Commercial , residential drainable EIFS stucco system installation, EIFS stucco remediation & acrylic stucco repairs.
EIFS stucco system (Exterior Insulation Finishing System) is used a lot in commercial projects but can be use in residential. As the name suggest EIFS system has been designed to provide the structure with insulation, water resistant protection and a finish surface, acrylic finishes such Parex, Total Wall, Senergy, Dryvit etc. are the most common stucco finishes for this stucco system. It can be applied over masonry walls, such concrete, stucco, brick and block, materials like gypsum board tree-plywood sheathing and OSB. Depending on the surface or the project’s needs, a drainage plane such tyvek stucco wrap, a liquid air and water proof membrane or a mix of both are installed over the base surface followed by the installation of a 1 1/2″ minimum EPS foam using either cement base coat, mechanical fasteners or a mix of both, when installing the EPS foam with a cement basecoat it require the use of a notched trowel to create groves and gaps on the back of the EPS foam between the sheathing and the foam to make the system a drainable EIFS system. After the foam has been installed the EPS foam is rasped to receive the application of the fiber glass mesh embedded in a cement base coat, this coat is allowed to dry and then the acrylic finish texture is apply.
Rene Munoz Plastering offer different materials and process of this system based on your project and specific needs. No property is equal, we know each property require special attention when it comes to a drainable EIFS stucco and water proofing system design, when designing and installing a drainable EIFS stucco system you can rest assured that we work with the best brands and materials in the EIFS industry, we always strive to achieve longevity, functionality, elegance, beauty and protection of which may be the biggest investment of YOUR life (Home or business).
EIFS system can be applied over masonry walls, such concrete, stucco, brick and block, materials like gypsum board tree-plywood sheathing and OSB surfaces can be used as well. Wooden walls or gypsum boards sheathing should be installed continuously, positioning the boards horizontally. Home owner, framer and/or builder should leave a 1/8” space between the edges of the boards to allow for moisture expansion.
Windows are the number one reason why stucco 3 coats and EIFS system fail, window openings most be properly seal and prepare to withstand the water that may penetrate the structure, the material used in this picture is specifically designed to waterproof all rough openings. Aquaflash, is embedded in a non-woven blend fabric to seal the substrates around windows, it has been design to be a seamless transition between the window opening and the later to be applied fluid apply air and water-resistant barrier membrane. When is fresh it has a bluish/grayish color and when is fully dry it turns black.
When preparing the substrate for the fluid applied air and water-resistant barrier membrane all joints and window flanges (sides and top only) most be meshed with a fiber glass mesh dryvit grid tape and most be pre-touch with the same liquid barrier membrane prior to do the actual application of the fluid applied air and water-resistant barrier membrane, this will reinforce the joints between the substrate and prevent future water penetration to the structure.
Pre bent aluminum coated or vinyl flashing should be installed to protect the joint between the concrete and the wood framing, in a horizontal situation where one cladding meets another ( transition) such stone and stucco. As part of the waterproofing system when installing this flashing a fiber glass mesh embedded in a coat of liquid barrier membrane most be apply prior to do the liquid barrier membrane over the entire walls.
5.-DRAINAGE STARTER TRACK
Drainage starter track is a UV treated PVC perforated “J” channel with weep holes, as the name suggest this piece will allow the water from the wall to drain out of the EIFS system through its weep holes, it helps to start a new EPS foam row and also works as a guide for the EPS foam installation. As part of the waterproofing system when installing this material, fiber glass mesh embedded in a coat of liquid barrier membrane most be apply on top prior to the application of the liquid barrier membrane over the entire walls. If this starter track is installed over an aluminum flashing whether is the roof or floor level it most be installed a minimum of 3/4″ above the flashing to allow for future baker road and caulking application with properly spaced weep holes.
Pre bent aluminum coated or vinyl drip cap flashing should be installed over the head casing of all windows and doors. As part of the waterproofing system when installing this material, fiber glass mesh embedded in a coat of liquid barrier membrane most be apply on top prior to the application of the liquid barrier membrane over the entire walls.
All edges of the EPS foam most be back-meshed, mesh should start from the back of the EPS foam wrap the edge of the foam and most be not smaller than 2″ on both, front and back side. This mesh later will be overlapped to a layer of a thicker fiberglass mesh embedded in cement base coat that will cover the entire front side of the walls.
Everywhere EIFS could be in touch with a dissimilar material, contractor should leave a gap for future backer rod installation and caulking of the joint to help with expansion and contraction as well as waterproofing of the joint between the two dissimilar materials.
Also known as fluid applied water resistant barrier membrane, Gold coat, liquid air and water resistant barrier membrane. This membrane is applied over the previously mention system to provide the structure with the necessary waterproofing, there are 2 versions, the roll on and the trowel on, we prefer the trowel on material because of its thickness, a minimum of two coats of the membrane should be applied and let it cure prior to install the EPS foam.
This vertical base coat ribbons of adhesive are created by applying base coat at the back of the EPS foam and the use of a stainless steel trowel with 3/8” wide, 1/2” deep notches spaced no more then 1 1/2″. A critical step that creates a gap between the wall and the EPS foam making the system a TRUE drainable EIFS System.
The word Styrofoam™ is often used to describe expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam; however, ‘Styrofoam’ is actually a trademarked term for closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam made for thermal insulation and craft applications. EPS foam is the correct term for any form of expanded polystyrene.
Expanded Polystyrene insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. This closed-cell structure provides minimal water absorption and low vapor permanence. When is used as the base for an EIFS system, this foam should not be less then 1″ thick and can not exceed 4″ thickness, 3/4″ may be used but is not recommended because later this material will be rasped/abraded.
EPS foam rasping practices serve 3 purposes, the first is to plumb and level the surface, second, it can help to create various shapes and third and most important it creates a rough surface to help with the adhesion of the reinforcing mesh embedded in basecoat. If we compare EIFS system with an stucco 3 coats system the rasping of the EPS foam is what a metal lath or scratch coat does before a brown coat is applied. We use a rasper or a home made level with spikes to rasp the eps foam.
For more FAQ’s and as we already mention in our stucco services page . We don’t have a one system fits all, we know each project is unique, with its own set of problems that require individual solutions. EIFS itself is a great product,we have to keep in mind that what is protecting our investment from the elements is not the EPS foam or acrylic coat it self, in reality what protect our investment is the waterproofing and water management system behind the stucco and that’s where we come into place and that’s mainly what set us apart from the rest.
Stucco and EIFS systems are claddings of deceptive simplicity: in most cases its repair or installation should not be undertaken by a property owner unfamiliar with the art of plastering, home water proofing and exterior cladding installations. Successful stucco EIFS systems requires the skill and experience of a professional.
If you are in need of a professional contractor, looking for an installer, an specialist, experiencing stucco, siding or stone problems, feel free to contact us, we will be more than glad to help you, answer all your questions, take you by the hand to solve the moisture issues that your property may have, assist you with your buying/selling situation or better yet educate you to prevent any possible stucco & EIFS water damage.
GALLERY
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