EXTERIOR INSULATION FINISH SYSTEM

Exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS) is a type of building exterior wall cladding system that provides exterior walls with an insulated finished surface and waterproofing in an integrated composite material system.

According to the definitions of the International Building Code and ASTM International, an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a nonload bearing, exterior wall cladding system that consists of an insulation board attached either adhesively or mechanically, or both, to the substrate; an integrally reinforced base coat; and a textured protective finish coat.

EIFS with Drainage, another EIFS system, is the predominate method of EIFS applied today. As the name implies, EIFS with Drainage provides a way for moisture that may accumulate in the wall cavity to evacuate.

Prefabricated, EIFS Panels are billed as an energy efficient and expedient construction process and have been in use for over 40 years. The panels, which can be structural or non structural, are manufactured off-site in a warehouse, offering increased quality control.

There are three layers to EIFS

Inner Layer Foam insulation board that's secured to the exterior wall surface, often with adhesive.

Middle Layer A polymer and cement base coat that's applied to the top of the insulation, then reinforced with glass fiber mesh.

Exterior Layer A textured finish coat.

EIFS layers bond to form a covering that doesn't breathe. That's fine when no moisture is present behind the covering, but if moisture seeps in it can become trapped behind the layers. With no place to go, constant exposure to moisture can lead to rot in wood and other vulnerable materials within the home.

The original and most common type of EIFS used in the United States is a barrier system. The EIFS is adhered directly to the substrate by fasteners or mastic, with no drainage plane for water to drain down. Obviously, if water does get in, it can’t get out. If the moisture level is high enough, it can cause the substrate to rot.  

The newer system is known by names including the words drainage system. As the name implies, there is a way for incidental moisture to drain. Chances are that the overwhelming majority of the EIFS you’ll see is the former. 

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