Joints in EIFS

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Author Message Bonnie Baffer (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 09:49 am:    We are replacing EIFS on a 3 story, 22 year old bldg. There is existing steel stud framing. We had experienced leaks through vertical cracks in the EIFS, so plan to install new joints in the EIFS. We will replace the sheathing board with DensGlas Gold. However the new joints will not continue through the sheathing & studs-only the EIFS. I'm wondering if the new joints will work to control the cracks, or if the joints will cause more problems by being a source of leaks and need caulk replacement. The wall is 171' long, and doesn't change materials, nor is there a building expansion joint behind. Has anyone had experience with joints in EIFS? William C. Pegues, FCSI, CCS Senior Member Username: wpegues Post Number: 561 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 10:31 am:    Bonnie, You can and should contact the manufacturer's rep for the producs you intend to specify. Show them them the application, indicate the changes in materials in the substrate, and they will let you know where you need to provide joints. If you manufacturer's rep does not do this, then that is a major indication that you should switch to another. They should tell you what you need. If it does not align with the design, then you can talk to them about that and see if some can move. There is some leeway in their location depending on the type application you have. William Doug Brinley AIA CSI CDT CCS Senior Member Username: dbrinley Post Number: 182 Registered: 12-2002 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 10:57 am:    Depending on the type of project (condo?, school?), I'd recommend you consider working with a third party consultant in the area of the project for purposes of detailing the design. Since you might not have any control over who the supplier is, it is advantageous to design for an application (as per a 'rain-screen' design) as opposed to relying on a single manufacturer or rep. We've been having a great deal of difficulty with reps not being privy to (not caring?) what the installers prefer to do in a competitive environment. So, we design around stuff that'll never get built. With EIFS I think what you design and what gets built should be very close to identical. Bonnie Baffer (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 11:45 am:    The building contains classrooms, offices, and labs for a government agency. The material will be STO, and the rep is coming for a visit tomorrow. I just want some unbiased opinions. Anonymous   Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 12:55 pm:    Where is your project located? Check code requirements. You may be required to used a drainable EIFS and special inspections. The control joints are specific to the system and the project conditions. Ellis C. Whitby, AIA, PE, CSI Senior Member Username: ecwhitby Post Number: 12 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 01:50 pm:    Personally I believe that if you have to use EIFS you should only use a drainable system. Wayne Yancey Senior Member Username: wyancey Post Number: 116 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 03:56 pm:    Bonnie, The EIFS you are removing is a face sealed system. The replacement EIFS also sounds like a face sealed system. I do not know where your project is located, but heed Doug's advise and manage your risk and your clients risk by retaining a 3rd party building enclosure consultant. I am in Seattle. My bread and butter is stripping and reclading failed face sealed EIFS cladding systems directly applied to gyspsum board panel sheathing. There must be some water management built into the system. Sto and Dryvit have systems that will provide this. We never replace EIFS with EIFS; always with a rainscreen system. The exterior cladding may be metal wall panels, 3-coat portland cement stucco, or fiber-cement lap siding (residential). Face sealed systems provide no redundancy (2nd line of defence). Detailing is crucial for openings, poke-through penetrations, terminations. A greater effort is required by the designer of record to reasonably detail the building enclosure. Anticipation of every condition is not practical but a good handle on the overriding concepts that may apply to several conditons is required. Orthographic views explaining sequences of installation of weather-resistive materials is essential. Wayne Bonnie Baffer (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 08:10 am:    Thanks for the insight, Wayne. Unfortunately we did not spec a rain screen system, but are using waterproof base coat on the sloped parapet and window sill areas. The project is located in Yorktown, VA. The building is about 600' away from a river.