Eifs Siding Problems

Damage can be repaired siding replaced.

Eifs siding problems.

The components principally affected are the interior and exterior gypsum sheathing the metal or wood studs and the fiberglass cavity insulation. Keep in mind water intrusion is cumulative. Windows doors electrical outlets roof flashings deck flashings below grade installation. The problems with barrier eifs cladding all stem from water intrusion.

Incorrect selection or application of sealants or missing sealants provides an easy path for water entry and premature deterioration. Impacts to the surface can result in cracks. These problems include moisture accumulation in the wall cavity subsequent wood damage and in more advanced cases mold growth and the infestation of pests such as carpenter ants or termites. The longer water penetrates the building envelope the greater the potential damage.

Before the eifs industry knew what had happened the news media was reporting building defects in these eifs houses. Eifs are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make. While the focus was on eifs clad houses it would soon be learned that the water intrusion problem occurred in all houses regardless of the cladding. However prolonged exposure of the lamina to moisture eventually leads to a loss of strength of the fiberglass mesh.

Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material. 85 of all remediation costs less than 1500 and is usually a maintenance issue. Moisture accumulation in the wall cavity. The eifs layers bond together to form a covering that doesn t breathe.

That s fine when no moisture is present behind the covering but moisture can become trapped behind the layers if it seeps in. This mechanism of deterioration. The typical moisture damage in an eifs assembly is deterioration due to mold wood decay fungi and corrosion leading to decay loss of strength and discoloration. Inappropriate sealant may even lead to cohesive failure of the eifs finish coat.

Why eifs problems occur. Damage can be repaired but not easily. Using the soft styrofoam substrate allows the builder to use less of cement stucco material. To compensate for this the mesh is coated with plastic and the alkaline environment is buffered chemically.

Major eifs problems with water trapping have caused rot and decay of homes using this product. But eifs houses were still the focal point. Sealant joints are a major source of problems with eifs cladding.