EIFS Repair. To Rip off or not to rip off. (EIFS that is)
Article was originally written in 2006 by Modern Wall Systems for Appraisal Scoop
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. They provide superior energy efficiency and offer much greater design flexibility than other cladding products. 
Developed in Europe in the 1950s, EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago. They were first used on commercial buildings, and later, on homes. Today, EIFS account for nearly 30% of the U.S. commercial exterior wall market.
Should defective EIFS be ripped off or not?
That’s the million dollar question!
The answer is uncomplicated and applies to practically all types of cladding. For starters, you must go beyond the symptoms of water intrusion problems, and find the actual sources of the leaks. After all, a constant drip on your forehead should be all the proof you need that you need help. Most EIFS problems occur in residential construction due to a lack of quality control initiatives in the field. EIFS is not a cladding the average homeowner can repair so it is wise to hire an EIFS repair contractor who has been trained in the repair of EIFS structures by manufacturers.
Before you hire any so-called EIFS expert remember to do your homework and ask for references.
CLADDING AND THE BUILDING ENVELOPE: EIFS and other forms of cladding do not normally fail. That is to say, water does not penetrate directly through the surface of the cladding. It penetrates the building envelope.
The envelope includes secondary moisture barriers such as felt paper and Tyvek, flashing, and the primary moisture barrier which includes windows, doors, cladding and sealants. The points of water intrusion are identical in virtually every condo or residential project I inspect. The windows were not flashed or caulked adequately and leaked at the lower corners, kick out or diverter flashing was not installed at roof/wall intersections, allowing roof run off to get behind the cladding, and decks were not properly flashed.
If those conditions did not exist, there would be no water intrusion.
BAD ADVICE? Many so-called EIFS professionals are quick to say, “You have a leak. Rip it off”.
There are only three of 1,000+ projects, in my 25 years experience, where I was involved in some capacity, which EIFS had to be totally removed. Most EIFS clad structures do not have to be stripped, at least from a technical standpoint. Do not rip off your EIFS without substantial forensic investigation.
85% of all remediation costs on residential buildings is less than $2,500 and is usually a maintenance issue. Keep in mind, water intrusion is cumulative. The longer water penetrates the building envelope, the greater the potential damage. If only everyone had used cement board instead of plywood back when EIFS was going up everywhere in the 80’s and 90’s then we wouldn’t have the issues we see today.
CONCLUSIONS: When your home leaks, it is a warning sign of the problem. Something in the building envelope is usually the problem. If you have leaks in the ceiling, it may be the roofing, but it may also be flashing or clogged gutters.
Treat your home the same way your doctor treats your medical ailments. Symptoms are due to causes, and causes are what must be treated. Don’t waste your time treating the symptom, it will just mask the core cause and could lead to more severe problems.
If you own an EIFS home, don’t panic.
If you plan to sell your EIFS home, get it inspected prior to putting it on the market, as any professional real estate salesman would suggest.
If you plan to buy an EIFS home, require an inspection as a condition of purchase.
We have the experience and equipment needed to complete any project.
