What are the layers of EIFS?

The most basic EIFS (a barrier EIFS) consists of 3 layers: A layer of foam plastic insulation; a reinforced layer that is applied onto the face of the insulation with a trowel, consisting of a fiberglass reinforcing mesh embedded in a cementitous adhesive; and, a final topcoat, or finish, which is a colored, textured ...

How many layers are in an EIFS?

There are 3 layers to EIFS, the Inner, Middle, and Exterior layers. The Inner layer is made up of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) board that is secured to the wall surface with an adhesive.

What is behind EIFS?

Wall drainage EIFS systems are similar to cavity walls; they are installed over a weather barrier behind the insulation that acts as a secondary drainage plane.

What is the finish coat of EIFS?

EIFS, also known as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, is an energy saving and durable cladding consisting of scientifically developed layers of materials that coordinate to restrict the transfer of energy and eliminate the accumulation of moisture.

What is EIFS building material?

An Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS), also known as EWI (Exterior Wall Insulation Systems) or External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) is a type of cladding system that provides exterior walls with an insulated finished surface and waterproofing in an integrated composite material system.

What is EIFS Stucco and How It's SUPPOSED to Work

What is the thickness of EIFS?

The entire thickness of the EIFS system is typically, approximately 1/8"to 1/4", plus the thickness of the insulation board, which will vary, based upon desired R-value (insulation rating).

What is the difference between stucco and EIFS?

What is EIFS? Unlike traditional stucco that utilizes natural ingredients and mesh, External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. The first layer is comprised of a polystyrene foam board. Then, that is followed by a fiberglass mesh and a finishing coat.

How thick is EIFS stucco?

The total thickness of EIFS “Lamina” is generally 1/16” to 1/8” but can be thicker in areas of high-impact, by using high impact resistant mesh. Similar to stucco it is important to follow a proper design by a registered design professional or the EIFS manufacturer.

Can you paint over EIFS?

Painting or recoating EIFS is normally unnecessary unless a color change is wanted or unusually stubborn stains cannot be removed. EIFS buildings should not be painted like most surfaces.

Is EIFS and Dryvit the same?

Having a house with EIFS, also known as Dryvit, isn't the end of the world. EIFS isn't a disease; it's synthetic stucco. And even though your house may have been built using it, with knowledge and proper maintenance everything can be just fine. EIFS is an Exterior Insulation and Finish System.

How is EIFS installed?

EIFS installation

EIFS are typically attached to the outside face of exterior walls with an adhesive (cementitious or acrylic based) or mechanical fasteners. Adhesives are commonly used to attach EIFS to gypsum board, cement board, or concrete substrates.

When did builders stop using EIFS?

Future homeowners loved the look of the EIFS houses. The recession of 1990 was the only thing that slowed down the business as the EIFS industry's sales dropped for the first time in 1991.

How does EIFS drain?

Some EIFS contractors use special corrugated or wrinkled sheathing papers to create the drainage space, while others have vertical grooves cut into the back face of the foam insulation. In all cases, the drainage plane leads to a perforated weep flashing at the foundation to drain away any trapped water.

How long does EIFS stucco last?

A. Dryvit EIFS are designed to last for the typical design life of a building. The actual longevity on any specific building will depend mainly on the building maintenance program. Some EIFS facades date back 50-60 years.

What is Class PB EIFS?

Class PB Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS)​ providing a primary moisture barrier and optional secondary air/weather barrier.

How can you tell EIFS stucco?

The easiest way to identify synthetic stucco (EIFS) is by touching the material with your bare hand. When you touch the wall where the stucco is installed, it will feel like plastic. You can also knock gently on the wall. If it sounds hollow and thin, you have EIFS on your home.

Can you pressure wash EIFS?

The best way to clean EIFS is to use high water volume coupled with low water pressure and non-abrasive cleaners. Do not use caustic chemicals or abrasive cleaning techniques, which will permanently damage the finish.

How often should you paint EIFS?

The systems also are easy to maintain. EIFS rarely need painting. Most are specially formulated with a 100-percent-acrylic binder, which helps EIFS resist fading, chalking and yellowing. As a result, most systems tend to maintain their original appearance over time.

How often do you paint EIFS?

How Often Should Eifs Be Recoated? Dryvit, EIFS, and Stucco cannot be painted. In addition to looking new again, your stucco should last for 12 to 15 years before needing to be recoated, while protecting it from the elements.

Does EIFS require expansion joints?

Expansion joints in EIFS are required at the following locations: where they exist in the substrate or supporting construction. where the EIFS adjoins dissimilar construction or materials. at changes in building height or other areas of anticipated building movement.

Can EIFS be structural?

EIFS panels can be designed to meet the aesthetic and structural demands of any commercial project.

Is EIFS acrylic stucco?

EIFS stucco refers to Exterior Insulation and Finish System, also called synthetic stucco. It's made of acrylic and applied in several 1/8” layers over polystyrene or some other insulation board on top of plywood or some other exterior sheathing.

What are the three coats of stucco?

Three coat is the original stucco process, consisting of paper and wire, a scratch coat, a brown coat, and a finish, or “top” coat. In industry terms — lath, scratch and brown.

Does EIFS use wire mesh?

Durability of EIFS

Within the several layers and materials required for an efficient EIFS cladding is a durable mesh material. The Exterior Design Institute recommends a high-impact, reinforcing mesh that is double-strand, interwoven glass fiber.

What is the difference between stucco and Dryvit?

Dryvit stucco is actually the name of a stucco manufacturer, not an actual stucco system specifically. Dryvit is the name of the stucco company and they have different stucco systems including 3 coat stucco systems, EIFS systems, decorative systems and more.