 | EIFS siding
systems involve the application of a plasticized cement stucco product on
top of an exterior mounted polystyrene foam board insulation. This system is
usually 'top coated' with an acrylic polymer sealant. The promise of the
system has been: low cost, ease of application and a "clean" look. The
reality is another matter.
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| Reports from various parts of the country show that moisture can be trapped
behind the siding and cause wood rot and other damage. This has lead a
number of jurisdictions to ban EIFS siding. And, based upon by experience
and industry reports, it appears that the failure rate of EIFS siding system
is higher than that of any other siding system on the market. Some insurance
companies are reported to be refusing to insure homes and buildings with
this type of siding, and at least one leading manufacturer has stopped to
produce a component product. For the EIFS industry point of view please
call: (800) 898 2842, and (800) 294 EIMA (the EIFS trade association).
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| In an attempt to solve some of the problems associated with EIFS siding
systems, various special details and "water management" solutions have been
developed by the industry. Some of the special details involve more
complicated flashing and caulking systems. The "water managed" systems
provide for a secondary "shield" behind the EIFS siding and for a way to
drain any water which might have penetrated the "primary" water barrier.
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| In light of the extensive amount of damage associated with EIFS siding in
wet climates, and in light of the frequency of design and installation
errors found with these systems, EIFS siding is not recommend in wet
or moist climates.
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| The special details and water managed systems that are being recommended in
the trade journals for EIFS siding systems may turn out to be sufficient to
make this siding product reliable. However, these special details are very
complicated and require an unrealistically high level of work quality.
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