What is EIFS?

A Good Idea…In Theory

An Exterior Insulation Finish System, or “EIFS,” is a synthetic stucco-cladding used on exterior walls in both commercial and residential construction. EIFS uses a stucco-like polymer-based outer coating containing a plastic resin, which makes the coating softer and more flexible than traditional hard-coat stucco. EIFS is applied using an expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation board resembling Styrofoam. The EPS board is attached directly to the substrate (typically wood, Oriented Strand Board (“OSB”) or gypsum board) with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. A cementious base coat (usually grey in color) is then troweled onto the EPS board. Before the base coat dries, a fiberglass reinforcing mesh is worked into it until the mesh is completely covered. A finish coat is then troweled over the base coat. The finish coat can be colored to the homeowner’s taste.

The original EIFS stucco cladding used in residential construction was designed to be a complete water barrier system, theoretically 100% waterproof. This “barrier EIFS” was installed on thousands of homes in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

So, What’s the Problem?

Unfortunately, no provision was made to drain water that may penetrate a barrier EIFS. In fact, manufacturers have only recently begun to market a new generation of EIFS, which purports to solve the problem by allowing drainage. In reality, this new “drainable EIFS” cladding is even more difficult to install, and its effectiveness and reliability have yet to be proven. Moreover, the new system provides little consolation to the thousands of New Jersey homeowners whose houses, condominium units and townhouses are clad with a barrier EIFS.

Without the ability to drain water, moisture that penetrates the face of a barrier EIFS gets trapped within the wall cavity. Eventually, your home absorbs this moisture. From there, it is only a matter of time before adjoining materials begin to decay and rot. In many cases, the home’s framing also rots, causing structural damage. In extreme cases, it is possible to pull handfuls of rotted “wall” right off the side of an affected structure or to tear off chunks from rotted studs with your fingers.

Multiple locations to better serve your needs—

Hamilton, NJ

100 American Metro Boulevard
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone: 609.896.9060
Secondary phone: 800.535.3425
Fax: 609.896.0629
county best pa pennsylvania reviews south jersey berks northhampton montgomery bucks lehigh valley gloucester burlington mercer

Marlton, NJ

40 Lake Center, 401 NJ-73, Suite 130
Marlton, NJ 08053
Phone: 856.874.4443
Secondary phone: 888.241.7424
Fax: 856.874.0133
county best pa pennsylvania reviews south jersey berks northhampton montgomery bucks lehigh valley gloucester burlington mercer

Yardley, PA

777 Township Line Road, Suite 120
Yardley, PA 19067
Phone: 267.907.9600
Fax: 267.907.9659
county best pa pennsylvania reviews south jersey berks northhampton montgomery bucks lehigh valley gloucester burlington mercer

New York, NY

5 Pennsylvania Plaza 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 800.535.3425
county best pa pennsylvania reviews south jersey berks northhampton montgomery bucks lehigh valley gloucester burlington mercer

Philadelphia, PA

The Bellevue 200 S Broad St #600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 267.907.9600
Secondary phone: 800.535.3425
Fax: 215.564.6245
county best pa pennsylvania reviews south jersey berks northhampton montgomery bucks lehigh valley gloucester burlington mercer

Bridgeton, NJ

78 W Broad St
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Phone: 856.874.4443
county best pa pennsylvania reviews south jersey berks northhampton montgomery bucks lehigh valley gloucester burlington mercer