How to build an E.I.F.S system that will last a long time

It’s all about the details when it comes to installing a quality, energy efficient, E.I.F.S. system. Too often we see failure in E.I.F.S. systems due to simple details that had not been followed during construction. The two most common details that are not followed are installation of kick out flashings. Kick out flashings push water from the roof line away from the wall at the point of runoff. Another is the lack of a caulk joint gap, or running the foam system tight to the framework of the openings. This causes caulking to fail early and cracks to form in the corners of the E.I.F.S, due to building movement. Lack of either one of these can cause water intrusion that may result in long term damage.

It is not difficult to build an E.I.F.S. system that will last a long time; the manufacturers provide detailing that they have engineered and provided to help applicators install a long lasting, trouble free, energy efficient system. Ask your applicator to provide you with the manufacturers detail submittals that show how roof, window and door openings, and the general application of the system they are proposing should be installed. Have them take a few moments to explain to you how they will integrate these details into the system on your building. In most cases, you can go to the system manufacturer website and review the details yourself. These days we have all types of ways to access information about how to properly build an E.I.F.S. system that will last a long time.