EIFS PERFORMANCE REVIEW

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EIFS PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Perspectives on the Performance of EIFS Wall Enclosure Systems

Summary Report with Highlights and Speculative Commentary

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!  What EIFS Performance Problems?

!  Burden of Proof

!  Our Survey Says …..

!  And the Winner Is …..

!  Don't Just Stand There, Do Something !

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!  Conduct an extensive literature review of Web sites, journal articles, technical studies and reports to gain insights on the current technical information about EIFS;

!  Provide an objective, third-party examination of the numerous and interrelated aspects of performance pertaining to external insulation finish systems;

!  Survey the key players in the building industry to gain their

perspectives on the new generation of EIFS delivered according to CAN/ULC-S716 - Parts 1, 2, 3 that fully adhere to the EIFS Quality Assurance Program;

!  Synthesize the existing life cycle analyses for EIFS and summarize the comparative findings with regards to competing wall systems;

!  Assemble, analyze and effectively summarize the critical performance data for moisture, thermal and air leakage management;

!  Interview and report on the key industry player perspectives on EIFS; !  Examine product specific issues, if applicable; and

!  Develop an effective communications strategy in support of the total EIFS value proposition.

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There is no objective, third party evidence to suggest

that EIFS experiences any more performance problems

than other wall enclosure system alternatives.

Performance problems reported in the scientific

literature point to poor design and inferior

workmanship as being the primary causes of building

defects, followed by a lack of maintenance.

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!  EIFS low embodied energy ranks it among the lowest carbon footprints for cladding system alternatives;

!  The continuous insulation and drained water resistive barrier provided by the current generation of EIFS result in among the highest levels of thermal efficiency and moisture

protection;

!  EIFS offers ease of maintenance (serviceability), repair and replacement, all of which require less labour and materials than alternative claddings;

!  The 25 to 30 year service life of EIFS can be economically extended through asset management programs that routinely inspect, clean and maintain EIFS cladding systems; and

!  EIFS can extend the service life of existing buildings and enhance their energy efficiency when it is appropriately

specified and applied as part of a sustainable refurbishment strategy.

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EIFS continues to represent the leading edge of building enclosure design theory.

The building science evidence strongly

supports the EIFS value proposition.

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EIFS durability and service life is comparable

to more traditional wall cladding systems.

Only EIFS can be inexpensively maintained

and eventually upgraded.

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The alternative wall enclosure systems are not playing poker

with a full deck and all the cards face up.

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Our Survey Says ….

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"Pro-Demnity is concerned that the value and importance of pressure equalization and, drainage in an exterior wall may be misunderstood by many architects using EIFS based on the relatively low reported level of use of “Drained and Pressure Moderated” EIFS systems.”

"What seems clear is that there is little published by the

manufacturers and suppliers of EIFS, or by anyone else, that an architect could rely upon in advising its client as to what is a

reasonable expectation of any EIFS installation or to distinguish the service life and maintenance expectations of one approach from another."

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Biggest building

performance

problem is ….

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More than any of the other issues and concerns raised about

EIFS, it is most likely the revealing nature of EIFS that

causes it to be viewed with caution by the design profession

and its insurers.

EIFS is not a forgiving cladding system in

terms of its drying potential and it does not provide a sizeable

hygric buffer. If moisture is not managed effectively, it will

soon reveal moisture damage. Improper detailing that leads

to water ingress at flashings, joints, transitions and interfaces

reveals incompetence that is better masked by more

forgiving cladding systems.

And where the detailing is

competent, the workmanship may be highly imperfect, and

then the best of EIFS materials and design are undone by

the neglect of craft.

There are few exterior cladding systems

that are so revealing of the inadequacies in the technical

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!  The EIFS Quality Assurance Program Inc. (EQI), represents a framework that is designed to protect the best interests of all stakeholders while maintaining an effective quality assurance and audit process.

!  The CAN/ULC-S716 family of standards bring an unparalleled level of clarity and consistency to the deployment of EIFS

technology.

!  With the publication of the EIFS Practice Manual, the EIFS Council of Canada has been able to bring together the

industry to reach consensus on a common best practices manual that applies generically to all EIFS.

!  EIFS materials and systems technology represents the

leading edge of 21st_{century chemistry and applied building}

physics.

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When all factors are considered, including environmental

footprint, life cycle cost, energy efficiency, durability,

comfort, maintenance, design flexibility and renewability

EIFS easily holds its own among all competing

alternatives.

If a cladding system

olympics were held today,

EIFS would definitely be

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!  Stop apologizing about the past – focus on the future. Transfer your superior technology to the building industry.

!  Architects, specifications writers and constructors need to be properly educated and trained about EIFS technology.

!  QAP + CAN/ULC-S716 are the EIFS industry one-two punch – stop bobbing and faking and start throwing your best punch.

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