Today’s EIFS is nothing like the EIFS of 40 years ago. EIF systems today feature drainage (referred to as drainable EIFS or EIFS with drainage) with integrated air and water-resistive barriers, fire-resistant rated assemblies, and multiple options for insulation type, finish selection and method of application, either field-applied or prefabricated.

Strength in Layers

The durability of EIFS lies in its multilayered structure, which involves applying several layers to a building’s exterior for insulation, moisture control and weather protection. The first layer is an air and water-resistive barrier, applied directly to sheathing, concrete or concrete masonry. Continuous insulation board is then securely adhered to the wall surface using adhesive applied in ribbons to insulation boards, which provides a gap to allow incidental moisture to drain to flashing at the base of the wall, window heads, floor lines and other locations in the wall construction. This insulation layer provides the base for two additional coats: a base coat and a finish coat. Glass-fiber mesh is embedded in the polymer base coat or polymer-modified cement base coat, adding strength and impact resistance to the system. Lastly, a versatile, decorative and protective finish completes the system. This final layer is made from weather-resistant materials, offering multiple aesthetic choices while providing a durable exterior finish.

Resistance to Impact

Buildings are subjected to different types of mechanical impacts, from natural causes, such as bird strikes or windborne debris during hurricanes, to everyday use dealing with pedestrian traffic and sharp/blunt objects. The impact resistance of a cladding is an important aspect of its durability.

One of the secrets behind EIFS’ impact resistance is the glass-fiber-reinforcing mesh layers. Embedded into the base coat, glass-fiber-reinforcing mesh can deliver standard impact resistance, as well as medium, high or ultra-high impact resistance when multiple layers of mesh are used or higher-weight mesh is used in combination with standard mesh, depending on the project requirements. In areas where impact is likely, such as near ground level or in high-traffic zones, specifying ultra-high-impact mesh significantly enhances impact resistance. This feature makes EIFS ideal for buildings that require resilient exteriors in commercial and residential applications. For areas prone to incidental impacts, such as lower elevations, specifying an ultra-high-impact mesh assembly is recommended.

Some EIFS manufacturers offer High-Velocity Hurricane Zone systems designed to protect against hurricane and tropical storm winds, water intrusion and windborne debris, a leading cause of building envelope failure during hurricanes. These robust systems meet the stringent Miami-Dade County, Florida, NOA criteria for impact resistance, air and water infiltration, and wind-load resistance.

Defense against Air Leakage, Moisture and Fire

Modern EIFS is designed to stand up to the elements. With an integrated air and water-resistive barrier and a drainage plane, incidental moisture can be managed effectively. Most manufacturers’ products comply with multiple performance standards, including ASTM E2178 (dealing with air barrier material and air leakage resistance), ASTM E2357 (dealing with air barrier assembly and air leakage resistance) and ASTM E331 (dealing with water penetration resistance). These standards are incorporated in building code conformity evaluations by agencies like the ICC Evaluation Service LLC and Intertek Building Products Evaluation Services. Evaluation reports written by these agencies verify the conformance of EIFS with the International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code.

When it comes to fire, EIFS with foam, plastic insulation complies with rigorous fire testing criteria for use on noncombustible and fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies. Standardized tests include NFPA 285, NFPA 268, ASTM E119 and ASTM E84. EIFS is also available with mineral wool insulation if a noncombustible insulation is desired or required by local regulations. One manufacturer offers a patent-pending fireblocking solution designed to meet the stringent 2022 New York City Building Code requirements, which require fireblocking at specified locations on façades.

Tested from the Sheathing Out

Energy efficiency standards and building codes are changing, and continuous insulation is now a requirement for most climate zones. EIFS, of course, has a layer of continuous insulation that is a component of the building envelope. EIFS is the only cladding system that includes all the control layers—air, water, water vapor and thermal control—of a building and is tested from the face of the sheathing (or other substrate) to the exterior finish. Many claddings only test the finish components of the wall assembly, not including the air and water-resistive barrier and insulation layers. EIFS offers a comprehensive, integrated solution for these different components.

An Architectural Design Dream

Modern, drainable EIFS can accommodate multiple aesthetic and performance needs for new and retrofit construction. It is available in virtually any color, texture or aesthetic, including brick, wood, granite, stone, concrete and more, making the possibilities nearly limitless. In addition, an EIF system easily allows for multiple aesthetics, without concern for transition between materials.

Decades of Proven Performance

If you still need convincing that today’s EIFS is far superior to those of the last century, just look around. New, comprehensive regulations for EIFS were introduced in the 1990s, resulting in stringent durability and fire performance criteria. This evolution has produced EIF systems with proven longevity, resilience and versatility. Projects completed over three decades ago still stand strong, underscoring EIFS’ reliability and value as a durable system option.

Imagine the possibilities of a façade built with a single skin and multiple finishes that can create the look and feel of natural wood or brick. Better yet, see for yourself. The EIFS Architectural Awards celebrate exceptional projects clad with EIFS. A quick look at last year’s winners will prove what is possible with EIFS.

Modern EIFS represents the future of cladding. Its versatility, flexibility, durability and aesthetic possibilities make it the ideal choice for virtually any project. In addition, EIFS weighs about 2 pounds per square foot, making it ideal for renovation and retrofit.

LIDO BEACH TOWERS
Location: Long Island, N.Y.
Building Type: Multifamily
Construction Type: Renovation

Built in 1929, the Lido Beach Hotel in Long Island, New York, was a bright, bubble-gum-colored landmark known to socialites as “The Pink Lady.” A 300-room seaside retreat complete with twin Moorish-style cupolas, indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course, beach cabanas, a nightclub and a restaurant with a retractable roof, the hotel was synonymous with glamor.

In 1991, the property was converted to condominiums and became known as The Lido Beach Towers. Soon after, the pink was gone, replaced by drab coatings (applied over stucco on terracotta block walls). The building, already showing its half-century age, started another 25-year slide.

At that time, the board decided to restore the iconic property. An engineering report condemned two stair towers after one collapsed due to structural deterioration. Water leaks were endemic—well over 100. The original heat pump sleeves (ordinary steel) were rusted, and condensation produced by exterior air conditioning units had leaked into the exterior walls, wreaking havoc in the units below. Air leaks were just as pervasive.

The engineering firm recommended EIFS. The base layer would be a glass sheathing. A dew point analysis concluded the need to minimize airflow behind the sheathing, resulting in two insulating strategies. First, a 15-3/4-inch-wide piece of 1-inch EPS board would be applied directly to the building wall in 16-inch intervals. Second, since the walls’ irregularities created varying gaps between the sheathing and the EPS, an expandable foam would be sprayed to fill that cavity and ensure a firm, plumb surface to affix the EIFS. The sheathing was coated with a waterproof air and water-resistive barrier as the final layer before applying the EIFS.

All rough window openings were protected with flashing to deflect water from the wall. Waterproofing was installed with vertical ribbons of adhesive so incidental water that penetrates the EIFS can drain between the ribbons to the exterior.

When Hurricane Isaias struck, the updated EIF system provided exceptional protection, withstanding the high winds and driving rain that caused significant damage to nearby structures. The seamless integration of a fluid-applied air and water-resistive barrier and drainage plane was critical in safeguarding the building envelope, preventing water intrusion and maintaining the structure’s integrity.

The added reassurance of storm resilience underscores the value of the EIF system. Additionally, energy savings have hovered around 33 percent, demonstrating EIFS’ effectiveness as a weather-resistant, energy-efficient retrofit solution.

EIFS is more than a cladding system; it’s a high-performance, sustainable choice for modern buildings. From residential to commercial projects, EIFS offers the durability, energy efficiency and design flexibility that today’s construction demands.

While there are over two decades of projects we could feature, we’ve selected one that epitomizes the energy efficiency benefits and aesthetic possibilities of EIFS. The Lido Beach Towers project serves as a dramatic case study of the promise and potential of EIFS as a retrofit strategy for aging and deteriorating buildings. Thanks to the nonintrusive nature of the EIFS “second skin” approach, it’s ideal for inhabited, operational buildings.