What is EIFs?
You might have heard of E.I.F.s or Stucco. EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a huge problem in the Northwest due to the Rain and Moisture. A lot of the time contractors will NOT put a Weather Barrier a.k.a House Wrap before the EIFs or Stucco is installed. EIFS, Stucco and Caulking crack over time, which allows the rain/moisture to get behind the siding. If there is no Weather Barrier House Wrap, the water is sitting directly on the subwall plywood. This will eventually rot while the EIFS or Stucco siding not showing signs of water intrusion. I big concern when dealing with EIFS or Stucco is you do not know if there is rot until you tear off the siding. EIFS or Stucco is great in climates with very little rain but one of the worst decisions for the Northwest.
What is Stucco?
Stucco is similar to EIFs but is a traditional Hard Coat Its a cement/sand layer that is harder than what goes on with EIFs. EIFS has multiple layers of a “Synthetic” stucco. Both have problems in the northwest. Does your home in the Vancouver Wa or Portland Metro area need to be inspected by a siding specialist?
Contact us, your siding contractor today for a FREE E.I.F.s or Stucco inspection!