EIFSFACTS.ORG

The Real Facts About EIFS  

- Information for Real Estate Agents -

This page is intended for Real Estate Professionals who may represent home-buyers/sellers in the sale of barrier-EIFS-clad homes. Please, if you have a chance, check out the rest of the site. If not, read the rest of this page. It is intentionally non-technical and quick-to read. If you doubt any of it, check the rest of the site for ample evidence.

Remember: Protect yourself in EIFS-related transactions!

First, Realtors absolutely must understand that this is not a problem limited to North Carolina or Georgia. It has been reported in 38 states. It is a national problem. It is also critical that agents realize that this is not an applications problem. It is an inherent problem with the product in that it fails to allow moisture to escape from behind the cladding. Moisture will always find a way in. No home can be made totally waterproof. Components of residential construction such as windows and doors are not designed to be waterproof. They are designed to be water resistant. Other cladding systems (brick, stone, cedar shake, etc.) take this into account and allow for the moisture to drain out.

Although poor building or EIFS applications practices may exacerbate problems, the most perfect building and EIFS applications possible will not prevent the problems. There is overwhelming evidence to support this assertion. There are several examples in our local area of homes that have had the most perfect application possible in the field, and yet have suffered major failure. There are many "smoking gun" documents that prove that the EIFS industry has known about these problems for at least 18 years, but has continued to market the product without warning.

We believe it is critical that realtors make every effort to protect themselves during EIFS-related transactions. Have home-buyers sign a disclosure statement stating that the buyers know that the home has barrier-EIFS cladding and that they have been made aware of the potential for moisture-intrusion problems. This is now required by law in several states. We also think that the purchase of such a home should be made contingent upon the successful examination of the home by a qualified forensic moisture-intrusion inspector.

Be aware that realtors are increasingly being named in EIFS-related lawsuits.