Tempo:
Some of the advantages associated with EIFS are:
Continuity of thermal barrier—EIFS can provide a continuous exterior layer of insulation for the building envelope. This can be designed to protect the building and backup wall structures from temperature extremes that promote undesirable thermal movements, and to protect against moisture damage from condensation. A continuous thermal barrier helps avoid thermal bridging and takes advantage of thermal mass (heat storage in the backup wall). This can improve energy performance, promoting savings in both the initial and operating costs related to heating and cooling equipment. Lightweight—EIFS have a low weight (dead load) in comparison to masonry or concrete cladding. This can reduce structure costs, particularly where earthquake loads influence the design. Water penetration resistance—Properly applied and maintained EIFS provide good resistance to rain water penetration. The risk for rainwater penetration tends to be limited to joints, interfaces with other materials and where the lamina is damaged or otherwise defective. Most EIFS have a drained version of the system that should be used whenever the EIFS is likely to be wetted.
Reparability—Localized damage or defects in EIFS can be easily repaired. The appearance can usually be restored or renewed by reapplying the finish or by painting.
improve appearance;
increase thermal performance;
correct problems with rain penetration;
improve resistance to condensation or entrapped moisture; and protect the structure and existing cladding from deterioration.
Some limitations of EIFS are:
Flexibility—In comparison with rigid cladding systems, many EIFS are relatively flexible and better able to accommodate substrate flexure or other movements without cracking. Appearance—A wide range of finish colours and textures are available. Complex surface features are easily incorporated for distinct and interesting architectural facades.
Retrofit applications—Lightweight EIFS can often be applied directly over existing cladding systems to:
Combustibility—Some EIFS incorporate combustible components and/or combustible foam plastic insulation that must be protected as required by the applicable building code. Impact resistance—EIFS can be vulnerable to impact damage as a result of the relatively thin lamina. At areas where impact damage is likely, an appropriately reinforced EIFS product must be used. Compatibility—Each EIFS constituent component and materials that connect to the EIFS must be compatible to assure acceptable performance. This includes the lamina, sealants, joint treatments, insulation, adhesive/fastening, moisture/air/vapour barriers and substrate. The manufacturer should be consulted to verify that each component and material has been tested to be compatible. Staining—If exposed to frequent wetting, staining by mildew growth can result. Frequent wetting can occur where the EIFS are not effectively protected from rain, or in high-humidity climates where areas are not exposed to direct sunlight (north elevations, shaded areas, etc.).
Continuity of thermal barrier—EIFS can provide a continuous exterior layer of insulation for the building envelope. This can be designed to protect the building and backup wall structures from temperature extremes that promote undesirable thermal movements, and to protect against moisture damage from condensation. A continuous thermal barrier helps avoid thermal bridging and takes advantage of thermal mass (heat storage in the backup wall). This can improve energy performance, promoting savings in both the initial and operating costs related to heating and cooling equipment. Lightweight—EIFS have a low weight (dead load) in comparison to masonry or concrete cladding. This can reduce structure costs, particularly where earthquake loads influence the design. Water penetration resistance—Properly applied and maintained EIFS provide good resistance to rain water penetration. The risk for rainwater penetration tends to be limited to joints, interfaces with other materials and where the lamina is damaged or otherwise defective. Most EIFS have a drained version of the system that should be used whenever the EIFS is likely to be wetted.
Reparability—Localized damage or defects in EIFS can be easily repaired. The appearance can usually be restored or renewed by reapplying the finish or by painting.
improve appearance;
increase thermal performance;
correct problems with rain penetration;
improve resistance to condensation or entrapped moisture; and protect the structure and existing cladding from deterioration.
Some limitations of EIFS are:
Flexibility—In comparison with rigid cladding systems, many EIFS are relatively flexible and better able to accommodate substrate flexure or other movements without cracking. Appearance—A wide range of finish colours and textures are available. Complex surface features are easily incorporated for distinct and interesting architectural facades.
Retrofit applications—Lightweight EIFS can often be applied directly over existing cladding systems to:
Combustibility—Some EIFS incorporate combustible components and/or combustible foam plastic insulation that must be protected as required by the applicable building code. Impact resistance—EIFS can be vulnerable to impact damage as a result of the relatively thin lamina. At areas where impact damage is likely, an appropriately reinforced EIFS product must be used. Compatibility—Each EIFS constituent component and materials that connect to the EIFS must be compatible to assure acceptable performance. This includes the lamina, sealants, joint treatments, insulation, adhesive/fastening, moisture/air/vapour barriers and substrate. The manufacturer should be consulted to verify that each component and material has been tested to be compatible. Staining—If exposed to frequent wetting, staining by mildew growth can result. Frequent wetting can occur where the EIFS are not effectively protected from rain, or in high-humidity climates where areas are not exposed to direct sunlight (north elevations, shaded areas, etc.).
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