Exterior Insulation Finishing System or EIFS

Exterior Insultation Finishing Systems are considered an ideal energy efficient thermal wrapping or façade wrapping that is applied to the outer surface of a building and is then finished with a long lasting, protective, and decorative wall coating. This wall coating is versatile enough to be added to existing buildings as well as new constructions. EIFS offers continuous insulation (insulation that is applied continuously over the studs of a structure to provide a thermal barrier that stops heat loss all together) which allows builders and architects the ability to be flexible in their design choices and aesthetics while also keeping up with new and everchanging energy codes.

EIFS is a non-load bearing exterior wall cladding system that can be installed with or without drainage, however, with drainage is the dominating method of application as it helps eliminate moisture before it can enter the wall. There are five layers to the Exterior Insulation Finishing System which gives it its water-tight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing finish. These include:

• Insulation Board- Made of Polystyrene or Mineral wood which is secured to the surface of the exterior wall
• Adhesive- Used to adhere or “glue” the insulation board to the surface of the exterior wall
• Mechanical Fasteners- Used to fasten the insulation board to the surface of the exterior wall
• Base Coat- Applied to the top of the insulation and reinforced with EIFS glass fiber mesh
• Finish Coat- The aesthetic layer of the EIFS that is applied to the top of the base coat that gives it the decorated, durable, and crack resistant finish. 

What are the advantages of EIFS?

Sustainable and Energy Efficient buildings have become a key focus in successful building designs. EIFS not only gives the building designers an expanding degree of flexibility in their designs, but also offers an excellent Return on Investment (ROI) with an enticing cost-to-benefit ratio which makes it ideal not only for new construction but also renovations on older existing buildings.

Since EIFS is applied to the outer exterior of a building, the interior space is not sacrificed to achieve better insulation. Which means that any occupants may remain inside the building and square footage and comfortability are not affected only enhanced with the final product. This is also why EIFS is ideal for renovations due to the low impact on daily lives of the occupants. 

EIFS has been rigorously tested by not only the Oak Ridge National Laboratory but the Department of Energy and has been deemed “The best performing cladding systems in regard to thermal and moisture control when compared to brick, stucco, and cementitious fiberboard siding.” EIFS is also in full compliance with modern and everchanging building codes with an emphasis on energy conservation because of its use of Continuous Insulation as well as continuous air barriers. Both components are integral to today’s EIFS to provide the maximum amount of energy savings and reduced environmental impact over the structure’s lifetime. Along with structural benefits, EIFS have basically an unlimited amount of texture, color, and decorative choices that can enhance any existing building or new constructions curb appeal. 

EIFS when installed properly, will reduce air infiltration by as much as 55% compared to the competitor’s brick and wood. The system also adds to the R-Value of a construction (resistance to heat flow) which means the higher the R-Value, the better the insulation value. This helps keep the construction up to code as well. 

EIFS does not need painting or refreshing nearly as much as its competitors due to it being specially formulated with a 100% acrylic binder which gives the system a top-of-the-line resistance to fading, chalking, and yellowing. With this addition, the system maintains its original appearance for longer, even if the surface is scratched, the same color appears beneath the abrasion. EIFS has an excellent resistance to dirt, mold, and mildew making it exceptionally easy to clean as well as keeping the system looking pristine and freshly painted. 

EIFS is designed to be flexible which increases the systems crack resistance. When temperatures rise and fall, walls tend to expand and contract which can cause cracks. EIFS are resilient enough to absorb the movement caused by temperature fluctuations which alleviates the unsightly cracking problems that are known to come along with concrete, stucco, or brick exteriors. 

EIFS may look like stucco or stone, but these systems are far more versatile regarding aesthetic flexibility. These systems come in virtually any color the client may ask for as well an expanding variety of textures. It can also be formed into any shape or design including archways and banisters. 

EIFS are among the best when it comes to water resistance. If correctly installed water damage is seldom or rarely occurring and if it does happen it typically only effects a small area (usually around a windowsill or opening) which can be easily and inexpensively repaired. 

EIFS have passed the major fire resistance tests that are required by the building code enforcement. These tests include fire resistance, ignitability, intermediate multi-story, and full-scale multi-story corner tests.