Moisture Prevention in EIFS ~

Moisture Prevention in EIFS
by Laurel Rae Harmon
8/13/2014
In the past, EIFS has gotten a bad rap. This was thought to be due to EIFS being defective by design. But it was discovered that the problem was not limited to EIFS, but also to traditional hard coat stucco. The problem was improper installation and allowing moisture to penetrate the system through roof eaves and window/ door installations. That moisture was then stuck in the system allowing substrate deterioration. Moisture prevention is crucial to the application of EIFS and stucco systems.
There are a few ways to safeguard against moisture becoming trapped behind your EIFS. A roll on secondary moisture vapor barrier, such as TIQUEguard will protect your substrate from damage by moisture. After applying the Secondary Moisture Vapor Barrier, a drain plane made by using a notched trowel and applying basecoat adhesive should be created, using it to adhere your EPS insulation foam. (See Diagram). The use of a weeped starter track at the lower termination point is crucial to the completion of this system.

The use of Tyvek stucco wrap between your wooden sheathing and EPS insulation foam will wick away any moisture, therefore protecting the wood from damage. Stucco wrap is attached to the substrate with mechanical fasteners. It is important to note that stucco wrap differs from house wrap in that house wrap is used for siding and improves air and moisture flow providing insulation, whereas stucco wrap is fluted and works as a drainage plane, forcing moisture out of the EIFS system. (See Diagram)

I highly recommend R.D. McClure’s article “Some simple facts about SYNTHETIC STUCCO. Evaluating the Facts. DO THE FACTS SUPPORT THE PERCEPTION? AN EXPERTS OPINION.”
http://www.rdmcclureco.com/simple-facts-about-synthetic-stucco.html




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