EIFS Takes the Lead in DOE’s Federal Award Program on Energy Efficiency

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Posted on July 26, 2012 by Scott

The Department of the Army’s Boatwright Maintenance Park Building 2770 in Fort Knox, KY, is showing its strength in building envelope energy efficiency. This building is currently achieving energy reductions of 46.7%, thanks in part to its EIFS exterior and spray foam roof. The building is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2012 Better Buildings Federal Award program, that was started last fall, and looks to conclude this September.

An article from Durability and Design reads:

A highly insulated new spray foam roof and insulated EIFS walls are giving a federal building a big lead in the first year-long competition to find the most energy-efficient facility.

The next two buildings come in with 30.3% and 27.1% energy reductions, respectfully since last fall.

To read about the other buildings in competition for the 2012 Better Buildings Federal Award program visit: Foam Roofs, EIFS Gives Edge in DOE Race. And learn more about the energy efficiency of EIFS siding on our website.

EIFS Means Lower Carbon Emissions

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Scott

New high temperatures are being recorded all over the United States from 106 in Washington, DC, to 114 in Arizona. Reports about global climate change have been swirling in the recent weeks as these new record high temperatures continue to be set. January through June of this year is the hottest six month period ever recorded to start a year. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that there is a renewed interest in global climate change and the speed at which it’s occurring. As we continue to discuss environmental upgrades and ways that we can help to slow the effects of global climate change, it’s important to think about a wide range of decisions that are being made.

Environmental policy is going to pop into your head as we look to Congress and the White House for answers; but what about smaller upgrades where the decisions that architects, building owners, homeowners, and even future tenants can shape the global climate change impacts. Many times we don’t even consider the fact that their decision might have a relevant impact on such a large debate.

Take into consideration that EIFS impact on global climate change is 1/5 of brick*. That means the carbon footprint and carbon emissions are five times less for EIFS over the 5 stages of a life cycle. Take a look at these environmental benefits of EIFS:

It takes 16 times fewer tractor trailer trucks to transport 25,000 square feet of EIFS over brick and 6 times fewer than stucco; drastically cutting down on automobile pollution into the air.*
The overall lower construction costs can result in energy savings with the use of fewer resources.*
EIFS has low/no volatile organic compounds and recycled content and recyclable packaging.
EIFS is 84% more energy efficient than the next exterior cladding over a life cycle.*

There are many factors that go into global climate change. Take the necessary time to consider the ones that your decisions might have an effect on. When it comes to an exterior cladding EIFS can go far beyond others in reducing the carbon emissions that are given off as well as adding energy efficient benefits down the road.

*according to a proprietary study done by the National Institute of Standards and Technology

“NEW” EIFS Trumps Others in Moisture Control, Busting Mold Myths

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Scott

As with any cladding, prevention of water infiltration into and behind it is important for long term durability. Over the last decade, or so, several advancements to EIFS have been made. One of the most important is a drainage cavity that is location behind the foam insulation. Another is a supplemental component called a WRB, or Water-Resistive Barrier. This component provides additional moisture protection to the structure and is applied directly onto the supporting substrate.

These advances into “NEW” EIFS, address the issues that arose in the late 1990’s when some homes that were covered with the cladding suffered damage from water intrusion. Investigation into the damage showed that water was not infiltrating through the EIFS though, but was rather infiltrating through leaky windows or poorly constructed details. Other claddings, such as brick, stone, wood and vinyl siding, and conventional stucco, showed similar damage when installed with similar leaky windows and poor construction detailing.

EIFS today are one of the most tested and well researched claddings in the construction industry. Research, conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and supported by the Department of Energy, has validated that EIFS are the “best performing cladding” in relation to thermal and moisture control when compared to brick, stucco, and cementitious fiberboard siding.

The proof is here; “NEW” EIFS is composed of the tools to address any moisture control issues, that you’ve come across.