WIXLIB

EIFS PRACTICE MANUALPREFACEPREFACEExterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) offer many advantages over other types of claddingsystems. From an architectural perspective, EIFS offer the ability to replicate almost anyarchitectural style or finish material, coming in a variety of shapes, colours, and textures. EIFSare low cost and lightweight, providing an economical cladding system and the potential forreduced structure costs. EIFS can also be installed over existing buildings, qualifying for pointsunder the LEED Green Building Rating System in Canada (i.e., Materials and Resources [MR]Credit 1, Building Reuse).From a building science perspective, the overall energy performance of a building and its interiorenvironment can be greatly improved by placing the insulation on the outside of the building.This strategy minimizes thermal bridging and helps keep the structural members at a consistenttemperature, improving their expected longevity. By keeping the temperature of structuralmembers constant, they are less susceptible to movement and stress caused by temperatureswings that could lead to cracking in concrete, masonry and stucco walls. Cracking that in turncan result in water penetration and degradation, such as spalls or corrosion. In addition, withsufficient insulation outboard of the structure, the dew point is moved outside of the structuralelements of the wall and the potential for condensation from water vapour diffusion is minimized.Rusting of metal fasteners and metal framing members, deterioration of batt insulation and its Rvalue, and mould growth, are just a few of the potential effects of condensation that can beavoided. Thermal efficiency is another way in which EIFS can contribute towards LEED-Canadapoints (i.e., Energy and Atmosphere [EA] Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance), whileproviding enhanced thermal and moisture protection of the structure.EIFS has been used successfully in Canada for over 30 years and when properly designed andapplied, it has been demonstrated that EIFS can provide excellent performance. Unfortunately,some buildings with EIFS have experienced problems with deterioration and failure that havebeen widely publicized. As a result, some architects have reservations about specifying EIFS.What many do not realize, however, is that the EIFS itself is extremely watertight. Claddingfailures that have occurred are primarily due to poor construction detailing and practices,principally the omission or improper installation of flashing in violation of minimum standards ofconstruction established by Building Codes. Such problems are not unique to EIFS. Similardeterioration and failures have developed at buildings employing other cladding systems. Thatsaid, however, the EIFS industry has embarked on a number of initiatives to raise the confidenceof the design and construction community in the performance of EIFS.EIFS StandardsThe first of these initiatives was the development and publication of three EIFS Standards inconjunction with the Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada (ULC): ULC S716.1, Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) - Materials andSystems; ULC S716.2, Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) - Installation ofEIFS Components and Water Resistive Barrier; and, ULC S716.3, Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) – DesignApplication.Any user of this EIFS Practice Manual is expressly bound by the Waiver and Disclaimer set out within thisManual.-1-

EIFS PRACTICE MANUALPREFACEThe first standard, ULC S716.1, outlines requirements for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems(EIFS) used in combination with a drained air space and water resistive barrier system, as anexterior wall cladding system. It was initially published in 2009. A second edition published in2011 incorporated the results of a significant research project conducted under the auspices of theCanadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC), which looked at the drainage capability ofEIFS. That comprehensive drainage project is now being used as a model for developingdrainage evaluation methods for other wall systems. The second edition of the standard also sawthe document significantly reorganized for clarity.The second standard, ULC S716.2, is an installation standard, first published in 2010. Thisstandard provides requirements for the installation of both EIFS and water-resistive barriers tohelp ensure the installed performance meets the level of performance established by ULC S716.1.This standard is directed to the installers of EIFS.The third standard, ULC S716.3, is an EIFS design standard, also first published in 2010. Itprovides architects with guidance on the proper design of EIFS wall systems that meet thematerial and system requirements of ULC S716.1 and are installed in accordance with ULCS716.2. However, it is highly recommended that the ULC S716.3 standard be used inconjunction with this manual, as this manual helps to explain the requirements in the designstandard and provides details that meet the intent of the design standard.For the balance of this manual, these three standards will be referred to as the “EIFS MaterialsStandard”, the “EIFS Installation Standard”, and the “EIFS Design Standard”, respectively.EIFS Quality Assurance Program (QAP)The second important initiative of the EIFS Council of Canada was the formation of a not-forprofit corporation, called the EIFS Quality Assurance Program Inc. (EQI). This corporationdeveloped an EIFS Quality Assurance Program (QAP), introduced in Canada in 2011. EQI ownsthe intellectual property rights and trademarks to the EIFS QAP and is responsible for operatingthe program.As part of the EIFS QAP, the EIFS trade contractor receives accreditation based upon compliancewith specified administrative procedures and processes and is licensed to use the EQI logo inpromotional materials. EIFS mechanics (individual workers) are required to undertake acertification process in accordance with ISO 17024, “Conformity Assessment”, whereby theirknowledge of EIFS installations is tested and confirmed against installation standards andmanufacturer’s instructions. In addition, the mechanic is required to document the installationprocess in order to confirm that the project installation requirements have been met. Further,each project will have site audits conducted by EQI in accordance with ISO 17020, “GeneralCriteria for the Operations of Individuals Performing Inspection”. Further information on theEIFS Quality Assurance Program can be found on the EIFS Council of Canada website:www.eifscouncil.org.EIFS Master SpecificationA third important initiative of the EIFS Council of Canada was the publication of an NMS EIFSMaster Specification in March, 2010. The EIFS Master Specification acts as the guidespecification for the EIFS Quality Assurance Program.Any user of this EIFS Practice Manual is expressly bound by the Waiver and Disclaimer set out within thisManual.-2-

EIFS PRACTICE MANUALPREFACEPurpose of This ManualThe EIFS Council of Canada prepared this EIFS Practice Manual to clearly explain theappropriate use of EIFS as an exterior cladding. Specifically, the purpose of the Manual is:a) To provide an understanding of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) in a formthat is useful to building designers and specifiers, building code officials, buildinginspectors, EIFS manufacturers and distributors and contractors;b) To provide recommendations for EIFS design and installation practices that promotesatisfactory performance and durability;c) To complement the ULC S716 series of standards and provide some insight into thetechnical requirements in the standards; and,d) To develop a framework for functional construction details and specifications thatgenerically illustrates acceptable design and construction practices.Scope of this ManualThis manual focuses specifically on EIFS and its components, the interface between EIFS andother wall elements forming the building envelope, and the hygrothermal performance of EIFS.The manual is divided into four main chapters: An Introduction to EIFS; EIFS Components; Cladding Design Using EIFS; and, EIFS Installation.The manual covers the use of EIFS in new construction, both high-rise and low-rise. AlthoughEIFS installed over concrete and masonry are included, EIFS attached to substrate sheathings thatare fastened to either steel- or wood-framed walls dominate in this manual. Most details arecommon to all substrates.It is not necessary to read this manual from front to back. For example, designers may wish tojump to the chapter on Cladding Design, and then go back to the chapter on EIFS Components formore specific information on EIFS components.There are a wide variety of terms specific to the EIFS industry. A glossary of common terms maybe found in the Appendix. ASTM E2110, “Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation andFinish Systems (EIFS)”, provides another reference for EIFS terms.It is also important to know what is not covered in this manual. In EIFS, thermal insulationsupports a base coat that has an integral glass fibre reinforcing mesh. Systems where thereinforcement is the supporting element of the rendering, (e.g., conventional stucco) are not partof this document. The use of EIFS coatings applied directly onto traditional stucco, cement boardsheathing, masonry concrete, and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) is not covered. However,some of the principles that are covered could apply to the installation of a full EIFS to an ICFwall, even though such is not explicitly addressed. The design of wind load-bearing backupwalls, windows, decks and structures are also not explicitly addressed.Any user of this EIFS Practice Manual is expressly bound by the Waiver and Disclaimer set out within thisManual.-3-

EIFS PRACTICE MANUALPREFACESpecial interior environments such as ice arenas, swimming pools, high humidity industrialenvironments, or applications in hot and/or tropical climates are not considered within the scopeof this guide. Specialist advice should be sought for these applications.Any user of this EIFS Practice Manual is expressly bound by the Waiver and Disclaimer set out within thisManual.-4-

EIFS PRACTICE MANUALAN INTRODUCTION TO EIFS1. AN INTRODUCTION TO EIFS1.1 DescriptionExterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS, pronounced “eefs”, not “eef-is” or “eef-us”) isdescribed by its name. These cladding systems integrate exterior insulation with a finishedappearance that resembles stucco. While some may draw on this comparison and suggest EIFSand stucco are similar cladding systems, EIFS differ from stucco in many respects. However, theprimary difference is that in EIFS, the thermal insulation boards support the base coat withintegral glass fibre reinforcing mesh. This differs from conventional stucco, where thereinforcement is the supporting element of the rendering.The fact that EIFS includes the word “System” requires emphasis. One must resist the temptationto consider the “S” as simply the plural of “EIF”. EIFS are proprietary systems that rely upon theconstituent components to interact and perform as a composite system. This is unique incomparison to many other cladding materials. Furthermore, since much of the technologyinvolving EIFS is proprietary, if a system is altered (i.e. constituent components are substitutedthat have not been tested and approved by the manufacturer, performance may be unpredictableand not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty).

ISCLAIMER Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) Council of Canada ("ECC") EIFS PRACTICE MANUAL - WAIVER and DISCLAIMER This EIFS Practice Manual (the "Manual"), prepared by, for and at the direction of the ECC Technical Committee, shall serve as a benchmark to all building industry participants interested in using EIFS