Exterior Insulation Finish Systems are a popular exterior wall cladding system. Sometimes referred to as synthetic stucco, EIFS are not the same as stucco but are instead pieces of layered, lightweight coating, not a cement-like mixture. EIFS have been increasingly growing in popularity for a multitude of reasons, particularly their aesthetically pleasing nature.
However, EIFS’ tendency to attract dirt, mould, rust and show salt deposits easily is a concern. Because EIFS do not have the same hardness as stucco, more specialized methods have been adapted to clean and maintain them properly. The main type of EIFS is the barrier form, which consists of three layers – foam insulation, a cementitious acrylic base coat that is reinforced with fiberglass mesh, as well as a finished top coat. This top coat is usually made with acrylic or other resins.
Before the need to clean EIFS arises, some general maintenance can be undertaken to prevent it from becoming soiled or remove the possibility of the introduction of excess moisture which allows for the possibility of mold and mildew growth. Preventing leaks around windows and doors is key to prevent the weakening of your EIFS so it can be cleaned properly. Sprinklers, plants and gardens that are watered periodically are all sources of moisture that can help dirt stick to the EIFS. Because installing EIFS is not a recommended do-it-yourself task for homeowners but cleaning it can be, providing homeowners with information on how to clean it properly can help keep it looking great long after its installation.
If only particular areas of the EIFS are becoming stained as time goes on, perhaps because rain is constantly deflected onto it or it’s in a high-trafficked area, a clear acrylic coating can be applied, effectively sealing up the area and preventing more dirt from becoming embedded within it. Note that this method should only be used on the small affected area.
Enhances Curb Appeal: Removes dirt, stains, mold, and algae for a fresh, attractive look.
Prevents Mold & Mildew: Reduces health risks and protects the finish, especially in humid areas.
Extends Lifespan: Prevents surface degradation and damage, keeping EIFS durable.
Maintains Energy Efficiency: Clean EIFS insulates better, helping lower energy costs.
Prevents Structural Damage: Removes contaminants that can lead to water infiltration and structural issues.
Reduces Repair Costs: Regular cleaning minimizes the need for expensive repairs or replacement.
Supports Warranty Compliance: Many warranties require routine maintenance, including cleaning.
Professional Appearance: Clean EIFS reflects well on businesses and property owners.
Environmental Protection: Proper cleaning prevents pollutants and biological growth from spreading.
Applying a detergent and letting it do most of the work is one of the best bets with regards to properly and safely cleaning EIFS, and these can be rinsed off carefully with a pressure washer on its lowest setting or even better, a garden hose. If the pressure washer is too forceful, it could harm the finish or result in water going through the EIFS.
There are specialty cleaners available for removing rust from EIFS. However, if the originating source of the rust is not removed, it will only come back, even through paint if it has been painted over. Usually this rust is caused by improper screws or nails that were used to install the EIFS, and the only way to stop the rust from coming back is to remove the nail or screw, which means removing the EIFS. Rust does not pose any risks to EIFS, so the decision to remove the nails is only aesthetic.
A diluted bleach and water solution can also be applied to kill and remove any mold or algae growth, but make sure to dilute it sufficiently and not let it sit for prolonged periods of time as to not harm or lighten the finish of the EIFS.
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