Policy Statements: EIMA's Position on Vinyl Trim |
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Use of PVC Based (Vinyl) Trim Accessories with EIFS on non-combustible or fire resistive constructionEIMA 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.
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. |
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