What is EIFS?

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) offer continuous insulation by design, allowing architects the design flexibility and aesthetics they require, while helping to meet the new energy codes. EIFS are continuous insulation.

Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a non-load bearing, exterior wall cladding system that consists of an insulation board attached either adhesively or mechanically, or both, to the substrate; an integrally reinforced base coat; and a textured protective finish coat. EIFS with Drainage, another EIFS system, is the predominate method of EIFS applied today. As the name implies, EIFS with Drainage helps to eliminate moisture before it has an opportunity to enter the wall cavity. EIFS cladding is also a leading product in relation to thermal and moisture control.

This finish system application comes in a wide variety of colors and texture resembling a similarity to stone, or stucco, and is durable enough to maintain its original appearance over a long period of time. EIFS is multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. They provide superior energy efficiency and offer much greater design flexibility than other cladding products.

Difference between EIFS and Stucco;

EIFS is not "Stucco" (Portland cement plaster). In fact, they are quite different materials despite the terms often being used interchangeably. Stucco is a traditional cladding composed of Portland cement, lime, sand, and water. EIFS on the other hand, is a proprietary cladding system that includes an insulation board and a much thinner, more flexible basecoat. Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems do not use interchangeable generic components like stucco does. Rather, EIFS components have been designed and tested by the manufacturer for the specific use and compatibility within their systems.

EIFS typically consist of the following components:

• Insulation board, made of polystyrene or poly-isocyanate foam, which is secured to the exterior wall surface with a specially formulated adhesive and/or mechanical attachment.
• More durable, water-resistant base coat, which is applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiber glass mesh for added strength.
• More attractive and durable finish coat, typically using acrylic co-polymer technology which is both colorfast and crack resistant.

Top 5 Benefits of EIFS;

1. Energy-efficient – conserve energy and lower costs, the exterior layer of insulation in EIFS reduces the loss of heat and air conditioning. Plus, when combined with the standard wall cavity insulation, the extra insulation layer boosts R-value. The air and water resistive barrier prevents air leakage and provides moisture protection.
2. Code-compliant – build with confidence, EIFS are included in the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) and undergo rigorous testing. Fire resistance, ignitability and much more, EIFS has been tested to meet today’s building code requirements.
3. Design versatility – colors, textures and effects can make your architectural vision a reality. Go beyond the look of stucco; today EIFS offer virtually unlimited creativity, from wood and metal to stone effects and masonry veneer. EIFS can truly do it all!
4. Durability – designed to be highly flexible and low-maintenance, EIFS are specially-formulated to resist fading, cracking, dirt and more. Highly impact resistant EIFS can be easily achieved with various weight reinforcing mesh. An EIFS clad building will look fresh and vibrant for years to come, reducing maintenance costs.
5. Fully-integrated – when you build with EIFS, rest-assured that you’ve got all they key components needed for a high-quality, effective exterior wall system, backed by a single-source warranty.

Overall, EIFS is an excellent cladding system for all types of buildings, and our work speaks for itself. If you are ready to install EIFS, please contact us now.