Why do insurance companies not like EIFS?

A great deal of insurance coverage disputes arose over the years due to the tendency of EIFS to trap water behind a building's walls. As a result, many insurers implemented an EIFS exclusion in commercial general liability policies barring coverage for property damage that results when EIFS is used in construction.

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.

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.

What is better EIFS or 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.

What is the problem with synthetic stucco?

Severe Synthetic Stucco Problems

Delamination, which is synthetic stucco detaching from your home's exterior. Rotting of wood beams and trim. Mold and mildew growth, both on interior walls and beneath on the home's base walls. Infestation of termites and other moisture seeking insects.

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Should I replace EIFS?

EIFS Replacement Advantages: Replacing your EIFS siding has many advantages including; Eliminating a failed system that allows for moisture intrusion, mold and dry rot damage and replacing it with proven siding that is built to last for 30 years or more.

Is synthetic stucco the same as EIFS?

Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS). Homes with this exterior finish are often strikingly beautiful, offer great flexibility in home design, and provide energy savings.

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 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.

How can you tell if a building has 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.

When was EIFS last used?

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.

Why EIFS is the best?

Low maintenance: EIFS clad buildings have superior resistance to fading, chalking, yellowing, dirt, mould and mildew. They can be easily cleaned by just hosing them down, and hardly need painting.

How common is EIFS stucco?

Today, the EIFS market segment is less than 5 percent for residential construction.

Is EIFS siding good?

A 2006 study done by the well-known Oak Ridge National Laboratory, funded by the US Department of Energy, found that “EIFS was the best performing cladding in relation to thermal and moisture control when compared to brick, stucco, and [fiber cement board] siding,” but it needs to be properly installed and maintained.

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 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 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.

Does EIFS have a wire mesh?

Aside from giving the stucco a surface to attach to, the wire mesh also permits water within the structure to drain. On the other hand, EIFS uses a baseboard that is installed in the desired location. In most cases, this board will be made of styrofoam. Once in place, a base coat is applied, followed by a finish coat.

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.

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.

Is it OK to paint 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.

What are the pros and cons of using traditional stucco siding vs EIFS?

Additionally, traditional stucco is usually a bit less expensive than EIFS. While this finish is generally stronger than EIFS, traditional stucco can be more prone to small cracks due to the comparative rigidity of the material and is less flexible for design.

What kind of stucco is best?

If weather is a concern and you have enough money in your budget, acrylic stucco might be the best choice for you. Synthetic stucco material is also called an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), and it is a polymer-based laminate that is applied in two coats over a rigid insulation board secured to a wall.

What is the new stucco called?

Synthetic Stucco (EIFS)

It's more flexible than traditional stucco and consists of a moisture barrier, foam insulation, cement basecoat, reinforcing fiberglass mesh and an acrylic finish. Synthetic stucco is 80% lighter than traditional hard-coat and relatively durable, due to containing fiberglass.