Eifs siding or synthetic stucco is a siding that offers clear advantages when properly installed but can be very problematic when installation errors occur.
Eifs siding thickness.
Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material.
Eifs synthetic stucco siding.
What is eifs siding.
Eifs with drainage another eifs system is the predominate method of eifs applied today.
Eifs is an exterior insulation and finish system.
Eifs were first introduced in the united states in the late 1960 s and were first used on commercial buildings and later on homes.
A barrier wall system or a wall drainage system.
But the picture is not nearly as black and white as many people think.
It is different to traditional stucco.
Eifs is available in two basic types.
3 3 installation of eifs exterior insulation and finishing system a.
Integrated wall systems that deliver the best in performance sustainability and design flexibility.
Using the soft styrofoam substrate allows the builder to use less of cement stucco material.
The eifs exterior insulation and finishing system system shall be installed with the application instructions.
Stotherm ci wall systems.
Why eifs problems occur.
Pb eifs is the most common type in north america and historically used expanded polystyrene eps insulation adhered to the substrate with fiberglass mesh embedded in a nominal 1 16 inch 1 6 mm base coat which can receive additional layers of mesh and base coat for stronger impact resistance.
Traditional cement stucco is applied in three relatively thick coats to a total thickness of nearly one inch.
This system has a nominally 3 16 inch to 1 2 inch thick reinforced base coat applied to the insulation prior to application of the finish coat.
Eifs are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make.
Min base coat thickness shall be sufficient to fully embed the mesh.
The recommended method is to apply the base coat in two passes.
What is synthetic stucco.
The insulation typically consists of extruded expanded polystyrene xps and is mechanically attached to the sheathing and or wall structure.
It s made of lightweight two inch thick polystyrene panels with an acrylic coating that mimics traditional stucco.
The eifs acronym stands for exterior insulation and finish systems.
The problem is water intrusion and entrapment in the wall cavities.
The moisture can sit in contact with the sheathing for a prolonged period and rotting may result.
Some people call it synthetic stucco.
Although marketed as a maintenance free product you need to keep an eye on how it s holding up.
Stotherm ci systems integrate the following key elements continuous insulation ci air moisture barrier drainage and a variety of textured finish options to create a superior sustainable wall cladding.
The design of eifs unlike other systems brick stone siding etc does not allow the moisture to drain out.
