Eifs Siding Testing

Eifs with drainage another eifs system is the predominate method of eifs applied today.

Eifs siding testing.

Eifs were first introduced in the united states in the late 1960 s and were first used on commercial buildings and later on homes. Over the last decade or so several advancements to eifs have been made. Eifs siding or synthetic stucco is a siding that offers clear advantages when properly installed but can be very problematic when installation errors occur. Why eifs problems occur.

As the name implies eifs with drainage helps to eliminate moisture before it has an opportunity to enter the wall cavity. If a substantial time interval has passed since a significant rainfall period the wall should be wetted two days prior to testing. Eifs are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make. We provide residential commercial and third party inspections as well as consulting services to homeowners building owners and contractors.

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. One is a drainage cavity that is behind the foam insulation. Article index to exteriors of buildings. Scott home inspection provides an eifs stucco inspection that can verify the condition and the need for repair on this style of stucco.

The eifs acronym stands for exterior insulation and finish systems. Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material. Eifs synthetic stucco siding. What is synthetic stucco.

Filet beads with bond breaker such as triangular backer rod. Sealant is installed to provide a weatherseal and to accommodate movement between materials. 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. 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.

Sealant must be utilized at all terminations including where eifs terminate or meet other materials. What is eifs siding. Using the soft styrofoam substrate allows the builder to use less of cement stucco material. It is different to traditional stucco.

Index to related articles. Sealant joints around openings and penetrations function. This is only applicable to eifs. Or use the search box found below to ask a question or search inspectapedia.

Eifs layers bond to form a wall covering that is weather resistant and vapor permeable. Stucco and eifs are common cladding systems that appear similar from the exterior. These systems have very different attributes however. Prevent water entry where eifs meet other materials.

As with any cladding prevention of water infiltration into and behind it is important for long term durability.