40 Years of EIFS Legacy
My EIFS journey spans over four decades and is marked by a diverse range of roles, including sales, management, technical direction, and research. As a representative of codes and standards, I have been a driving force with other industry pioneers in shaping EIFS industry practices. Now, as chief EIFS Curmudgeon, my passion for EIFS advocacy remains as strong as ever, retired to an arm chair where I reserve the right to "harrumph" about other claddings and those who don't like to follow the rules.
I don't make an EIFS, only comments about EIFS and why EIFS is the only cladding you really want to use.
What is Exterior Insulation and Finish System?
EIFS is a system that encompasses all the elements of "the perfect wall". The schematic cut-away illustration on the right shows: a structure, liquid-applied, waterproof air barrier system, a means of draining incidental water penetration via vertical ribbons of adhesive and/or a geometrically defined drainage cavity in the insulation, a reinforced base coat including, as illustrated, a high impact resistant reinforcing mesh and an aesthetic, weather resistant finish. The choices for colour and appearance of the finishes can be breathtaking.
Because EIFS is a system, all the components that comprise a particular EIF system, are supplied by a single source manufacturer. Each manufacturer designs, tests and delivers complete code compliant systems. Systems do vary depending on project requirements.
In North America, the principal EIFS manufacturers are members of the EIFS Council of Canada (ECC) and/or the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA). Always work with a manufacturer represented by either of these organizations.
Dry by Design
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a sophisticated cladding system unlike any other (see illustration above). EIFS is tested for durability and code compliance both as a system and by all the individual components. Water resistance of EIFS is unparalleled both against penetration through the cladding and the ability to drain incidental water that penetrates the perimeter or through other cladding elements.
EIFS is Dry by Design !