02/13/2001 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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EIFS News Articles httpJ /www.eifsinfo.net/eifs- news.htm • studying the issues surrounding EIFS for revisions to its code in the year 2000 (its next issuance). The changes in BOCA and ICBO code language do not make it mandatory for local builders or contractors to use water - managed EIF systems. Rather, the codes serve as a reference guide for local building professionals. None- the -less, the code changes are good news for home and building owners as they will encourage changes in local building codes and are expected to improve current stucco -look construction practices. Two states -- North Carolina and Georgia -- have already effectively banned barrier EIFS construction on the local level. Both states now allow only water - managed stucco -look exteriors. Other jurisdictions are also currently considering restricting the use of barrier EIFS construction in favor of water - managed systems. For more information on the status of EIFS code revisions, go to Code Revisions. Insurance and Window Warranties In other developments, Maryland Casualty, a leading home building insurer no longer offers insurance on EIFS -clad homes. Marvin Windows, a leading window manufacturer no longer warranties its products when installed on barrier EIFS homes and buildings. Marvin does extend its full product warranty on water - managed systems. The Water - Managed Solution As a result of these developments, nearly all EIFS manufacturers are now offering water - managed or "drainage" stucco -look systems. However to date, United States Gypsum Company (USG), is the only manufacturer to completely abandon the barrier concept over frame construction. While other EIFS 40 manufacturers claim that barrier systems are still viable, USG maintains that barrier EIFS is neither practical nor reliable and is currently manufacturing and marketing only water - managed systems. "We've been the industry's leading proponent of water - managed stucco -look systems," explained Jim Reicherts, product manager, exterior systems for USG. 8of10 "There is definitely a problem with the barrier concept," Reicherts said, citing the hundreds of documented cases of barrier EIFS problems and failures in communities across the country. "It's pretty hard to ignore the fact that moisture intrusion does occur on barrier systems. Whether that intrusion occurs because of defects within the system itself, faulty sealants around windows, poor window construction or improper maintenance, the end result is the same. No matter where or how water enters behind a barrier EIF system, there's no way for it to get out. It remains trapped inside the system, where it can eventually damage and rot framing, sheathing, windows and other moisture - sensitive building components." For a further discussion of the problems with barrier EIFS, go to Situation Analysis. To learn more about the philosophy behind USG's Water - Managed systems, go to Water- \[anaged Solution. Copyright 1998, USG Corporation. All rights reserved. 1/9/2001 9:42 PM