Why Schedule an EIFS Inspection?
Home Inspection of Exterior Insulation & Cladding
The exterior of a home or building is the shell that insulates and keeps the interior safe and dry. So, when the exterior insulation or cladding fails. It results in issues like wood rot, mold growth, and other significant structural damage. Which makes the need for an EIFS inspection not only a good idea, but a safeguard against water intrusion and moisture damage.
When purchasing a building, it is imperative to work with an experienced inspector. They can properly assess the overall health of the exterior systems to ensure they are installed properly and operate as intended.
So, work with Cliff Kapson Consulting.
We inspect residential and commercial buildings nationwide. Which can provide home buyers with peace of mind in knowing the building they are considering does not have any hidden underlying issues.
Cliff Kapson Consulting EIFS Inspection Services
Our EIFS inspection services are established through knowledge gained from years of experience and by utilizing various standards and protocols developed by other industry experts.
Inspections comprise two stages, visual inspection and moisture testing.
Visual Inspection
The inspector thoroughly evaluates the exterior walls. They identify areas that may show signs of high moisture intrusion.
We also take measurements with a moisture meter like the Tramex Wet Wall Detector, which can detect moisture through electrical impedance technology. This is a non-invasive testing method, but since this type of meter is not 100% accurate, moisture readings should also be taken with an electrode probe or pin-type meter.
Some EIFS issues include bulging, cracking, softening of wood frames, or discoloration.
Our inspector takes notes on any issues found and takes photos of these areas. Which are included in the written report.
Moisture Testing
Based on the findings of the visual assessment, more invasive testing may be necessary.
This means using pin-type meters that penetrate the sheathing. Which allows the inspector to determine if there is high moisture content, the condition of the substrate, and if there is damage in a specific location.
How Can I Prevent Water Issues?
Regular maintenance and inspections.
All major EIFS manufacturers recommend annual inspections of the external cladding system. Most times, water penetration issues are not apparent from a visual inspection alone.
Do not let any inspector convince you they can provide a thorough EIFS inspection with a visual evaluation alone. The most accurate assessment needs some sort of invasive testing.
If you are interested in learning more about our EIFS inspection services, please call 888-304-3437 and speak with one of our representatives. They can provide more information regarding our capabilities and can answer questions you may have. Or send us a message by filling out the form found on this page, and we will contact you as soon as possible.
But what is EIFS?
EIFS Brief Description
EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish System, is a non-load bearing exterior wall cladding. Most EIFS installations done today include drainage, which provides accumulated water in the wall cavity a way to exit.
Installation varies depending on the manufacturer of the EIFS. Manufacturers of EIFS create proprietary systems using specific components, so EIFS cannot be made from separate materials.
Installation should always follow methods specified by the manufacturer. EIFS manufacturers are not all compatible and should not be used interchangeably for any project.
What makes up an Exterior and Insulation System?
The system comprises an insulation board that is attached to the substrate adhesively, mechanically, or both, a reinforced base coat, a textured protective finish coat, and a sealant between dissimilar materials.
There are two classes of EIFS, which are defined by their materials and the existence or absence of a drainage plane.
PB EIFS: Uses expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, which adheres to the substrate with a fiberglass mesh, and a base coat can receive additional layers of mesh to improve impact resistance.
PM EIFS: Uses extruded polystyrene insulation (XEPS) and a cementitious base coat applied over mechanically attached glass fiber, reinforcing mesh. This system uses similar joints to traditional stucco.
Why Cliff Kapson Consulting?
Because we give you peace of mind.
Our team specializes in the inspection and evaluation of building envelopes or claddings. Which include stone, EIFS (Dryvit), stucco, veneer, synthetic stucco, and composite board siding. We serve clients from individual homeowners to large corporations.
We take great pride in providing the most comprehensive EIFS inspection and reports available anywhere. Our clients receive all the information and support they need to pursue corrections, structural repairs, and pursuing legal action if necessary.
Schedule one of our EIFS Inspectors Today!
Getting ahead of any issues is the best approach to minimize the cost of repairs.
To learn more about our EIFS inspection services, please call 888-304-3437. There, one of our team members can answer questions you may have and can discuss your needs in more detail. If you would prefer to send us a message instead, please fill out the form found on this page, and we will contact you shortly.