What is synthetic stucco.
Eifs siding testing.
Eifs stucco has been met with mixed reviews over the last decade some of them being negative for reasons outlined here.
Scott home inspection provides an eifs stucco inspection that can verify the condition and the need for repair on this style of stucco.
We provide residential commercial and third party inspections as well as consulting services to homeowners building owners and contractors.
Sealant joints around openings and penetrations function.
The eifs acronym stands for exterior insulation and finish systems.
Sealant is installed to provide a weatherseal and to accommodate movement between materials.
Eifs with drainage another eifs system is the predominate method of eifs applied today.
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 siding or synthetic stucco is a siding that offers clear advantages when properly installed but can be very problematic when installation errors occur.
Stucco and eifs are common cladding systems that appear similar from the exterior.
One is a drainage cavity that is behind the foam insulation.
This is only applicable to eifs.
Why eifs problems occur.
These systems have very different attributes however.
Using the soft styrofoam substrate allows the builder to use less of cement stucco material.
If a substantial time interval has passed since a significant rainfall period the wall should be wetted two days prior to testing.
Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material.
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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.
Index to related articles.
It is different to traditional stucco.
Eifs synthetic stucco siding.
Eifs layers bond to form a wall covering that is weather resistant and vapor permeable.
Filet beads with bond breaker such as triangular backer rod.
Impacts to the surface can result in cracks.
As the name implies eifs with drainage helps to eliminate moisture before it has an opportunity to enter the wall cavity.
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 are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make.
Eifs or exterior insulation and finish system has a history of moisture problems.
As with any cladding prevention of water infiltration into and behind it is important for long term durability.
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.
