Eifs Siding Testing

Eifs or exterior insulation and finish system has a history of moisture problems.

Eifs siding testing.

If a substantial time interval has passed since a significant rainfall period the wall should be wetted two days prior to testing. What is eifs siding. Sealant is installed to provide a weatherseal and to accommodate movement between materials. These systems have very different attributes however.

Sealant joints around openings and penetrations function. Eifs stucco has been met with mixed reviews over the last decade some of them being negative for reasons outlined here. Prevent water entry where eifs meet other materials. Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material.

Eifs layers bond to form a wall covering that is weather resistant and vapor permeable. Index to related articles. Or use the search box found below to ask a question or search inspectapedia. Filet beads with bond breaker such as triangular backer rod.

As the name implies eifs with drainage helps to eliminate moisture before it has an opportunity to enter the wall cavity. One is a drainage cavity that is behind the foam insulation. As with any cladding prevention of water infiltration into and behind it is important for long term durability. The eifs acronym stands for exterior insulation and finish systems.

Eifs synthetic stucco siding. Stucco and eifs are common cladding systems that appear similar from the exterior. Eifs were first introduced in the united states in the late 1960 s and were first used on commercial buildings and later on homes. What is synthetic stucco.

Eifs are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make. Eifs siding or synthetic stucco is a siding that offers clear advantages when properly installed but can be very problematic when installation errors occur. Eifs with drainage another eifs system is the predominate method of eifs applied today. Scott home inspection provides an eifs stucco inspection that can verify the condition and the need for repair on this style of stucco.

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. It is different to traditional stucco. Article index to exteriors of buildings. Why eifs problems occur.

Over the last decade or so several advancements to eifs have been made. We provide residential commercial and third party inspections as well as consulting services to homeowners building owners and contractors. Impacts to the surface can result in cracks. Sealant must be utilized at all terminations including where eifs terminate or meet other materials.

Using the soft styrofoam substrate allows the builder to use less of cement stucco material.