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.

How thick is EIFS finish coat?

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).

Does EIFS get 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.

Is hard coat stucco EIFS?

Traditional hard-coat stucco and synthetic Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) stucco are both great-looking, durable and weather-resistant options to coat the exterior of your home.

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 ...

(EIFS) finish coat

When did builders stop using EIFS?

EIFS has been in use since the 1960s in North America, first on masonry buildings, but since the 1990s the majority on wood-framed buildings.

What are the 2 types of EIFS systems?

NORTH AMERICA EIFS

The type most often encountered is the Type PM EIFS. Type PM EIFS has thicker, harder coatings, and is more like a thin stucco system. Type PM EIFS can use extruded or expanded polystyrene insulation and is often mechanically attached to the supporting wall.

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.

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.

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.

Can you paint over EFIS?

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.

How do you maintain EIFS?

As with all claddings, some regular maintenance is needed with EIFS, primarily cleaning, surface crack repair and sealant maintenance. "Periodically, EIFS finishes may need to be cleaned to remove dirt, algae or mildew that can accumulate on the surface," says David Boivin, president and CEO of Sto Corp.

How long will 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.

Can you apply stucco over EIFS?

"Stucco" can be installed over foam insulation, like EIFS. Much of the new cement stucco being applied still uses foam trim build-out details that look just like EIFS, and most modern cement stucco uses acrylic finishes, just like EIFS.

What type of insulation is used for EIFS?

EIFS / ETICS Components

Insulation Board - Made of polystyrene or mineral wool which is secured to the exterior wall surface.

How long does EIFS take to dry?

If the temperature in the tent is high, above 75 °F, the material should dry within 24 hours. If the temperature is low, around 40 °F, the material will not freeze, but will take longer to dry than at above 75 °F conditions.

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.

Can you power wash EIFS?

A: First of all, do not use a pressure washer on a synthetic stucco surface. This type of finish, known as an exterior insulation finish system or EIFS, is a barrier-type system.

How do you tell if your house is EIFS?

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.

What does EFIS look like?

The finish coat on a EFIS synthetic stucco system often looks like traditional stucco but is only about 1/16 of an inch thick: the entire EFIS wall system assembly itself will range between 1 to 4 inches thick including, the foam board and the finish coat.

Is EIFS waterproof?

Originally, EIFS were designed as a 'perfect barrier' system—one which provides waterproofing protection at the exterior face of the cladding. The idea of barrier cladding assemblies is to create a face-sealed façade that repels moisture to keep the building dry.

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.

What is Class PB EIFS?

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

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.

What is another name for exterior insulation finish systems?

In more recent years, the vast majority of exterior insulation finish systems used by home builders are known as "EIFS with Drainage." As we will discuss below, traditional EIFS did have problems with moisture accumulation and leakage.