Eifs Siding Testing

This digest explains the reasons why face sealed eifs are fundamentally flawed as cladding systems for most applications and describes how drained eifs can be used successfully in almost all climate zones and exposures.

Eifs siding testing.

Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material. Scott home inspection provides an eifs stucco inspection that can verify the condition and the need for repair on this style of stucco. Eifs are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make. Eifs synthetic stucco siding.

These systems have very different attributes however. Index to related articles. Eifs and stucco inspections sound exterior is a building envelope inspection company specializing in the inspection of stucco and eifs exterior insulating finish system claddings. Eifs with drainage another eifs system is the predominate method of eifs applied today.

One is a drainage cavity that is behind the foam insulation. As the name implies eifs with drainage helps to eliminate moisture before it has an opportunity to enter the wall cavity. Prevent water entry where eifs meet other materials. Or use the search box found below to ask a question or search inspectapedia.

Sealant is installed to provide a weatherseal and to accommodate movement between materials. As with any cladding prevention of water infiltration into and behind it is important for long term durability. Eifs stucco has been met with mixed reviews over the last decade some of them being negative for reasons outlined here. Eifs siding or synthetic stucco is a siding that offers clear advantages when properly installed but can be very problematic when installation errors occur.

What is eifs siding. The next level of inspection is non invasive moisture testing at the surface to determine if any significant moisture intrusion is occurring or has occurred. Sealant must be utilized at all terminations including where eifs terminate or meet other materials. What is synthetic stucco.

The eifs acronym stands for exterior insulation and finish systems. Sealant joints around openings and penetrations function. Stucco and eifs are common cladding systems that appear similar from the exterior. Using the soft styrofoam substrate allows the builder to use less of cement stucco material.

Eifs were first introduced in the united states in the late 1960 s and were first used on commercial buildings and later on homes. Article index to exteriors of buildings. Eifs or exterior insulation and finish system has a history of moisture problems. Filet beads with bond breaker such as triangular backer rod.

Over the last decade or so several advancements to eifs have been made. We provide residential commercial and third party inspections as well as consulting services to homeowners building owners and contractors. This is only applicable to eifs. It is different to traditional stucco.

Why eifs problems occur.