Define EIFS
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Exterior insulation and
finish systems (EIFS) are multi-component exterior wall systems that
generally consist of:
- an insulation board;
- and adhesive and/or mechanical attachment
of the insulation board to the substrate or existing wall surface
(e.g., plywood, cement board, Dens Shield, Gyp Sheathing);
- a base coat reinforced with glass fiber
mesh on the face of the insulation board; and
- a finish coat which protects the entire
system and can be applied in a wide variety of colors and textures
to create virtually any "look" imaginable, including
that of stucco or natural stone.
EIFS Advantages
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The major advantages over
other building materials: maximum energy efficiency and unmatched
design flexibility. An EIFS system brings insulation to exterior walls to
provide an unbroken layer of insulation, which significantly reduces
air infiltration. EIFS offer tremendous design versatility as well, introducing new shapes, colors and textures to the field of home
design - in a durable, crack-resistant surface that requires minimal
upkeep.
EIFS are sometimes generically referred to as
"synthetic stucco" because of the similarity in appearance
(to the casual observer) and the fact that both are installed by the
plastering trade. The similarity ends there. With EIFS,
manufacturers developed a material that virtually eliminates the
problems associated with stucco. The resulting material is very
flexible yet durable, with much less tendency to crack, fade or show
other signs of wear. Best of all, EIFS can save time and money;
they are installed in much less time (and with less disruption) than
other exterior materials; add significant insulation value to a home,
and require hardly any maintenance.
EIFS Fire Safety
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EIFS materials do not
contribute to fire. In fact, foam is less likely to burn than other building materials such as wood siding. In a situation
where EIFS is ignited, it will self-extinguish. To ensure
product safety, EIMA has conducted and assisted regulators with the
testing of EIFS fire endurance and has developed tests using
appropriate federal, military, ASTM or code-specific test methods to
evaluate and measure performance with stringent acceptance
criteria. Manufacturing member companies of EIMA routinely
perform fire testing of EIFS to maintain the highest industry
standards.
EIFS Maintenance
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EIFS are virtually maintenance-free. Colors
are integral to the finish coat, which virtually eliminates the need
for painting. Due to technologically advanced 100% acrylic
binders in the finish coat, the system resists fading, chalking or yellowing; so EIFS colors maintain a just-painted appearance, for a
longer period of time.
Most common pollutants, such as dirt and dust, can
simply be rinsed off of EIFS finish coats with water. As with
most building materials, an occasional washing using simple cleaning
agents is recommended to keep EIFS exteriors looking brand new. It is always best to contact an EIMA member for proper instructions
before proceeding.
An annual inspection of sealants around doors,
windows and other openings, routinely conducted by prudent homeowners
regardless of the cladding material, is typically all that is
required.
EIFS Insulation Value
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An EIFS' R-value is relative
the the thickness of the insulation board and other factors, but
typically adds between R-4 and R-5.6 to a home. In combination
with standard wall cavity insulation, this extra layer can have a
significant effect on energy savings. See Tyvek section
for other insulation options.
CONTACT GYPSUM SUPPLY
CO.
