The primary objective of inspecting the exterior of any existing house is to determine whether or not it is functioning properly. Simply comparing the home's existing details to any current published guidelines fails to accomplish this objective. An inspection should identify repairs that are necessary, effective and economical. Strict conformance to a manufacturer's published details does not answer the question: "Is a repair necessary, and will it be effective?"
Inspection reports that identify existing details and conditions as "defective" because they deviate from current published manufacturers' guidelines can mislead the homeowner, real estate agent, or other parties into initiating unnecessary remedial work. This is especially true if there is positive evidence that the existing details are functioning properly.
The below guidelines may be helpful in determining if there is a need for remedial work on single-family, EIFS clad houses.
EIMA (EIFS Industry Members Association) Published Details.
Guidelines:
For new construction, EIMA details provide a helpful guide in designing the critical interfaces between various exterior building components. Alternate detailing is acceptable, as long as it provides the desired performance characteristics.
Item Description:
Horizontal Joint at Floor Lines
Function:
Address cross-grain shrinkage in dimensional lumber that could result in wrinkling or cracking of coatings, or bulging of the system.
Guidelines:
This type of shrinkage occurs when lumber experiences its initial loss of moisture. This happens only once in the life of a house, typically in the first 2 or 3 year
For houses 3 or more years old, a joint or other remedial work is unnecessary if there is no evidence of bulging, wrinkling or cracking at the floor line.
(The American Institute of Timber Construction can provide information on wood properties.)
Item Description:
Sealant Joints around Openings and Penetrations
Function:
Prevent water entry where EIFS meet other materials. Sealant is installed to provide a weatherseal and to accommodate movement between materials.
Guidelines:
Sealant must be utilized at all terminations, including where EIFS terminate or meet other materials. Filet beads with bond breaker (such as triangular backer rod, or bond breaker tape) are appropriate for weathersealed joints around windows, doors and other minor penetrations in single-family houses.
Item Description:
Projecting Surfaces
Function:
Provides architectural features (i.e. trim around windows and doors, quoins, and other decorative features).
Guidelines:
On an existing project, the termination can occur closer to the roof or deck surfaces than indicated in published details, as long as the bottom edge of the EIF system satisfies the manufacturer's specifications.
Item Description:
Termination Above Finished Grade
Function:
A gap should be maintained between EIFS and the finished grade. The gap must be wide enough to allow access for visual inspection and treatment of the foundation for pest control.
Guidelines:
Where access to the foundation is not required for visual inspection or treatment for pest control, the EIFS can remain in place.
Item Description:
Kickout / Diverter at Roof/ Wall Intersection
Function:
Accumulating water runoff should be directed out and away from the structure. Roof-to-wall flashing requires a kickout / diverter at its termination to insure that water is directed to the outside.
Guidelines:
The diverter can vary in its dimensions to accommodate local exposure conditions and specific detailing requirements, as long as it directs water completely away from wall surfaces.
