Manufacturing Member

  • Wall Systems by Master Builders Solutions
  • Master Wall, Inc.
  • ADEX Systems
  • Parex USA, Inc.
  • Sto Corp.
  • Dryvit Systems, Inc./

Associate Member

  • ADFORS Saint-Gobain
  • Wind-lock Corporation
  • Rockwool
  • Clark Dietrich Building Systems
  • Wacker Chemical Corporation
  • Dow Construction Chemicals
  • Atlas Molded Products

Policy Statements: EIMA's Position on Vinyl Trim

 

Use of PVC Based (Vinyl) Trim Accessories with EIFS on non-combustible or fire resistive construction

EIMA has received numerous inquiries regarding the use of vinyl trim accessories with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). Ultimately, the recommended system applications methods are at the discretion of each EIFS manufacturer, but the following parameters should be considered when specifying or installing vinyl trim accessories on non combustible or fire resistive construction.

  1. Has the vinyl trim accessory been tested in its end use configuration in a full-scale fire test when it is being used on a noncombustible or fire resistive building?
  2. Does the EIFS manufacturer have test data in accordance with standards such as NFPA 285 (ISMA 26-9), UBC 26-4 or UBC 17-6 indicating that the performance of the system will not be compromised when vinyl trim accessories are used?

It is important that questions such as the above be addressed, and if test data exists, the field installation conforms to the tested assembly. It has been demonstrated through full-scale fire tests that back wrapping or edge wrapping of the EPS maintains the integrity of the EIFS lamina when the system is subjected to fire. This containment is important to the successful performance of the tested wall assembly.

Experience has shown those manufacturers that have fire tested their systems with vinyl trim accessories typically have the EPS back wrapped with reinforcing mesh and base coat prior to inserting the insulation board into the vinyl trim accessory (see Detail 1). As an alternate, some manufacturers may require products such as mineral wool to be placed into the vinyl trim accessory and then EPS above as shown in Detail 2.

It is EIMA's position that exposed vinyl trim accessories shall not be used to terminate the EIFS at penetrations/terminations such as heads of wall penetrations, and horizontal terminations (expansion/control joints), etc. when installing an EIF system on projects designed as noncombustible or fire resistive construction unless the configuration has passed appropriate fire testing. EIMA will only recommend exposed vinyl trim accessories on projects designed as combustible construction or at the base of the wall (within a maximum of 8 inches of grade) for noncombustible construction.

Illustrations

Manufacturing Member

  • Master Wall, Inc.
  • Sto Corp.
  • Dryvit Systems, Inc./
  • Parex USA, Inc.
  • ADEX Systems
  • Wall Systems by Master Builders Solutions

Associate Member

  • Wacker Chemical Corporation
  • Dow Construction Chemicals
  • Atlas Molded Products
  • ADFORS Saint-Gobain
  • Rockwool
  • Clark Dietrich Building Systems
  • Wind-lock Corporation
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