EIFS is an exterior wall cladding system that insulates and finishes a home, developed after WWII. It comes in synthetic materials and can resemble wood, brick, or stone. Proper installation is crucial to prevent water damage. Drainage EIFS is recommended for better drainage. It can also be applied in paneled form to reduce waste and cost. Careful research and experienced contractors are necessary for proper installation.
An exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS) is a type of exterior wall cladding system designed to insulate and finish a home at the same time. This system was developed in the wake of World War II, when European manufacturers were looking for a way to quickly repair damaged buildings and get new buildings to settle in communities that had sustained substantial damage. A number of manufacturers offer EIFS, which is installed by a contractor familiar with the product.
While this product is known as “synthetic stucco,” it doesn’t actually look much like stucco, and while EIFS may look like stucco, the finish can also resemble wood, brick, stone, and a variety of other materials. The materials in this product are also synthetic, rather than being of natural origin, like traditional stucco, and stucco has a very different look and feel when properly installed and maintained. The product is available in polymer-based (PB) and polymer-modified (PM) varieties, with PB EIFS particularly robust.
While EIFS is designed to be a complete system, a home with this product in place still needs flashing, framing, and other basic building work. The application of EIFS begins with an insulating layer classically made of expandable polystyrene foam, followed by an adhesive layer and a top coat. When applied correctly, the product creates an envelope that seals the building, repelling moisture and helping the building retain heat. However, if flashings and gutters are not installed properly, water can enter the casing and could become trapped, promoting rot.
The EIFS Base Barrier offers few drainage options, which can make it problematic in some climates and with some building materials. In fact, this product has sparked several lawsuits from people angry at the way it performed. Drainage EIFS, on the other hand, is installed on a membrane that favors drainage. While the drainage membrane cannot compensate for an incorrectly installed product, it does allow moisture to drain away, instead of building up inside the walls.
In addition to being applied on site, an insulation and external finishing system can also be applied in paneled form. In this case, the panels are manufactured in the factory and shipped to the site for installation. This can reduce waste on a construction site and save costs when done correctly, like other types of panel and modular construction. Individuals who are considering EIFS should research their options carefully and find an experienced contractor who will provide appropriate advice and competent installation.
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