e.i.f.s (exterior insulated finished surfaces) vs. hard coat stucco understanding the differences...
TRANSCRIPT
E.I.F.S (Exterior Insulated Finished Surfaces) vs. Hard Coat Stucco
Understanding the DifferencesUnderstanding the Problems
Presented By:
National Property Inspections
National Property Inspections, Inc.
Company founded-February 1987
Roland Bates-President-Experienced Contractor/Inspector
Close to 300 franchise inspectors nationwide and Canada
Each Franchise Independently Owned and Operated
Have trained inspectors for over 22 years
Over one million inspections conducted by NPI
Corporate Office-Omaha, NE
Hard Coat Stucco
AKA Portland cement stucco, Traditional stucco, One-Two Coat Stucco, FRP (Fiber re-enforced plaster)Construction:
Substrate-Plywood, OSB (oriented strand board), concrete block
Asphalt impregnated felt-Moisture barrier, (AKA-tar paper, builders felt)
Metal lath- holds plaster to home Plaster-1/2”, fiber reinforced,(old)
horse hair, (new) fiberglass Finish Coat-Texture, color
Only systems incorporating wire mesh are considered to be Hard Coat Stucco
Hard Coat Stucco
Breathable, drainable, durable. Fewer problems associated with hard coat applicationsMoisture barrier inside systemHow to identify:
From edge Very hard (cement) Exposed metal lathe Expansion joints,
horizontal and vertical Tap Test: solid sound Push Test: no give, rigid
Hard Coat Stucco
Application/Installation: Felt paper applied to
sheathing Wire mesh installed
Expansion joints installed between first and second floor; every 12’ vertical !Certain areas allow mesh and mortar to be applied to “foam board” (do not confuse this with EIFS installation)
EIFS-Exterior Insulated Finished Systems
Synthetic Stucco Looks great, easy to shape,
insulates well
Brand Names: (AKA’s) Dryvit, Sto, Semnergy,
Thoro Systems, United States Gypsum (UGA), Firestone, Parex, Bonsol, Omega, Pleco, Retro Tech Inc., Corev, Universal Polymers, H.B. Fuller, Acro Crete, Masterwall
Most expensive exterior cladding -IF APPLIED CORRECTLY;THAT IS THE PROBLEM!!! NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO INSTALL CORRECTLY !!!
EIFS
Typical Components:Substrate - Plywood, OSB, concrete blockInsulating board - Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Attachment - adhesive or mechanicalMesh - impact resistanceBase coat- Moisture barrier, uniform surface for finish coatFinish coat - Color, textureBack wrapping must be performed at all penetrations, terminations, dissimilar materials along with backer rods and effective usage of recommended caulk
EIFS
Termination:Backer rod and sealant at ALL penetrations and terminations
Expansion joints, windows, doors, light fixtures, wires, A/C lines, door bells, vents, outlets, roof/wall intersections, decks, etc,
Many homes only surface caulk
Backer rod Shapes caulk (hour glass)
More efficient use of caulk Secondary moisture barrier
EIFS-Why are there so many
problems? MOISTURE INTRUSION !!!!!
Most Problems Related to EIFS Due To Failure To Follow Installation details
Failure to back wrap at all penetrations Inappropriate or no usage of backer rods Surface caulking only-check periodically for
adhesive/cohesive failure Miss-matching of materials (each system must be
installed to manufacturers specs with “BRAND SPECIFIC” components and manufacturers installation details)
Flashing-”Kick-out flashing”-inexpensive part, hardly ever installed
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
Flashing: Keeps water from entering
system by re-direction Kick out Most important - least
used Roof - wall intersections Directs water into gutters Roof/Wall intersections: Cut back 2-3 inches, step
flashing installed. This detail should be followed regardless of what type of exterior surface
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
Moisture: Moisture trapped inside Moisture in continual contact with substrate Leads to rot “Dry-rot” Actually dried out wet-rot Cells in wood cannot hold water any longer Hard to detect Tests dry
Termites Have food (wood) and water (trapped moisture) Do not need to return to soil Love EIFS run into the ground
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
AGE OF A HOME NOT A FACTOR: IF NOT LEAKING TODAY, IT WILL BE SOONMoisture barrier on outsideMoisture will get behind the basecoatEIFS is good moisture barrier provided installed correctly, no failures in outer covering (cracks), appropriate usage of backer rods and caulk.NPI’s findings-97% homes inspected are installed incorrectlyTypically found on higher end homes $300,000+.
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
This house was 2 years old at time of inspection
Cost to build:$500,000.00
Cost to repair: $250,000.00
Entire home had to be stripped and recladded
NOTICE: dark staining at upper left hand window
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
System was fastened with adhesive
Adhesive was applied in horizontal runs
If system is penetrated, moisture gets trapped in horizontally applied adhesive, leads to rot of the substrate material
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
System runs to the ground
Allows easy access for termite entry
Once termites enter system, have food & water…no need to return to the ground
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
Contractor is wringing water out of the insulation as a result of failure to the system
Close observation shows live termite activity
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
No flashing installed
Result of non-usage of deck flashing
EIFS-Why are there so many problems?
Backer rods and Caulk
No backer rods were used were used around electrical outlet box or at door openings…allowed moisture to penetrate systemAppropriate usage of backer rods and caulk allows for expansion/contraction of system to reduce moisture intrusion
EIFS
Who might be a qualified inspector/contractor?Educated about the problemUnderstands dynamic relationships between homes and exterior coveringsUnderstands legal problems associated with EIFS
Who may or may not be qualified:Installer for 5 years? Remember high percentage of homes are defective as a result of improper detailsAttend manufacturer training? Will a half-day training class cover everything? Person who advertises on the internet? Who are they?
EIFS
Summary
Would you personally buy an EIFS clad home? What if it was an acceptable system? Could you afford to sell your home for $25,000 less than you paid two years ago?Stigma attached to EIFS. Our guess: It will get worse before it gets betterIf it is a non compliant installation chances are that there will be problems