Exterior Insulation & Finish System, or EIFS, Dryvit® Etc.
EIFS cladding is basically a very thin layer of latex modified stucco applied over foam insulation originally developed in Germany after world war two to cover the exterior of buildings damaged during the war. Eventually a Kansas City businessman bought the rights to the system and brought it over to the U.S. and started the company Dryvit®. Often the product is referred to using this name, although there are now about ten large companies that manufacture the material which is why it is generically referred to as EIFS.
EIFS cladding is basically a very thin layer of latex modified stucco applied over foam insulation originally developed in Germany after world war two to cover the exterior of buildings damaged during the war. Eventually a Kansas City businessman bought the rights to the system and brought it over to the U.S. and started the company Dryvit®. Often the product is referred to using this name, although there are now about ten large companies that manufacture the material which is why it is generically referred to as EIFS.
It actually is a high quality exterior cladding product which is water-proof, has insulating qualities, is air tight, can be made into interesting architectural shapes & features along with permanent color in the finish coat. If the system is "properly installed" and maintained, it is one of the higher quality siding products on the market.
Carefully notice the highlighted "properly installed"....... If it is not properly installed according to industry guidelines and water gets behind the system it is now trapped against wood components of the building including sheathing and framing and has a high probability of hidden internal damage. Complicating this concern are defective windows that are allowing water behind the system regardless of how it is installed.
As a result of these oversights by installing sub-contractors, the product was involved in a national class action lawsuit and millions of dollars were paid out to homeowners experiencing these issues. That option is now closed to existing building owners so it is critical that a potential home buyer have the entire system fully inspected by a qualified, specially trained EIFS inspector using specialized non-invasive and invasive electronic moisture equipment since any problems that may exist are hidden from view and cannot be identified by a simple visual inspection.
It will not de-laminate, crack, discolor, or show any visual indications of moisture problems until structural damage effects the building itself.
Advanced Home Inspections has National EIFS testing certifications along with eighteen years of experience preforming these types of evaluations. Feel free to contact us to set up an appointment. (479) 420-4155
Note to Existing Homeowners considering selling:
If you have EIFS cladding on your house you should seriously consider having the house fully inspected by a "Certified EIFS Inspector" before listing since educated buyers will be aware of the products past history of water related failure.
By far, the best way for you to deal with this is to have it fully inspected and any discovered issues addressed beforehand by a certified EIFS contractor so that it will not interfere with potential buyer concerns during contract negotiations.
Providing pre-inspection reports and any receipts for repairs or modifications demonstrates to the buyer that you are being proactive and not only eliminates obstacles to purchase but can actually be used for marketing purposes.
