Eifs Siding Problems

Moisture accumulation in the wall cavity.

Eifs siding problems.

The longer water penetrates the building envelope the greater the potential damage. Damage can be repaired but not easily. Eifs are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make. Inappropriate sealant may even lead to cohesive failure of the eifs finish coat.

Why eifs problems occur. Before the eifs industry knew what had happened the news media was reporting building defects in these eifs houses. Constant exposure to moisture can lead to dry rot in wood when moisture has no place to go. The components principally affected are the interior and exterior gypsum sheathing the metal or wood studs and the fiberglass cavity insulation.

However prolonged exposure of the lamina to moisture eventually leads to a loss of strength of the fiberglass mesh. But eifs houses were still the focal point. These problems include moisture accumulation in the wall cavity subsequent wood damage and in more advanced cases mold growth and the infestation of pests such as carpenter ants or termites. Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material.

The problems with barrier eifs cladding all stem from water intrusion. In march of 1999 the nahb national association of home builders research center listed the most common problems they found that were associated with water intrusion in eif systems as being. To compensate for this the mesh is coated with plastic and the alkaline environment is buffered chemically. Using the soft styrofoam substrate allows the builder to use less of cement stucco material.

What are the problems with eifs. While the focus was on eifs clad houses it would soon be learned that the water intrusion problem occurred in all houses regardless of the cladding. Impacts to the surface can result in cracks. This mechanism of deterioration.

Incorrect selection or application of sealants or missing sealants provides an easy path for water entry and premature deterioration. Damage can be repaired siding replaced. 85 of all remediation costs less than 1500 and is usually a maintenance issue. Major eifs problems with water trapping have caused rot and decay of homes using this product.

The typical moisture damage in an eifs assembly is deterioration due to mold wood decay fungi and corrosion leading to decay loss of strength and discoloration. Sealant joints are a major source of problems with eifs cladding. Keep in mind water intrusion is cumulative.