What Issues Do Eifs Construction Materials Have?

EIFS (Exterior Insulating Finish System) is a popular building material due to its insulating properties, versatility, and low cost. However, it has faced issues such as poor workmanship, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible substrates. The NAHB Research Center recommends selecting materials compatible with EIFS, following manufacturer’s requirements for suitable fasteners and vapor barriers.

Maintenance of EIFS is crucial, as moisture intrusion can lead to wood damage, mold growth, and pest infestations. EIFS leaks are most common at points where the cladding interacts with other materials and assemblies of a house, such as around windows, roof/wall, and other structures.

Other major culprits of EIFS problems include improper attachment to the building frame, lack of or inadequate moisture barriers behind the paneling, and inadequate or missing drainage/drainage systems. Foam plastic insulation, a key component of EIFS, has a significant environmental impact due to its production process and disposal challenges. Faulty installation can allow water to enter the house and collect on the floor, rotting out some window frames.

EIFS is a stucco-like appearance but is actually very different from stucco. It can be hard to clean and can cause issues like cracks, discoloration, or mold. To address these issues, it is essential to select materials that are compatible with EIFS and follow manufacturer’s requirements for suitable fasteners, vapor barriers, and other components.

What are the deficiencies of EIFS?

Poor workmanship, damp climate, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible substrates can lead to EIFS failure. To avoid this, it is crucial to avoid installation errors and poor workmanship. Sealant joints, incorrect sealant selection or application, and missing sealants can lead to water entry, premature deterioration, and cohesive failure of the EIFS finish coat. Incorrectly applying sealant to the finish coat instead of the mesh-reinforced base coat is a common issue.

What is the life expectancy of EIFS?

EIFS stucco, made with a 100 acrylic binder, is designed to last for up to 60 years, similar to a masonry wall. It is less likely to fade, chalk, and yellow like traditional stucco. EIFS requires periodic maintenance, including checking the seal for watertightness, replacing damaged flashing, and checking for cracks. It can also be painted for easy repairs. Choosing between traditional stucco and EIFS can be challenging, but consulting an expert can help make an informed decision.

Knauss Property Services, LLC in Indianapolis, IN, offers value-engineered, budget-conscious, and customer-focused solutions. They invite you to contact their friendly, knowledgeable, and professional team for a free estimate and consultation to discover the benefits of EIFS stucco.

What is the main problem with EIFS?

EIFS (Earth-Infrastructured Panels) are susceptible to damage due to their thin stucco coating over a soft base material. Cracks in the surface can allow water and moisture to seep behind the surface, trapping them between the sheathing and the styrofoam portion of the finish system. Over time, this moisture leads to mold and rotting. EIFS problems are becoming more common, with homeowners in the North East, particularly in states with heavy rain or humid climates, reporting extensive damages to their homes due to moisture. One New Jersey homeowner had to resurface almost 80% of his house, costing just under $50, 000 to repair.

What causes EIFS to crack?

Cracking can be attributed to a number of factors, including structural movement, stress at points where additional reinforcement is necessary, expansion joint relief, base coat thickness between insulation board edges, and excessive base coat thickness. Such damage may manifest as fractured EPS or torn mesh.

Why is EIFS excluded?

EIFS, or Energy-Induced Fire Protection Systems, are insulation boards secured to exterior walls using adhesives, a water-resistant base coat, and a finish coat. Early versions, known as “barrier EIFS”, trapped moisture, leading to mold and wood rot. Insurers attached a comprehensive EIFS exclusion to contractors’ liability policies. Modern EIFS, called “EIFS with drainage”, allow moisture to drain. Many insurers may amend or remove the exclusion for drainable EIFS, but they may require evidence of proper installation practices and acceptable materials.

How long does an EIFS system last?

EIFS stucco, made with a 100 acrylic binder, is designed to last for up to 60 years, similar to a masonry wall. It is less likely to fade, chalk, and yellow like traditional stucco. EIFS requires periodic maintenance, including checking the seal for watertightness, replacing damaged flashing, and checking for cracks. It can also be painted for easy repairs. Choosing between traditional stucco and EIFS can be challenging, but consulting an expert can help make an informed decision.

Knauss Property Services, LLC in Indianapolis, IN, offers value-engineered, budget-conscious, and customer-focused solutions. They invite you to contact their friendly, knowledgeable, and professional team for a free estimate and consultation to discover the benefits of EIFS stucco.

What are the 2 types of EIFS systems?

EIFS is a type of exterior insulation that comes in two basic types: barrier wall systems and wall drainage systems. Barrier wall systems rely on the base coat portion of the exterior skin to resist water penetration, while wall drainage systems are installed over a weather barrier behind the insulation that acts as a secondary drainage plane. Both systems must be properly sealed and flashed to prevent water from migrating behind the EIFS and into the underlying walls or interiors.

EIFS is proprietary and should not be modified beyond the manufacturer’s literature. The wall designer is responsible for designing the interface with other components of the wall system, and details should clearly outline the construction sequence. Construction conditions should include terminations, openings, joints, objects mounted onto the surface, and special treatments to the surface.

EIFS’s popularity stems from its insulating qualities, light weight, low cost, and ability to be sculpted into shapes and patterns for aesthetic effects. The thermal performance of the exterior insulation depends on the insulation thickness, and should never be installed or modified to less than 3/4 inch in thickness.

Is EIFS good or bad?

Despite the advantages of EIFS siding, there are potential drawbacks associated with it. Incorrect installation can result in the intrusion of water, the formation of mold, and the deterioration of the building’s siding, sheathing, and framing, which can lead to significant structural risks.

Is EIFS good for the environment?

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are a popular choice for sustainable construction practices, as they significantly reduce carbon footprints, increase energy efficiency, and improve thermal insulation. EIFS can reduce energy consumption by 30 percent, making it the preferred choice for green buildings. Green building is crucial for sustainability, as it reduces the environment’s negative impact and promotes eco-friendly practices and technology.

It integrates sustainable practices into construction to lower energy use, conserve water, and improve indoor air quality. Green buildings also have economic viability and occupant comfort in mind. They utilize various design principles and technologies to reduce their carbon footprint, utilizing passive heating/cooling systems, renewable energy sources, rainwater harvesting systems, and sustainable materials to minimize resource depletion. Overall, EIFS is essential for creating a healthier living environment and a better future.

How long can EIFS last?

EIFS stucco, made with a 100 acrylic binder, is designed to last for up to 60 years, similar to a masonry wall. It is less likely to fade, chalk, and yellow like traditional stucco. EIFS requires periodic maintenance, including checking the seal for watertightness, replacing damaged flashing, and checking for cracks. It can also be painted for easy repairs. Choosing between traditional stucco and EIFS can be challenging, but consulting an expert can help make an informed decision.

Knauss Property Services, LLC in Indianapolis, IN, offers value-engineered, budget-conscious, and customer-focused solutions. They invite you to contact their friendly, knowledgeable, and professional team for a free estimate and consultation to discover the benefits of EIFS stucco.

Can EIFS be removed?

EIFS is an insulating exterior cladding that mimics the look of stucco, consisting of Expanded polystyrene (EPS), a white styrofoam used in inexpensive beer coolers and coffee cups. The foam is held in place with screws and washers and coated with a 1/4-inch thick exterior finish. To remove the EIFS, Matt uses a quick and clean method using a stud ball magnet, a Sharpie, and a black pipe coupling. He compresses the foam but not the screw head, breaking off the surface Dryvit, exposing the screw head. This method allows for easy removal without creating a large mess, especially on windy days. Matt’s quick and clean method ensures a clean and professional appearance in the construction industry.