EIFSFACTS.ORG
The Real Facts About EIFS
- EIFS on Commercial Structures -
The use of barrier-EIFS in the commercial sector is more complicated than in the residential arena. Commercial structures are larger, more complex and typically employ materials not normally used in residential construction in the U.S. Indeed, the majority of barrier EIFS is installed on commercial structures and the commercial sector was the inital area of use of EIFS in the U.S.
The probability of moisture-intrusion problems in commercial structures may be lower than in residential structures. Commercial structures are typically designed and constructed to more rigid specifications and standards than residential. Commercial, fixed windows are probably less likely to contribute to incidental moisture than residential windows. Additionally, the facades of commercial structures may not be expected to last the 40 or 50 years that many home-owners expect the cladding of their homes to last. Indeed, many commercial building operators budget funds to replace the facades of their buildings every 10 - 20 years.
As such, EIFSFACTS.ORG does not generally address the issue of barrier EIFS on commercial structures. The exception may be condominiums, which are increasingly being framed with wood and sheathed with same materials that homes are. In these instances it is reasonable to expect the same problems described on this site. A look at the current situation in Seattle supports this supposition.
If you live in a barrier-EIFS-clad condominium we recommend you make your condominium association officials aware of the barrier EIFS situation. Many of the recommendations for EIFS home-owners apply to you as well.
Figure 1: Cracking under the left corner of this window in a 6 year-old condo probably means water has intruded. Note the pan flashing under the window that is supposed to prevent this problem according to EIMA. Best viewed in hi-res image.
Figure 2: A Different Window in the Same Complex
Figure 3: This condo complex in Dunn Loring, VA is wood-framed and is being sheathed with barrier EIFS.
