Synthetic Stucco EIFS
EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish Systems) has gotten a lot of attention lately. I've found a lot of web pages regarding EIFS and other construction problems on the net. The problem is that most EIFS inspection pages are simply advertisements and deliver little if any useful information. Worse than that, the information on some of these sites can actually be detrimental to your property. So I decided to create this site. Now, there's a lot stuff here besides EIFS info. Anyone who ever deals with a residential contractor will find useful information here.
Why Was Synthetic Stucco Used?
The product was touted as the "Exterior Cladding of the Future". Benefits included the ease and low cost to install. The EPS foam installed behind the stucco provided additional insulation benefits. The finish color is consistent throughout the stucco, making it, in theory, low maintenance. Architects favored the product because you could create interesting design features and details, adding to the curb appeal of homes with synthetic stucco cladding.
What are the problems with EIFS?
Synthetic stucco was meant to be a barrier system, meaning it was not intended for water to get behind the stucco. Once water got behind the stucco, the water was trapped, causing wood rot to the wood framing and sheathing of the home, as well as mold and mildew.
In the early 1990’s, problems were discovered on homes with EIFS located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Removal of the stucco revealed extensive structural damage to the homes as a result of moisture intrusion behind the stucco. Local building officials called in the builders, architects, and stucco manufacturers to evaluate the problem.
The examination of the home revealed moisture was intruding behind the stucco cladding, as a result of poor design and installation. Installation defects include failure to install proper window, door, and kick out flashings, and leaking windows. In addition to the moisture related problems, it was discovered that the foam behind the stucco, when installed at or below grade, was conductive to termite and fire ant infestation.
As a result of problems discovered with synthetic stucco cladded homes, inspection and testing protocols were created. The Exterior Design Institute, located in Virginia, was formed to educate and train independent, third party, eifs inspectors.
source:
http://www.buildingdefects.com/
http://www.homeinspections-usa.com/article/52
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