Why Care About EIFS?
If you have ever walked out of your house, chances are you[‘ve seen a home with EIFS installed on the exterior. The aim of this post is to show why this stuff can be so scary!
When EIFS is properly installed it should cost about the same as Hardy Board, which is a premium product. In the real world most contractors cut the cost of installation and can get the price down to less than half without sacrificing the cosmetic appearance. By doing this, the corners they cut can lead to significant problems as I will outline below.
What is EIFS?
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a type of synthetic stucco used as an exterior wall covering. It consists of multiple layers, including insulation, a base coat, and a finish coat, providing both insulation and a decorative surface. EIFS is very common, you see it every day!
What are the problems with EIFS in Edmonton?
Improper installation of EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) stucco can cause serious problems for homeowners, often leading to costly repairs and long-term structural damage. One of the primary risks is moisture infiltration. When EIFS is not installed correctly, it can trap water behind the wall, creating a perfect environment for mold, mildew, and wood rot to develop. Over time, this trapped moisture can damage the home's framing, siding, and insulation, weakening the structure and potentially causing health issues due to mold exposure.
This only way to fix the problem is by completely removing the EIFS, repairing the damages, and installing new siding.
Another common issue arises from improper sealing around windows, doors, and other penetrations. If these areas aren't properly flashed and sealed, water can easily seep behind the EIFS system, where it can remain undetected for years. This can lead to extensive water damage, which may not be immediately visible but can cause significant damage over time, affecting both the home's structure and the interior living spaces.
Why is this such a difficult thing to find?
When issues like this are actively occurring, the signs on the surface of the stucco can be very minimal or even not existent which is why it has to be taken so seriously. These issues are extremely common, and there are massive law suites happening every day over them. There are multiple companies in the city who only deal with EIFS litigation, which I hope emphasizes the issue. In some parts of the world, you are no longer even allowed to install it due to its problematic nature.
Below are some of the more obvious signs of major failure.
If you ever have any questions about the EIFS on your house, or a house you are looking at please do not hesitate to give me a call! A short conversation never hurts.
Zach Pentyliuk
780-777-6204
zachpentyliuk@gmail.com