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.

Does EIFS absorb water?

EIFS itself, however, blocks the movement of water and water vapor – it does not “breathe.” This, coupled with interior vapor barriers that are often required by building code, can lead to prolonged moisture intrusion and, eventually, rotting of materials.

What is the problem with EIFS?

The problems with barrier EIFS cladding all stem from water intrusion. 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.

How does EIFS system work?

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.

Is EIFS porous?

EIFS, by contrast, is a non-porous material, meaning that moisture cannot migrate through the cladding. Because moisture can move through stucco, contractors always install stucco over a special wire mesh. This creates enough space for water to drain out of the wall, rather than remain trapped.

Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

Is EIFS better than stucco?

The fiberglass layer provides more durability, even against hard blows from weather. EIFS is notably lighter than traditional stucco, however. It is 80-percent less heavy than stucco, but it has a higher R-value, coming in between 4 and 5.6, which is notably higher than the 0.20 R-value of regular stucco.

Why should barrier wall EIFS be avoided?

MOISTURE ISSUES

The barrier in any EIF system is the basecoat and mesh layer. This layer will not allow the penetration of moisture and functions as the moisture-intrusion-preventing workhorse of the system.

How long does EIFS 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.

How thick is EIFS system?

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.

What is the difference between Dryvit and EIFS?

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 can you tell the difference between stucco and EIFS?

Go outside and knock on an outer “stucco” wall of your home. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance you have EIFS. If it feels like you are knocking on a brick wall, it is more likely that you are knocking on traditional “hard-coat” stucco.

Is EIFS a vapor barrier?

When you install EIFS on the exterior wall, it acts as a vapor barrier on the cold side of that wall. When fiberglass-batt insulation is then installed in the wall cavity, condensation occurs inside the wall at the (substrate) sheathing when a contrast in temperature exists from inside to outside.

Can you put siding over EIFS?

One of the major perks of using fiber cement siding boards is that their trim can easily be installed over built-out sections of EIFS-covered exteriors.

Is EIFS stucco still used?

Yet today, EIFS are still around. About 100 million square feet of EIFS went on new and remodeled homes last year, rivaling any other siding material.

Can rain damage stucco?

When you notice water spots on your exterior long after the rain has passed, it can be a sign that stucco isn't draining properly. Without repair, this water can sit inside your walls and lead to extensive damage including rot, mold, and structural compromise.

What is the R value of EIFS?

EIFS is an adhesively attached insulating cladding system. There are no fastening penetrations to the insulating component of these systems, the expanded Polystyrene Foam. This foam has an R value of approximately 4-per-inch of thickness at a 1-pound density.

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.

Can EIFS be structural?

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

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.

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.

Can you recoat EIFS?

Introduction The appearance of EIFS walls can be quickly refreshed by applying an appropriate coating. BASF COLOR COAT is specifically formulated for EIFS. This 100% acrylic coating minimizes changes to existing finishes.

How often should EIFS be painted?

What type of maintenance is required for EIFS? Unlike wood, stucco and other siding materials, EIFS rarely need painting. Most EIFS systems are specifically formulated with 100% acrylic binder, which gives EIFS superior resistance to fading, chalking and yellowing.

Does EIFS need weep screed?

Moisture Drainage MD-EIFS

PVC accessories are permitted but not required. Most systems have a weep screed (PVC starter track with weep holes), but not all systems.

What is the advantage of water managed EIFS over barrier EIFS?

Water-Managed EIFS ('Drainable' EIFS) – Water managed EIFS systems combine a barrier EIFS assembly with a back-up waterproofing system and are far superior to barrier EIFS. The design of these systems concedes that no building is perfect, and that eventually, a crack or a leak will almost always develop.

What is a drainage barrier?

Drainage planes (also referred to as “water resistive barrier” or WRB) are water repellent materials (building paper, house wrap, sheet or trowel applied membranes, foam insulation, coated structural sheathing, etc) that are located behind the cladding and interconnected with flashings, window and door openings, or ...