to $300 for a moisture assessment. This determines whether water has migrated beyond the visible damage area. If it has, the repair area expands significantly.- Remove all wet or deteriorated foam: Wet EPS insulation loses its R-value and promotes mould growth on the sheathing beneath. It must all come out.- Inspect the sheathing: If the sheathing (usually OSB or plywood) shows signs of rot or mould, it needs repair before the EIFS is rebuilt. Sheathing repair can add $500 to $2,000+ depending on extent — this is where small EIFS repairs sometimes become larger projects.

Ottawa-specific considerations for EIFS repairs:

• Sealant joint failures are the #1 cause of EIFS problems here. Every joint between EIFS and windows, doors, penetrations, and dissimilar materials relies on sealant to keep water out. Ottawa's UV exposure, temperature cycling (-30°C to +35°C), and ice formation degrade sealant faster than milder climates. While you're paying for a repair, have your contractor inspect and replace all accessible sealant joints — typically $5 to $10 per linear foot.- Colour matching EIFS finishes: EIFS finish coats are acrylic-based and fade over time. Getting an exact match on a repair is difficult. Most EIFS manufacturers keep colour records, but a 10-year-old finish will have faded enough that the patch shows. Ask about feathering the new finish coat or applying a full coat of elastomeric paint ($3 to $5 per square foot) to the entire wall face to unify the colour.- Not all stucco contractors work on EIFS. EIFS repair requires specific training and different products than traditional stucco. Make sure your contractor has EIFS experience — ask about their product certification and previous EIFS projects in the Ottawa area.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Justyn Rook Contracting
• JC Carpentry
• jbstuccodecor
• The Fixer
• ARTEXPRO Tile & Finishes

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