Beautiful Strength

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems stand up to the elements

Thanks to their exceptional insulation qualities, design flexibility, curb appeal, and competitive price, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) continue to be a preferred exterior wall cladding for commercial and institutional buildings, including stores, schools, hotels, hospitals, office complexes, and recreational facilities.

According to Bloomfield Hills, MI-based Ducker Research Co.'s "1998 Analysis of Exterior Wall Systems:

Nonresidential -- Residential," approximately 322 million square feet of EIFS were installed in the United States in 1997, of which 216 million square feet were used on commercial projects. Today, with a 22-percent share of market, EIFS are the most widely used wall cladding in commercial construction in this country.

The most important of the many features and benefits of EIFS is the ability to resist the elements. Whether used in wet, windy regions or in the desert, EIFS' multi-layered components, which utilize the best in acrylic polymer chemistry, form a protective and reliable shield. The versatility of EIFS makes them desirable on both new and retrofit construction.

Over the past three years, EIFS have been the subject of some negative publicity involving moisture intrusion in residential construction. Most of these incidents were concentrated in the area of Wilmington, NC, and were eventually traced to the use of substandard building materials (such as windows), inadequate caulking or flashing, and poor building practices. Experts agree that such substandard workmanship can result in moisture intrusion no matter what type of wall cladding is used.

In the commercial sector, EIFS have enjoyed remarkable success since the introduction of the system to this country more than 30 years ago. Billions of square feet have been installed and continue to perform successfully.

There are several reasons why EIFS have performed so well in commercial applications:

• The first relates to design and specifications. The typical commercial project involves a team to create and then ensure that design specifications and contract documents are followed precisely throughout the job. These specifications are performance-based (to ASTM or model building code standards) and, thus, mandate the use of higher quality materials in fully tested assemblies.
• The second involves the application. There is normally a qualification process that must be met by an EIFS applicator wishing to bid commercial work. Again, this is written into the contract specifications for the job. Commercial subcontractors are often large firms that contract whole segments of the wall construction placing more responsibility onto a single source. Often, the subcontractor is bonded, providing assurance that the company has sound financial and performance record.
• Finally, there is the monitoring process involved with a typical commercial project. First of all, an architect will review all product submittals to ensure they meet the specifications. Next, the general contractor or construction manager is responsible for ensuring that all products are installed in accordance with the architect's drawings. There may also be a third-party inspection process funded by the owner. Ultimately, the project must be inspected by a public building official.

EIFS satisfy the construction industry's need for a durable, competitively priced system that can stand up to the elements and can be fashioned into a myriad of imaginative shapes and designs.

Stephan Klamke is executive director at the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA), Morrow, GA.