EIFS Siding Replacement
Exterior Experts Committed To Quality, Rain Or Shine
We Are a James Hardie ELITE Preferred Contractor. As a James Hardie ELITE Preferred Contractor, you can rest assured that all products will be installed properly for ultimate performance. We comply with James Hardie Installation Best Practices and maintain a satisfactory credit report.
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We offer full siding replacements. We do not offer EIFS siding repairs or partial replacements.
What Is EIFS Siding?
EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation Finish System. This type of siding is synthetic stucco that is also commonly referred to as Dryvit.
Introduced in the 1980s, EIFS siding is commonly seen in the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington areas. Despite its common appearance in the Pacific Northwest, we frequently receive countless phone calls requesting inspections and removals of this type of siding due to issues.
Why Would You Want to Replace EIFS Siding?
There are several reasons why EIFS siding just does not stand up to the Pacific Northwest climate and is generally not recommended, including:
- Incorrect installation
- Moisture and mold build-up issues
- Not bug resistant
- A history of lawsuits
EIFS Siding Is Typically Installed Incorrectly
Very few siding companies in the Portland and Vancouver area have experience installing EIFS siding. Oftentimes, manufacturer instructions are ignored and corners are cut.
One common issue we see with EIFS siding is a failure to install proper flashing systems. This can lead to large amounts of moisture infiltration which can cause dry rot and mold damage on your interior framing and wall surfaces— pretty gross, right?
Moisture And Mold Build-Up Are Common Issues
Moisture and mold build-up typically go hand-in-hand with EIFS siding and the Pacific Northwest climate.
When there is no moisture barrier, any cracks or openings in your EIFS siding can allow rain to penetrate and get trapped behind the siding, causing mold build-up and wood rot. Thanks to excessive moisture in the air during the rainy season, the trapped water behind the siding cannot evaporate and continues to wreak havoc on the wood behind your siding.
Once dry rot and mold damage start eating away at the studs and sheeting, the siding must be replaced to avoid damage to the structural integrity of your home, which is an issue that you want to avoid at all costs.
Carpenter Ants LOVE EIFS Siding
If we had a nickel for every carpenter ant we have seen in EIFS siding, we would be rich. Rot and mold damage make the soft, moist wood behind EIFS siding the perfect nesting material for carpenter ants. These ants can help accelerate structural damage to your home.
EIFS Siding Has Been Involved in Nation-Wide Lawsuits
If at this point you are still trying to convince yourself that EIFS siding in the Pacific Northwest isn’t a bad idea, a few lawsuits may be the tipping point for you. EIFS siding has been involved in multiple lawsuits due to rot damage and mold build-up. The largest case was settled for a whopping $12 million.
The beginning of the EIFS drama for the Pacific Northwest started in the ‘80s when a large number of general contractors from California migrated to the area. EIFS siding was marketed as a cheaper and superior replacement for stucco siding, which typically came with its own set of installation issues and damage/cracking over time. To help cut costs further, general contractors often hired under-qualified workers to install the siding.
Before long, EIFS siding started going up on houses all over the Vancouver and Portland areas, including high concentrations in areas like Camas and Fishers Landing. Many of these installations were noncompliant and fell victim to the climate, resulting in devastating rot and mold damage.
Why You Should Consider Replacing Your EIFS Siding With James Hardie Siding
If you have damaged EIFS siding, James Hardie siding is the best replacement, and we’re not just saying that because we are a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor.
Built to Last
Unlike EIFS siding, James Hardie siding is built to last in any type of climate. You can expect far less upkeep with James Hardie siding — without sacrificing design and aesthetics.
Rot-Resistant
Even in the roughest climates, James Hardie siding is guaranteed to remain durable for up to half a century. Unlike EIFS siding, James Hardie siding is rot-resistant and mold resistant.
Insect-Resistant
Say goodbye to pesky carpenter ants and termites that eat away at your home’s structural integrity. James Hardie siding is insect-resistant and virtually impenetrable.
Fire-Resistant
James Hardie siding is non-combustible and fire-rated for construction.
Has Curb Appeal
Lastly, James Hardie siding just looks better. Replacing your EIFS siding with James Hardie siding is a great way to give your home a modern face-lift. James Hardie siding can not only improve your curb appeal but also your property value!
Elite Home Exteriors NW: Experts in EIFS Siding Replacement And James Hardie Siding Installation
Not all siding companies have experience in replacing EIFS siding. At Elite Home Exteriors NW, we have completed dozens of EIFS siding replacements in the Vancouver and Portland area and have the expertise and knowledge to do so correctly.
As an Elite Preferred James Hardie Contractor, we can replace your EIFS siding with James Hardie siding with a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate for an EIFS siding replacement.
EIFS Siding Replacement Photos
