Dept. of Energy’s LaFrance Heads to IEA

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Scott

Though the summer brought about many things on the positive front, EIMA also received news that a close colleague and advocate for Continuous Insulation and higher efficiency buildings has temporarily left his position at the Department of Energy (DOE) to fill a staff position at the International Energy Agency in Paris. As many of you know, Marc LaFrance, who is in charge of emerging technologies at DOE, aided the EIFS industry by encouraging practical research on our exterior wall cladding system by the DOE Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This research, which is in the very final stages of completion, 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.

As you may recall LaFrance was featured in the Sto Corp. newsletter in the spring of 2010, entitled “BEC Focus: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, More Attention—and Dollars—for Efficient Building Enclosures”. In the article he writes:

The ORNL study helps demonstrate the value of the next generation of moisture-tolerant and energy-efficient EIFS wall systems, which will bring all of us closer to the goal of 100% zero-energy buildings. This will require working closely with manufacturers of EIFS, including Sto Corp., BASF, Dryvit and the others. Even on a global scale, we see EIFS as a global solution for the entire world.

EIMA representatives stayed in close contact with LaFrance while he was serving the DOE, and wish him the best of luck in his role with the IEA.

Grayling Fire Department Picks EIFS to Fix Moisture Problems

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Scott

Due to continuing mold issues and unsuccessful attempts in the past to fix it, the Grayling Fire Department is turning to EIFS to address it. After only 8 years in existence the building has continued to be plagued with mold issues stemming from the cold getting through the blocks on the exterior, that lack proper insulation.

“The cold comes through the blocks, it condensates on the inside of the building, which supports the mold spores and they just grow,” said Grayling Fire Department Chief Russell Strohpaul Jr.

The continuous insulation that the EIFS provides will help the Grayling Fire Department achieve their goals of better insulating the apparatus of their building.

EIFS 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.

For more information about the plans for the Grayling Fire Department check out the August 29, 2012 story by Dan Sanderson of the Crawford County Avalanche.com

“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.