As a soon-to-be property owner, there are many factors you have to consider during construction, such as what type of exterior cladding you need to use. Most people usually prioritize aesthetics.
But that’s not always enough, because the exterior cladding you settle for will determine the building’s performance and even its durability. Today, DEFS and EIFS are two of the most popular exterior cladding options on the market.
If you’re finding it hard to choose between the two, in this DEFS vs. EIFS guide, I will be comparing the differences and similarities, which will enable you to make an informed choice.

What is DEFS? (The Lightest and Most Affordable Exterior Cladding System)
DEFS stands for Direct Applied Exterior Finishing System and these are relatively new cladding systems that are made using polymer-based products.
DEFS, as the name suggests, is directly applied to sheathing boards such as DensGlass or Cement Board. DEFS does not have any insulation. Therefore, the sheathing boards they are applied to are the main sources of insulation.
Most people don’t know that DEFS was introduced into the market to compete with exterior wall claddings such as wood siding.
This system is often simple and quite fragile. That is why it’s not commonly used in most parts of the country. However, DEFS is quite cost-effective.
Key Features of a Direct-Applied Exterior Finishing System
• It’s available in a wide range of colors: DEFS comes in multiple colors and textures, and that can significantly improve the aesthetics of your home’s exterior.
• It’s resistant to cracking: Being a new and advanced wall cladding, DEFS has been engineered to resist cracking.
• It’s weather-resistant: DEFS will protect your building from rain, UV rays, and moisture.
• It’s Easy to Install: The other unique feature of the Direct Applied Exterior Finishing System is that it can be applied directly to substrates such as cement boards. That makes the application process relatively easy.
Pros of DEFS
• It’s affordable
• It’s aesthetically appealing
• It requires minimal maintenance
• It will protect your building from moisture intrusion
• Lots of design options to choose from
Cons of DEFS
• The biggest drawback of DEFS is that it lacks insulation
• It is fragile
What is EIFS? (The Most Energy-Efficient Exterior Cladding System)
If this was a popularity contest, I would have declared EIFS the winner at the beginning of this article. This type of building cladding is a popular choice among both residential and commercial properties.
Its origins can be traced back to World War II when it was utilized to repair bomb-damaged buildings. However, with time, its application extended to regular construction.
For those who are not familiar with EIFS, it stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. It comprises a thin layer of cementitious material that is applied over fiberglass, which is then applied to a rigid foam insulation that’s attached to sheathing like cement or gypsum board.
In an EIFS setup, it is also crucial to use a water barrier between the sheathing board and foam insulation to prevent moisture penetration.
Before I get to the key features, something I think is worth noting is that Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems can be used anywhere, irrespective of the climate or environmental conditions.
Key Features of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems
• This system comprises an insulation board – The unique thing about IEFS is that they have a foam board that offers insulation. So, with this system, you’ll enjoy better energy efficiency.
• It also comes in many colors and textures – If you’re worried about aesthetics, EIFS has got you covered. You can play around with many colors or textures and even imitate building claddings such as stone, stucco, or brick.
• Super lightweight – Unlike most exterior claddings you’ll run into, EIFS is quite lightweight, and that minimizes structural load.
• EIFS boast of superior moisture management – Remember when I said that an EIFS must comprise a water barrier? That’s not the only moisture barrier you’ll find in this setup. It also contains a drainage plane to ensure zero moisture penetration
Pros of EIFS
• It’s highly energy efficient
• It is resistant to cracking
• It comes in many colors and textures
• As long as it’s installed correctly, you’re guaranteed no water damage
Cons of EIFS
• Due to the complex setup of EIFS, repairs, and maintenance can be quite hectic
• It also needs proper installation; otherwise, moisture will easily seep through
What’s the Difference Between DEFS and EIFS?
I know this is the part you were eagerly waiting for. So, let’s dive straight into the differences between DEFS and IEFS.
• EIFS Offers Better Insulation than DEFS
In a Direct Applied Exterior Finishing System, the main source of insulation is the sheathing board. And as you may already know, such materials aren’t designed to offer much insulation.
As for EIFS, there is a rigid foam board whose main role is to provide insulation. So, with this system, you are assured of better insulation, which translates to enhanced energy efficiency inside your building.
• EIFS Manages Moisture Better than DEFS
As mentioned earlier, DEFS is engineered to prevent moisture penetration. However, the effectiveness of this feature is dependent on the brand and how well it has been installed.
EIFS on the other hand utilizes the best moisture management practices such as installing a drain plane and water barrier. These two do a much better job of keeping moisture away from your building.
• EIFS Has More Aesthetic Versatility than DEFS
DEFS indeed comes in multiple colors and textures.
However, IEFS is more capable of mimicking exterior building claddings such as stone or brick. From an aesthetic point of view, you have a lot more wiggle room with IEFS than with DEFS.
• DEFS is Lighter than IEFS
Because DEFS comprises fewer materials, it makes sense that it is much lighter than its counterpart.
On the other hand, IEFS is much heavier than DEFS. So, if you do settle for this option, make sure that you make crucial adjustments to your structure.
• DEFS is Easier to Install than EIFS
Because DEFS are directly applied to the sheathing or substrate, they are much easier to install. If you are a DIY enthusiast, this is a project you can tackle by yourself.
As for EIFS, the installation process is a bit more complicated. Remember, there are many layers of products that have to be installed. So, this is a project that is best handled by a licensed and experienced contractor.
• DEFS are Easier to Repair than EIFS
Considering how simple DEFS are, they are much easier to repair in case of damage. As for EIFS, the repairs are more challenging.
How Are They Similar?
Apart from the differences discussed above, there are a lot of similarities between these two systems, which include;
• Both are exterior cladding materials
Exterior cladding systems mean that both EIFS and DEFS are used to improve the aesthetics of the building while protecting it from the weather.
• Both don’t need a lot of maintenance
Whether you choose EIFS or DEFS, maintenance should be the least of your concerns. These cladding systems only need regular cleaning and inspections.
• Both are applied to a substrate
Irrespective of which system you settle for, you’ll need a suitable substrate, such as cement or gypsum board. These are mandatory.
• Both have some crack-resistance properties
Even though DEFS is more fragile, both systems have some level of crack resistance. That contributes significantly to its longevity.
Who Should Choose DEFS and Why?
After closely examining the Direct Applied Exterior Finishing System and comparing it to the EIFS, there are certain situations where builders, designers, and soon-to-be property owners can benefit more from DEFS;
• If the building is located in an area that receives a moderate climate: As long as your region doesn’t experience severe weather and extreme fluctuations, DEFS can do its job perfectly.
• If you’re looking for lightweight cladding: In case your structure can’t accommodate heavy cladding, DEFS is an excellent alternative.
• People looking for a system that’s easy to install: Should there be an unavailability of skilled labor, you can opt for DEFS because it is easy to install.
• Budget constraints: If you’re building on a budget, you can enjoy the cost-effective benefits of DEFS.
Who Should Choose EIFS and Why?
EIFS is so popular because it has a wide range of applications. Here are some scenarios why you should consider choosing EIFS over DEFS:
• You are interested in better energy efficiency – DEFS does not have insulation but IEFS does. So, the latter will be more beneficial for keeping your power bills down.
• You want to choose from many designs – EIFS is more aesthetically versatile. You can choose from many colors, textures, and finishes.
• You live in an area that rains a lot – Does your region experience a lot of rainfall? IEFS has better moisture management than DEFS. So, the former will ensure minimal water intrusion.
• You live in a noisy urban setting – EIFS also provides some sound insulation, which comes in handy if you live in a noisy area.
• You’re renovating a building – Should you be in the process of a renovation, EIFS can improve the appearance of the building while adding insulation and fixing leaks.