The Basis for Developing Consensus Standards for Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS)—Encompassing Durability PDF

SUMMARY ONLY

Standards that encompass durability for EIFS have not been a primary mandate for standard-writing bodies thus far in North America. Durability typically has not been incorporated into standards for building material components or systems, in particular, where a system would be tested and evaluated as part of a complete assembly.

Durability considerations for EIFS, insofar as (a) aesthetics and maintenance issues and (b) serviceability (on the basis for replacement), are being explored through the work of ULC-S716. However, in the development of these standards, the requirements for rainwater management on framed wall construction have set the precedent such that durability of the EIFS becomes secondary to the moisture management properties of the assembly.

ULC-S716 has determined that framed wall construction requires a moisture barrier for protection of moisture-sensitive substrates; hence, the durability of the EIFS becomes intrinsic with the substrate wall.