Exterior Insulation and Finish
Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered
exterior wall systems that are used on
both commercial buildings and homes.
They provide superior energy
efficiency and offer much greater
design flexibility than other cladding
products.
EIFS were first introduced in the
United States almost 40 years ago, and
were first used on commercial
buildings, and later, on homes. Today,
by some estimates, EIFS account for
about 30% of the U.S. commercial
exterior wall market. EIFS typically
consist of the following components:
- Insulation board, made of
polystyrene or polyisocyanurate
foam, which is secured to the
exterior wall surface with a
specially formulated adhesive and/or
mechanical attachment
- A durable, water-resistant base
coat, which is applied on top of the
insulation and reinforced with fiber
glass mesh for added strength
- An attractive and durable finish
coat -- typically using acrylic
co-polymer technology -- which is
both colorfast and crack-resistant.
