Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Oct 04, 2012 03:41pm | #1

   Ed,
   The type of insulation and cladding system you are describing is called EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system). If you Google "EIFS," you'll find plenty of information.

   Prominent manufacturers of EIFS include the Sto Corporation and Senergy.

   For more information on EIFS, see this article in the GBA Encyclopedia: Stucco and Synthetic Stucco.

2. 
   stled | Oct 04, 2012 04:41pm | #2

   Martin, thank you for the fast reply. Looks like I have much to study. I'll be back when I have more questions.

3. Expert Member
   Dana Dorsett | Oct 05, 2012 06:01pm | #3

   You have to be extra careful about the flashing & other details when using EIFS, and maintain it. It's not as forgiving of construction errors as siding systems that can be vented (like the air space usually built-in between stucco and structural wall sheathing with hard-stucco siding.) Google "vancouver leaky condo" for myriad examples of how wrong it can go if you let it. Drier climates offer a bit more forgiveness than Vancouver B.C. but St. Louis isn't exactly Palm Springs or Las Vegas. (That said, I have use EIFS successfully on a portion of my house, but it didn't involve windows or doors.)

4. 
   stled | Oct 05, 2012 06:48pm | #4

   The exterior stucco is just troweled onto the concrete block surface. The walls are built using 24" wide 12" thick and 8" height. Making the walls 12" plus outside stucco and inside plaster total thickness. Windows are bricked in and aluminum flashing, bricks protrude about 1" beyond the stucco.

   thank you for your comments

   Ed