Literature review of exterior insulation finish systems and stucco finishes
Cheple, M. and Huelman, P. H.
2000 Technical Report, Dept. of Commerce, University of Minnesota
Cheple, M. and Huelman, P. H., (2000), Literature review of exterior insulation finish systems and stucco finishes, Technical Report, Dept. of Commerce, University of Minnesota.
Abstract:
The problems associated with both stucco and exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) have been well publicized in recent years. Nowhere is this more evident than in the current class action law suits due to failures of EIFS. More recently, reports of stucco failures have plagued the industry. The damage from these failures can be minor or catastrophic, regardless of the method of installation or the specific material. However, reports document that this problem is costing billions of dollars annually in repairs and in legal fees (Nisson and Best, 1999).
The failures of exterior cladding are compounded when water invades exterior wall cavities, causing failure of insulation and leading to the deterioration of structural wall members. These types of problems have not been limited to EIFS systems, but appear to be causing damage in houses with traditional stucco installations as well as other types of cladding systems. This paper represents a summary of a review of the literature on stucco and EIFS applications as well as field studies at specific locations. It is a compilation and review of the recent research. This review is necessary to best determine the most efficient procedures for determining the causes, and therefore the prevention of, failures of stucco, EIFS, and other cladding systems. It has been conducted with emphasis on water intrusion of both exterior insulation finish wall finish systems and stucco clad systems. The review is divided into eight sections. An introduction (Section I) of the problem is followed by a section of definitions of terms associated with stucco and EIFS. The third section lays out in general some of the problems that have been reported with EIFS and stucco clad systems. Eleven case studies (Section IV) are followed by a review of suggestions for better methods of design and installation (Section V). Section VI. Measurement and Modeling, addresses both measurement challenges and building science principles that must be included in the discussion. Conclusions (Section VII) and selected recommendations for future research (Section VIII) as identified by researchers and investigators conclude the report.
The reader should note before undertaking to read this review that a specific "fix" for the problems that have plagued the industry in recent years was not discovered in the literature. Case studies instead focused on identifying the source of moisture and repairing the damage. It remains to be determined whether the repairs completed will hold up over time. The research to date has been somewhat fragmented. Given the complexity of the problem, this is not unexpected. What will become clear to the reader is that problems of water intrusion on both EIFS and stucco wall systems are not easily identified. It should be noted, that although no step by step "fixes" are provided, there are a number of suggestions for improvements in installation practices (See Section V).
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