Eifs Siding Testing

Stucco and eifs are common cladding systems that appear similar from the exterior.

Eifs siding testing. What is eifs siding. Eifs are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make. Or use the search box found below to ask a question or search inspectapedia. Eifs synthetic stucco siding.

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. This is only applicable to eifs. What is synthetic stucco.

One is a drainage cavity that is behind the foam insulation. Sealant joints around openings and penetrations function. Filet beads with bond breaker such as triangular backer rod. The eifs acronym stands for exterior insulation and finish systems.

Prevent water entry where eifs meet other materials. Index to related articles. These systems have very different attributes however. Scott home inspection provides an eifs stucco inspection that can verify the condition and the need for repair on this style of stucco.

Eifs siding or synthetic stucco is a siding that offers clear advantages when properly installed but can be very problematic when installation errors occur. Sealant is installed to provide a weatherseal and to accommodate movement between materials. Eifs stucco has been met with mixed reviews over the last decade some of them being negative for reasons outlined here. Eifs with drainage another eifs system is the predominate method of eifs applied today.

As the name implies eifs with drainage helps to eliminate moisture before it has an opportunity to enter the wall cavity. Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material. Sealant must be utilized at all terminations including where eifs terminate or meet other materials. 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.

Over the last decade or so several advancements to eifs have been made. It is different to traditional stucco. As with any cladding prevention of water infiltration into and behind it is important for long term durability. Impacts to the surface can result in cracks.

Why eifs problems occur. We provide residential commercial and third party inspections as well as consulting services to homeowners building owners and contractors. 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. If a substantial time interval has passed since a significant rainfall period the wall should be wetted two days prior to testing.

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.