An introduction to External Insulation and Finish Systems

1. UNDERSTANDING E.I.F.S.
Under The Guidance of
Dr A. Deiveegan
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
Annamalai University
Presented By
Shashank Srivastava
Department of Civil Engineering
Annamalai University

2. INTRODUCTION
• According to the definitions of the
International Building Code and ASTM
International, an Exterior Insulation
and Finish System (EIFS) is a non load
bearing, exterior wall cladding system
that consists of an insulation board
attached either adhesively or
mechanically, or both, to the substrate;
an integrally reinforced base coat; and a
textured protective finish coat.
• EIFS’s are among the most cost-
effective building technologies for
improving the insulating value of walls
and the energy efficiency of buildings.

3. HISTORY OF E.I.F.S.
• EIFS started to be used in North America in the 1960s, and became
very popular in the mid- 1970s due to the oil embargo and the resultant
surge in interest in high energy efficiency wall systems (such as EIFS
provides). The use of EIFS over stud-and-sheathing framing (instead of
over solid walls) is a technique used primarily in North America. EIFS
is now used all over North America, and also in many other areas
around the world, especially in Europe and the Pacific Rim.

4. NECESSITY OF E.I.F.S.
• When installed properly, EIFS makes buildings more energy efficient.
Initially, it can cost more, but EIFS pays for itself over time. According
to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, structures with EIFS can save
between 20 percent and 30 percent on energy bills.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is part of the system, and it can be cut or
molded to create many shapes like arches, columns, window details and
sculptures. It can also be used to create elaborate architectural designs,
ornate facades or soffits.

5. EIFS today are one of the most tested and well researched claddings in the
construction industry. Research, conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
and supported by the Department of Energy, has validated that EIFS are the "best
performing cladding" in relation to thermal and moisture control when compared to
brick, stucco, and cementitious fibreboard siding.
In addition EIFS is in full compliance with modern building codes which
emphasize energy conservation through the use of CI (continuous insulation) and a
continuous air barrier. Both these components are built into today's EIFS products
to provide maximum energy savings, reduced environmental impact over the life of
the structure, and improved IAQ, Indoor Air Quality. Along with these functional
advantages come virtually unlimited colour, texture, and decorative choices to
enhance curb appeal and enjoyment of almost any home or structure.

6. COMPONENTS OF E.I.F.S.
• Substrate: This layer is placed over stud walls, concrete walls, or masonry walls. Oriented strand
board, plywood, gypsum board, cement board, Dense Glass Gold, and poly iso board have all been
used.
• Adhesive or Mechanical Fasteners: Mechanical fasteners pass through the insulation board to the
substrate. Adhesive fasteners are applied between the insulation board and substrate. The two types
of fasteners are typically used together.
• Exterior Insulation: Molded expanded polystyrene boards or extruded expanded polystyrene
boards.
• Fiber Reinforcing Mesh: Fabric or fiber reinforced mesh is commonly found within the base coat.
• Base Coat: A layer that consists of fiber-reinforced or fabric-reinforced mesh and a cementitious
compound. Base coat properties and quality finishes influence the durability of an EIFS more than
any other component, making it the most important of all components.
• Finish Coat: Commonly an acrylic "stucco type" or aggregate based system.

8. PROCESS OF APPLYING E.I.F.S.
• Without impacting life indoors, EIFS can be installed on new buildings or old
structures that need a facelift or structural improvements. Plastering contractors can
install it at the construction site by hand or the system can be delivered on site as
factory-made panels that are ready to attach to a building via crane.
• EIFS is typically attached to the outside face of exterior walls with an adhesive
(cementitious or acrylic based) or mechanical fasteners. Adhesives are commonly
used to attach EIFS to gypsum board, cement board, or concrete substrates. EIFS is
attached with mechanical fasteners (specially designed for this application) when
installed over sheet-good weather barriers such as are commonly used over wood
sheathings. The supporting wall surface should be continuous (not "open framing")
and flat.

11. ADVANTAGES OF E.I.F.S.
• E.I.F.S. provides many advantages that other exterior finishes and sidings do
not. Chief among these are superior energy efficiency and great design
flexibility. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that EIFS can reduce the air
infiltration in a wall by as much as 55%, when compared to standard brick or
wood construction.
• It can be cut or molded to create many shapes like arches, columns, window
details and sculptures. It can also be used to create elaborate architectural
designs, ornate facades or soffits.

12. Just as EIFS is architecturally versatile, it's also flexible when it comes to
installation. Often, foam board is applied with adhesive that won't work in extremely
low or high temperatures. By completing the EIFS in panels indoors in a warehouse,
the adhesive can dry. Then, the system can be installed in extremely hot or cold
places that otherwise couldn't accommodate construction
EIFS is in full compliance with modern building codes which emphasize energy
conservation through the use of CI (continuous insulation) and a continuous air
barrier. Both these components are built into today's EIFS products to provide
maximum energy savings, reduced environmental impact over the life of the
structure, and improved IAQ, Indoor Air Quality. Along with these functional
advantages come virtually unlimited colour, texture, and decorative choices to
enhance curb appeal and enjoyment of almost any home or structure.

13. DISADVANTAGES OF E.I.F.S.
• Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) installation can be technically
challenging, sometimes making the cons overshadow the pluses. According to
C-Risk, Inc., a risk-management consulting firm, installation problems are due
in part to manufacturers' systems all being different: Different systems require
different installation techniques.
• Inexperienced workers plus fast-tracked construction can equal compromised
EIFS products that leak - one of the many things that can go wrong during
installation.

14. It's normal for exterior walls to have moisture within them, and most are designed
to let water escape or dry. However, once water gets behind the EIFS, it has a
difficult time getting out. If EIFS fails its waterproof claim and leaks, it can be
extremely difficult to identify who is responsible since there are a number of
people who contribute to the integrity of the system: homeowner, manufacturer,
supplier, builder, designer, installer, electrician, roofer.
The EIFS external barrier system depends upon a perfect external water barrier to
keep water out of wall cavities. Since the outer shell is the only barrier against
water intrusion, it must form a “perfect” barrier at “all times.” When there are so
many entry points for water intrusion in the exterior shell of a house, this is an
unrealistic expectation.

15. CONCLUSION
• From the above discussion, it is quite clear that E.I.F.S. is a
type of modern day cladding systems which provides
perfect insulation and decreases the energy losses, while on
the other hand, requires extra capital in initial stage and is
not preferable in absence of Skilled labour. However, when
applied effectively, it can be an excellent finishing material
with many long lasting effects.

16. REFERNCES
• Introduction & History: Wikipedia
[www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exterior_insulation_finishing_system]
• Necessity: Oak Ridge National Laboratory[Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, United States]
• Components: Kevin C. Day[Building Engineering Division, Morrison Hershfield Limited]
• Process of Applying EIFS: STO International[Ehrenbachstraße 1,79780 Stühlingen
Germany]
• Advantages & Disadvantages: Technical Services Information Bureau

17. THANK YOU