What is eifs wall

As the name implies, EIFS with Drainage helps to eliminate moisture before it has an opportunity to enter the wall cavity. EIFS were first introduced in the United States in the late 's, and were first used on commercial buildings, and later on homes. EIFS typically consist of the following components:. EIFS today are one of the most tested and well researched claddings in the construction industry.

Research, conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and supported by the Department of Energy, has validated that EIFS are the "best performing cladding" in relation to thermal and moisture control when compared to brick, stucco, and cementitious fiberboard siding. In addition EIFS is in full compliance with modern building codes which emphasize energy conservation through the use of CI continuous insulation and a continuous air barrier. Both these components are built into today's EIFS products to provide maximum energy savings, and reduced environmental impact over the life of the structure.

Along with these functional advantages come virtually unlimited color, texture, and decorative choices to enhance curb appeal and enjoyment of almost any home or structure. This system does not have a water barrier and is a more economical choice.

An EIFS Cladding With Added Water Barrier: Some Systems have an added moisture barrier integrated into them for a little "extra insurance" and is usually applied right over the substrate, as shown in this picture to the right.

These can be fluid applied water barriers or a paper type of moisture barrier and are also referred to as "drainage planes". Rermember that all EIFS cladding is designed to keep moisture out on the surface level finish coat but these systems that use an additional water management system are just an additional barrier.

EIFS is essentially the same from manufacturer to manufacturer but each company will have a little bit different twist on their system and they will call their products different names.

For example, most EIFS systems will use an adhesive coat that will go on in the beginning of the installation process and is usually applied in a vertical fashion to aid in water drainage. They can be a pure material like an acrylic based product and some can be added to portland cement to achieve more of a basecoat and adhesive in one. My name is Ryan and I have been in the construction trades for many years now and I feel that there is a huge "knowledge gap" when it comes to particular trades I hope you find the information here useful.

Thanks for stopping by! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A Better Explanation…. Stucco Questions. Not all foam will have grooves on the backside though, just something worth noting.

The adhesive is usually applied vertically, using a notched trowel. It may be possible to avoid the use of an interior vapor control layer, or use a higher permeance vapor control layer Class II or III depending on the amount of insulation on the exterior and regional building codes.

Installing the incorrect vapor control layer or installation in the incorrect location can lead to building enclosure failure. Drying: Insulating sheathing limits the drying to the exterior, and the wall must be able to dry to the interior. Poly vapor barriers are typically avoided so that this drying can occur. The minimum level of vapor control on the interior surface is determined by the IRC. Installing vapor control on both sides of the enclosure will seal any moisture into the stud space, resulting in low drying potential, and possibly resulting in moisture-related durability risks.

Ventilation behind vapor impermeable claddings and interior components e. Built-in Moisture: Care should always be taken to build with dry materials where possible, and allow drying of wet materials before close in. Cellulose is often sprayed in damp, and manufacturers recommend drying before close in and moisture content limits.

Durability Summary: The primary durability risks associated with these wall assemblies involve moisture damage related to rain water penetration. Insulating sheathings keep the condensation plane temperature elevated so there is less risk of condensation due to air leakage or vapor diffusion.

Framing members are also kept warmer so they are exposed to lower relative humidity levels and generally have lower equilibrium moisture contents.

Board foam products are typically less moisture sensitive than wood-based structural sheathing products. Cellulose insulated walls are somewhat more durable because cellulose insulation is capable of storing and redistributing small amounts of moisture. Cellulose insulation is typically treated with borates that have been argued to protect adjacent wood members from mold and decay.

The EIFS finish system is directly applied to the exterior foam, and requires skilled trades to install. Some EIFS companies produce detail drawings for their products to reduce the risk of construction issues resulting in premature enclosure failure. There is an increased cost to EIFS wall construction because of the specialized stucco like finish. It is possible to add exterior insulation with a rain screen cladding as an alternative to the stucco appearance finish that may be more cost effective.