EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) was developed in Europe after World War II as an exterior insulation system. Primarily, contractors used it on homes with masonry walls due to the inherent difficulties associated with insulating them.

Masonry offers strength and durability to the structure, but it doesn’t provide space for insulation. Adding insulation to the inside of the house was not practical, so they needed a new product.

To help alleviate this problem, scientists created a process to add insulation to the outside of the house. EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) was born.

In 1969, building material suppliers introduced EIFS to American homeowners through a product named DRYVIT. It was an extremely water resistant material and resembled stucco. Before long, this product is being used in more than 30 states.

(865) 938-7575

In a relatively short period, several manufacturers began producing various versions of EIFS materials. Residential and commercial installations were common. Due to the high demand, sometimes inexperienced, or under-trained, installers made costly mistakes for the buildings’ owners.

Failures in some installations at roof rakes, chimneys, floor lines, around windows, doors, and protrusions caused problems.

Although the material itself is water resistant, sometimes moisture is able to get behind the siding and it cannot get out. This can lead to mold and wood rot between the exterior and interior walls. These conditions are also perfect for subterranean termites.

Any type of exterior siding is susceptible to moisture problems. However, because of the superior nature of EIFS’ water resistance, the problems are intensified. Once water gets in, it cannot get out. The only way to know if you have damage is to do a water analysis.

The problems with EIFS are widespread. One environmental inspection company inspected more than 100 homes over a ten-month period and all but a handful had damage to some degree.

Most, if the EIFS was installed properly, could be corrected with minor repairs. However, some of the homes needed repairs costing as much as $60,000 on a $500,000 home.

Due to the many variables involved in an EIFS inspection, we can only quote a price after gathering some information from you. We need to know the total square footage of the house, how many stories, how much of the exterior is covered in EIFS, and the location of the house.

Call us and we will be happy to tell you what the inspection will cost.

1st Choice Home Inspections can help you protect the investment in your home by identifying current or potential problems. We have the training, experience, and equipment to inspect your home for the type of damage EIFS may cause.

If you have Synthetic Stucco (EIFS) on your home, please give us a call and schedule an inspection. Peace of mind costs so little compared to what the repairs may cost if you let damage go undetected.

For more information about EIFS, please visit EIMA.

Nashville EIFS Inspections (615) 538-7707 | Knoxville EIFS Inspections (865) 938-7575