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/

What is EIFS Stucco?

The newest versions of EIFS, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, are durable, attractive, and highly energy efficient. These characteristics are a result of a scientifically refined system of layered materials that restrict energy loss, eliminate moisture accumulation, and provide a beautiful and lasting exterior appearance. While each layer has an important function, the exterior surface is comprised of a stucco-like material that offers substantial practical and aesthetic value.

What is the Makeup of an EIFS Finish?

In the very simplest terms, an EIFS coating consists of six layers.

Beginning from the inside out, the EIFS system is comprised of:

1.     Water-Resistant Barrier applied to the substrate of interior surface

2.     Adhesives or fasteners designed to permanently secure the next layer, the insulation board

3.     Quality Foam Insulation Board

4.     Moisture trapping and elimination barrier or a water-resistive barrier

5.     Reinforcement Mesh

6.     An attractive and durable Exterior Finish that is textured like standard stucco. This material creates an additional energy and moisture-resistant surface that imparts a classic stucco-like appearance.

What is the Difference Between Standard Stucco and EIFS Stucco?

The material applied as the outer surface of an EIFS wall is not the same as modern, traditional stucco. The latter is produced from Portland cement, sand, and water that presents a hard, brittle coating which has a notable potential for cracking as the building shifts due to temperature changes and ground settling.

While the exterior look is similar to normal stucco, EIFS coatings are colorfast and water resistant and are made from an acrylic, copolymer material. The substance resists cracking and has a softer feel than traditional stucco.

To determine the difference, if you press normal stucco with your thumb, it will feel hard. EIFS stucco will tend to give slightly because of its softer nature.

Contact ProCoat Systems in Denver

With improved application and materials, EIFS systems are proving to be an important option in the construction industry. Properly applied using the best materials, EIFS walls will last a lifetime and keep the interior well insulated and dry as they conserve a tremendous amount of energy each year. 

If you have questions, contact the EIFS experts at ProCoat Systems in Denver. They will be delighted to help evaluate the potential for EIFS inclusion in any upcoming home or commercial construction or remodel.

For more information regarding EIFS and any other of their high-quality cladding systems, visit the ProCoat System’s website or call today at 303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at procoatsystems.com/what-is-eifs-stucco/

Face-Sealed EIFS and Sealant Joints

EIFS, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, are appropriate for nearly any location if the proper drainage measures are designed and executed. In low-drying or high-humidity locations, ones with substantial annual rainfall, moisture must be prevented from entering at joint locations. And water should also be allowed to drain via an designed cavity that prevents penetration into the interior gypsum and other insulating materials.

By limiting temperature transfer from the outside, EIFS construction layers are engineered to act as a blanket to lower energy costs substantially. However, when that blanket becomes wet and will not dry in a short ime, problems begin to arise. The issues can be in the form of mold development and deterioration of the material components.

Drainage and Seals

Two separate measures are employed to combat moisture and reduce the potential for water and high humidity damage to EIFS layers. These measures should be properly executed during the initial construction or remodel.

Drainage Plane- Creating a drainage cavity or gap between the outer EIFS surface and the interior glass-matted gypsum allows moisture that penetrates through the stucco-like surface to drain downward and out through the base of the wall. This drainable EIFS assembly process eliminates most of the moisture retention problems that plagued earlier versions of EIFS.

Sealant Joints- The other major culprit to accumulating moisture in EIFS construction are the joints that surround windows, balconies, and doors. Also, rain may flow through the roof joints into the EIFS lamina if these are not properly sealed. In areas where drying periods are longer or rain is less frequent, the materials my dry out within a reasonable time. But in rainy areas, these potential problem spots can allow moisture to enter without proper sealing.

To ensure a perfect sealing process in every potential trouble spot, Building Science recommends that the sealant must:

●       Adhere well to the lamina

●       Be ultraviolet light resistant

●       Not be stronger than the base coat bond strength

●       Be affordable

If joint sealants are applied perfectly, the building owner should not experience problems. Regular inspection to determine whether the sealants are holding should identify problems that may be developing.

Sealants can be reapplied when necessary to prevent further damage.

Contact ProCoat Systems

EIFS installation must be performed perfectly to be fully effective. In high precipitation and excessive humidity, moisture can develop anywhere.

If you have questions regarding the practicality and economy of EIFS in future construction and remodeling, be sure to seek expert advice. The cladding professionals at ProCoat Systems in Denver are available to discuss the technical aspects of EIFS construction for your building.

Call 303-322-9009 for more information.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/face-sealed-eifs-sealant-joints/