Monitoring Performance of EIFS Clad Dwellings PDF

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) are popular exterior wall cladding systems used on residential as well as commercial construction. In 1995, there were reports of moisture intrusion in residential dwellings clad with barrier type EIFS along coastal North Carolina. Subsequently, there have been reports of water intrusion in homes clad with other types of claddings as well. Inspections and further reports have revealed moisture was entering primarily through and around building envelope components, such as windows, flashings, etc., which indicates that these occurrences are not related to a type of cladding. Performance of a home as it relates to weather resistance is typically evaluated via an inspection and possibly, in the case of barrier type cladding systems, in conjunction with commercially available resistance probe-type meters capable of measuring moisture contents in the underlying sheathing material or capacitance-type meters, which may be used to locate general areas containing moisture. An alternative means, which is the basis for this paper, is to collect such data using a data logger or acquisition system. This alternative means of data collection can be adapted for use on homes clad with barrier as well as drainagetype cladding systems. It is a practical way to collect numerous data points over an extended time period and provides a potential means to assist with assessment of performance. Additionally, data acquisition systems, unlike probe-type meters, do not require intrusive investigation and, unlike capacitance type meters, can locate, as well as potentially quantify, the level of moisture in the underlying substrate. This paper will discuss the various aspects and consideration of using data loggers and will provide case studies of projects currently being monitored.

Authors: Eric S. Auman; William F. Egan

Citation: Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VIII

Keywords: December, Florida, 2001