Protect Your Exterior with EIFS Finish Coats

EIFS, also known as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, is an energy saving and durable cladding consisting of scientifically developed layers of materials that coordinate to restrict the transfer of energy and eliminate the accumulation of moisture. In reality, EIFS works as an overcoat for your home or business.

The exterior layer of EIFS construction is a specially designed EIFS finish coating that incorporates flexible, crack-resistant acrylic copolymer technology that restricts cold and moisture while maintaining an attractive, long-lasting appearance. The material rarely requires reapplication and is designed to resist fading, chalking, or yellowing that occur with other exterior coatings. This original classic stucco-like or other style presentation is designed to look new for decades.

Characteristics of an EIFS Finish Coat

After the home or building has been clad with the EIFS insulated and moisture-removing layers,  it will be time for the exterior finish coat to be applied. The material complements the other layers to seal the EIFS infrastructure. This finish coat imparts the texture, color, and protective nature of the building’s exterior surfaces. The material can be applied in a rough, stucco-like finish or smooth to project a softer, outer texture.

EIFS coatings are softer than real stucco and will deflect when pressure is applied. Resiliency is the reason for EIFS coating's crack-resistance while true stucco, a stiffer material, is subject to cracking as buildings settle or are subjected to extreme weather variances.

Sto® is the world leader in the development of modern EIFS cladding, coatings, and restoration systems. As a longtime partner and distributor of Sto products, ProCoat Systems of Denver and Salt Lake City offers StoCoat®Lotusan® and StoTherm®, both durable and beautiful stucco-type coatings designed for long-lasting and energy-saving EIFS cladding.

Sto also produces a base coat primer to enhance the protection and adhesiveness of the finish coats.

The colors and textures available from ProCoat and Sto allow for a wide selection to match nearly any preference. EIFS finish coats can be smooth, granular, or sandy in texture and come in a range of colors that include sandstone, limestone, granite, and even brick.

Once applied, the Sto’s EIFS finish coats are:

• Water repellent
• Vapor permeable
• Dirt, mildew, and algae resistant
• UV resistant
• Highly durable

Contact ProCoat Systems

The experts at ProCoat in Denver and Salt Lake City are experienced in all phases of installation of exterior surface coatings for EIFS and other types of construction for homes and businesses. 

For more information regarding EIFS Finish Coat options, visit the ProCoat website or phone the ProCoat professionals at (303)-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/protect-exterior-eifs-finish-coats/

Understanding the Elements of EIFS Construction

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) is becoming an increasingly popular method of construction to create a beautiful, durable, and highly energy efficient cladding system for any building. EIFS have been around for years although improved techniques and design features have developed to make these even more efficient, long-lasting, and moisture resistant.

EIFS consists of several layers of complementary materials designed to restrict the loss of energy, capture and eliminate moisture, reduce maintenance, and provide a durable and beautiful exterior. Properly installed, EIFS scores high grades in each area and can save thousands of dollars in energy costs over the life of the building.

Think of EIFS as a non-load bearing, exterior wall system that preserves heat and resists rain much like a warm overcoat for your home or office building. And, the system performs equally well in preventing energy loss and heat intrusion during those super-hot days of summer.

How Does It Work?

Each EIFS Element (from the Inside Out)

●       Water-resistant barrier covers the substrate of the wall. This is often a glass-faced gypsum sheathing.

●       Moisture elimination gap that is usually created by vertical ribbons of adhesive material between the water-resistant barrier and the insulation board. Joints must be carefully sealed using a high-quality  mesh tape. The moisture is eliminated by channeling the water to the base of the wall and eliminated outside.

●       Insulation board of expanded polystyrene (EPS)

●       EPS mesh is embedded with a water resistent base coat.

●       Exterior coat of crack-resistant and color fast material made with acrylic co-polymer technology is applied in a similar fashion as standard stucco.

Each layer plays a role in either resisting moisture invasion or insulating against energy loss. Scientifically designed, the entire EIFS structure is capable of minimizing energy usage while retaining the building’s long-lasting, moisture free attractiveness.

Who Is Using EIFS?

Many home, institutional, and commercial property owners have discovered the budget-saving advantages and durability of EIFS cladding for new construction as well as remodeling.  Properly installed, the design flexibility, beauty, and the competitive pricing matched with operational savings have made EIFS a preferred option for hotels, schools, office buildings and retail stores.

Contact ProCoat Systems in Denver

For more information regarding the technology and installation of EIFS claddings, contact ProCoat Systems. Their partner, STO Corp, is a leading designer and supplier for EIFS systems worldwide.

The ProCoat professionals will be pleased to discuss the benefits of highly efficient and moisture resistive EIFS claddings.

Call ProCoat Systems today at (303)-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/understanding-elements-eifs-construction/

EIFS Material – Part of the Perfect Wall

Buildings of every type are intended to provide essential shelter for everything within. Whether the structure is designed to protect people, animals, equipment, or products, roofing and walls should be able to resist rain, snow, wind, and other natural forces. And in most cases, the walls of buildings that house people and temperature or moisture-sensitive goods should have ample thermal retention and moisture resistant properties.

According to a Building Science Corporation blog, the perfect wall must incorporate layers that provide:

●       Thermal control to keep energy from escaping and maintain proper temperatures.

●       Air control and the ability to prevent unwanted exterior air to enter.

●       Vapor control to keep moisture from penetrating the interior layers of the wall.

●       Rain control to prevent saturation of the inner walls and to prevent water from entering the interior.

Similarly, a properly constructed wall should muffle exterior noise.

How EIFS Has Become the Perfect Wall Solution

Building each of these properties into a long-lasting, economical cladding system has been an engineering evolution. Properly applied EIFS, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, does provide all of the necessary thermal air, vapor, and rain control.

EIFS cladding consists of several layers of materials which, when properly applied, maintain significant energy savings while providing a comfortable interior atmosphere for the occupants. EIFS construction consists of the integration of several complementing layers working together to protect the interior of the building.

From the inside out, EIFS layers consist of:

●       Water-resistive barrier over the substrate

●       Drainage plane to eliminate the potential for accumulated moisture

●       Insulation board to minimize energy loss

●       Glass fiber mesh

●       Water-resistant base coat over the insulation applied to the mesh

●       Crack-resistant acrylic co-polymer material, similar in appearance to stucco but with superior rain repellent properties.

Flashing and drain elements are added at the base of the cladding and around windows and doors to allow water to drain downward.

EIFS and the “Perfect Wall”

EIFS was originally developed as a wall cladding to ensure that heat or energy loss would be help at a minimum, much like putting on a heavy coat on a cold day. Over time, new techniques and materials have added even greater moisture control benefits that enhance the durability and effectiveness of the system. With the proper application, EIFS will provide the utmost in comfort while saving significantly on energy costs.

Contact ProCoat Systems in Denver

For questions regarding highly efficient Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), contact ProCoat Systems, the expert in all forms of cladding materials.

Visit the ProCoat website to view their full range of construction and remodeling ideas and phone 303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/eifs-material-part-perfect-wall/