Construction Question???

[shor]

i remember reading about eifs system failures a couple years ago.
i recall the problem being faulty flashings also.
water was able to get into improperly installed windows and doors, and unable to escape, or "weep" out.
then stuff would slowly rott from the inside out...like a bad cavity!
i am not a fan of the eifs systems.
i'd take good old portland based stucco anyday.
30lb paper, wire lath, galvanized roofing nails, sand, portland, water and a radio!

[JoeG]

Any system will break down if moisture gets behind it and allowed to remain damp. The biggest plus I've noticed with EIFS systems over Stucco in my area is its resistance to major surface cracking with typical northern seasonal changes in weather....

[SamLBInj]

Steve you are correct, The biggest areas of damage I have seen with EIFS was around windows. One house had a section done with wire and stucco and that was in perfect shape, the rest was EIFS and completely gone. You have to have the caulk and siding checked at least once a year to be safe. There was a new EIFS product that had drains built into the backing system but I havent seen that installed yet due to price. I would imagine there is quite a bit of this out in Vegas but without problems as being in a desert.
Ill have to check out those other things you were talking about. Being right on the beach is always an adventure with water, sand, and corrosion.

[SamLBInj]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Sam
PS Steve, we are seeing many problems with tyvek on Ocean or near water front homes where it was installed behind cedar siding as the homes are rotting due to being "too tight" We only use it behind vinyl now. We are also finding many homes completely rotted from ground to ceiling that used EIFS siding. The studs are actually disintegrated and only the paint and drywall are holding everything together. We just rebuilt a 5 million dollar ocean front house that was completely gone that was only 6 years old.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sam, I'm having a "discussion" about TYVEK right now with an inspector. The guy pulled my framer off the job, citing a local requirement for TYVEK installation on all framed walls. I'm concerned about moisture retention at this location due to extremely high humidity levels in the spring, summer, and fall. I think TYVEK works well in colder climates where the ambient air doesn't hold as much moisture. TYVEK, SILT FENCE... the same stuff? Don't get me worried about EIFS wall covering, my whole house is built with it, but then I'm not living on the coast either.

[/ QUOTE ]
Hey Steve, What are you putting over the tyvek? If you have to use it make sure its taped in good and installed right. Are they going to fasten the foam right to it for the EIFS? This means your foam backing will be mechanically fastened and you will see the little bubbles where the fastners are if it's not absolutley perfect. I think if you install the EIFS correctly you will have less of a problem with it. I think most problems are from bad or incorrect type of caulk. What system are you going with? These systems were banned in the Carolina's and there were major lawsuits with it.