EIFS - Can be a Nightmare

i am having bubbling beind eifs finish on concrete block walls.. the top of he walls are capped with either metal or concrete sealed poured caps. the house sits on the chesapeake bay. every sub blames the other.. senergy blames builder for having flat caps, builder blames senergy product, installer blames product for being porous. who do i turn to? help!

Audley,
The problem could be hydrostatic pressure behind the wall! I also agree with Synergy. The product must be installed according to the written specifications. This puts the blame on the sub *and* the builder. Do NOT pay for this until you are 100% satisfied.

The bubbling is caused by poor bonding of the EIFS basecoat to the substrate.

I disagree that folks should put all their trust in specifications. After all, the applicators were installing EIFS in accordance with manufacturer specifications in the 90's and we still had massive moisture problems. Manufacturers to this day are still selling products for direct apply EIFS systems on wood. (ADEPS)Don't blame the subs, look at the specs. EIFS is not rocket science but some fundamental practices must be implemented to insure the integrity of EIFS. The most important thing to remember is that EIFS does not belong on wood and that prior to application of EIFS on block or any other substrate for that matter, the surface must be primed first.

Can hydrostatic presure build up behind EIFS base coat on poured block walls due to extreme winds and moisture through a side wall located 40 ft. from the bay.This wall is covered by living space above preventing the chance water entering from above.

Rob,
Amen brother! Finally another person who feels as I do....... I have been saying what you just said since 1995. Go back and read my first columns on Barrier EIFS. My comments about blame were to stop the finger pointing. I agree that if an installer feels a spec is wrong, they should bring it to the attention of the the builder or homeowner. But someone ultimately has to take responsibility. That is the good-faith agreement between the homeowner and the builder. The homeowner expects a trouble-free job. If the builder does not have confidence in a material or system the owner wants, then the builder - in writing - needs to wash his hands with the owner.

Rick,
I think it is absolutely possible.

If the house was built in 2003 is it possible the builder did it right? How can we verify before buying?

Jed,
Did you ever see the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail? RUN AWAY ! ! ! ! !! !

How often should eifs be painted?
We had our house power washed once to get rid of stains, and am now thinking
of re-painting. The eifs is 8 years old. We've repaired some patches, but staining has returned. Still don't like it, but we're stuck with it.
Sure wish we had chosed brick.

Hello Rob,
I am considering to buy a house with EIFS comprising 1/8 of the total house area. I got a professional inspector to come evaluate the situation. He did not recommend that the seller replace it with a water drainage system , but to just fix it with expandable tubing where it meets brick etc. This guy is supposed to be the only expert in western PA. Would you go ahead and proceed with his recs or would you walk away?

Thanks
John

Hi there,
We are considering buying a stucco home built in 1995 with EIFS. The ihspector found termites infestation with no external damage. Should we consider buying the house. Also the house has no base. The stucco goes right way down to the round. What is your opinion? Thanks so much! Need to know by tonight. We want to make a bid or decide by tomorrow! Thanks!!

I have a concrete wall under my front porch that is unfinished. About 20 feet long, 2.5 ft tall, porch is concrete also. Could I use EIFS to put a finish on the concrete for decorative purposes? There is nothing wrong w the wall, just is rough and unfinished. And would I have to smooth it out and prime it w something?

YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR EIFS INFORMATION, GO TO THE SENERGY OR DRYVIT WEB SITES.

we own a 1926 english tudor home. It has the original stucco. due to roofing problems it needs to be replaced. our architecht and contractors highly rccommend eifs over the old fasioned stucco. we are concerned as we read the problems the system has had. we have received quotes on the eifs/synergy type the latest being $20,000.00. What system would you recoomend and should we buy the products ourselfs. They want to start asap due to weather changing. we live in upstate ny. your help is greatly appreciated.

Holy Misinformation Batman!!!

This is the same run for the hills, the sky is falling BS. EIFS is the most specified and used exterior finish. The failures were due to bad workmanship. Please consult and expert.

I've been a design / custom contractor for 30 years.E.I.F.S. is one of the most versatile products both for commercial and residential applications however, it is imperative that the installer understand ALL aspects of construction and "tie in" applications. Flashing and sealing CANNOT be shorted. The failure in this system is almost entirely the fault of un educated subs, designers and installers who have limited understanding in sealing and flashing.The type of caulking and sealants is also an issue. Silicone is not recommended.Over flashing around doors and windows and complete backwrapping Must be adhered to. The fact that local building code enforcement and inspection officers are severly lacking in expertise in many areas concerning these products makes it hard to get an honest evaluation and in many ways you get a 2nd hand biased evaluation about a product they have limited knowelege about. E.I.F.S. is a great product and very cost affective if applied according to specs.Rule of thumb:If it doesn't seem right it probably isn't. Contact the E.I.F.S. manufacturer with questions and they will gladly advise you at no charge.