Government study proves Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems to be the best choice in wall cladding A 2007 study funded by the United States Department of Energy and the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA), has determined that EIFS, when compared to other types of wall construction offers “superior moisture and temperature control”. The other wall constructions in the study included brick, stucco and fiber board siding. The study was conducted mainly fitting each wall type with sensors that measured and recorded temperature, humidity and moisture content among other factors. The goals of the study, conducted at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, were to investigate the thermal and moisture-control effectiveness of EIFS as well as their performance against other exterior claddings. Researchers also developed a computer model that depicted EIFS against numerous climatic conditions. read more ... Comparing EIFS used in the North American and European construction industries EIFS is versatile, lightweight, durable and the finished product adds a noticeable clean-looking flair to buildings and homes. It both insulates and provides limitless colour and finish flexibility that can be incorporated into any design imaginable. A bit of history. EIFS were developed in Europe in the 1950s as a way to insulate and enhance the look of older buildings. They were also especially functional in the rebuilding process of many European countries after the Second World War as it allowed builders to use the materials available at the time, including the rubble of partially-destroyed stone masonry. read more ... The dangers of installing Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems below grade in Canada EIFS is commonly used in applications it was not necessarily intended or designed for. While some of these uses are innovative, others can be catastrophic. EIFS is a very well-suited finishing material that poses no problems when installed properly. EIFS being installed below or near grade, the portion of a building that is below ground, is one of the largest reasons for EIFS-related structural damage and failure in commercial buildings and homes. read more ... Proper cleaning techniques for maintaining EIFS in Ontario Exterior Insulation Finish Systems are a popular exterior wall cladding system. Sometimes referred to as synthetic stucco, EIFS are not the same as stucco but are instead pieces of layered, lightweight coating, not a cement-like mixture. EIFS have been increasingly growing in popularity for a multitude of reasons, particularly their aesthetically pleasing nature. However, EIFS’ tendency to attract dirt, mould, rust and show salt deposits easily is a concern. Because EIFS do not have the same hardness as stucco, more specialized methods have been adapted to clean and maintain them properly. The main type of EIFS is the barrier form, which consists of three layers - foam insulation, a cementitious acrylic base coat that is reinforced with fiberglass mesh, as well as a finished top coat. This top coat is usually made with acrylic or other resins. read more ... Fastening Objects over EIFS Successfully Whenever an EIFS-clad building has problems with the EIFS, there are usually a number contributing factors. Generally, however, the problem is not with the EIFS itself, but with something that’s near, on or through it. One of the most common causes of problems is the way things are attached to the EIFS. This does not include deck beam penetrations or ducts or hose bibs that go through the EIFS, but rather common things that are attached to the outside of the EIFS, such as light fixtures, downspouts, railings and so on. This article will give you some ideas about how to properly fasten external objects to EIFS successfully, and also provide warnings about unsuccessful methods. read more ... Go Green One of the most important factors in constructing a new building is the environmental impact it has on its surroundings, being “green”. Therefore, a project designer’s priority in constructing a building should be designing a building with the least amount of energy consumption. Canadian Stucco, a Canadian owned company is recognized by the public as a “green” company, because it significantly decreases the energy consumption of a building by adding a layer of insulation on the exterior of the wall, minimizing thermal breaks and improving the efficiency of the cavity insulation. This method significantly reduces air infiltration and minimizes the amount of moist air that enters through the walls, therefore improving the indoor air quality. read more ... The Effects of Wind on EIFS Systems In Ontario, when addressing the issue of wind effects on EFIS systems, the topic turns to stud and sheathing substrate systems. The reason for this is that on solid substrates like concrete and masonry, the substrate is so strong that it basically is impossible to pull off an adhesively attached EIFS. It is easier for the foam to come apart internally before it lets go of the substrate. However, stud and sheathing substrate systems have much less “connecting” surface area for the wind forces to act on, making it possible for serious damage to occur. read more ...
	Thanks for visiting us at The International Home and Garden Show - October 2007!.
Our message to all the Health and Safety Inspectors of Ontario: We bet you never saw something like that in your entire career.