EIFSFACTS.ORG

The Real Facts About EIFS 

- An Investigation of the Performance of Walls with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) in Three Climatic Regions of the US -

Conducted by

Charles W. Graham, Ph.D., AIA

Mitchell Endowed Professor of Housing Research

Department of Construction Science

Texas A&M University

[Editor's Note: We have just received a copy of the report and it will take a few days to digest. In the mean time, here's the abstract.]

[Editor's Note: I have gone over the report very briefly. What's really interesting is not the problems with water; we all know about thta, it's what happens when this stuff catches fire. Ever thought about what the foam board on your house would do if your house caught fire, or if the house next door caught fire? Stay tuned. ]

Abstract

A study of the performance of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) was conducted in three climatic regions of the United States. The Decay Potential Map from the International Code Congress' One and Two Family Dwelling Code was used to select the study locations. Field investigations were conducted in Houston, TX, which is in the "moderate-to-severe" decay potential zone; Chicago, IL, which is in the "slight-to-moderate" decay potential zone; and Denver, CO, which is in the "slight" decay potential zone. Reviews of the literature on EIFS studies from the United States and Europe were conducted to see if the findings of previous investigations were consistent with the current study's findings. The findings from previous EIFS performance were, in fact, consistent with those discovered in this research. The surface barrier design EIFS can pose rather serious water entrapment problems for the building owner, even when installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. The potential for problems is especially critical wood and light-guage steel structures in the slight-to-moderate and moderate-to-severe decay zones of the United States. The primary damage mechanism is water leakage behind the EIFS which supports wood rot, corrosion and materials decomposition. Other potential failures include impact damage, fire damage and windstorm damage. Another recent concern is termite infestation in the polystyrene insulation boards in regions of the country with termites. The new EIFS with drainage planes or that incorporate the mass storage design principle are recommended over the more traditional surface barrier systems.

Here is an excellent summary.