Delamination of Stucco
Why does EIFS Stucco Delaminate
There is no one answer why Exterior Insulation and Finish System stucco delaminates at times. There are actually several reasons the stucco can Delaminate. One of the main reasons this happens is due to moisture intrusion. Once water gets behind the system it absorbs into the styrofoam and breaks down the system over time until it falls off. This is seen in the older versions of the product that had no drainage system in place. Another type of delamination is when the cement coat delaminates from the styrofoam. This can be caused by not sanding the styrofoam. If the foam is not sanded it does not give the cement coat something to bite to. The cement coat should not be applied to a smooth surface like unsanded foam. This can also be caused by moisture.
Typically, you do not see much delamination on a synthetic stucco system that has been mechanically fastened, but don’t let that fool you. Mechanically fastening EIFS Stucco has some major drawbacks.
EIFS Stucco Best Practices
There are three EIFS termination best practices that all business owners should be aware of. The first is roof rake, which is staying above the shingles by 2 inches and using a starter track. The second is brick ledge, which is using a metal flashing and installing a starter track on the flashing. The third is termination at grade, which is staying above the ground by 4 inches or more. All of these practices are crucial in order to prevent water infiltration and maintain the integrity of your EIFS system!
If you have any questions about EIFS stucco termination, or if you need help with your EIFS system, contact a qualified EIFS contractor today. They will be able to assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action for your business. Protect your investment by ensuring that your EIFS system is properly terminated – it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run!