Rob explains that there a lots of ways to remove samples of EIFS.
When investigating problems with an EIFS project, sometimes samples of the EIFS are taken. Taking samples can have several purposes, such as providing a piece of the wall for testing, as well as allowing one to see what is happening inside the wall. Either way, it’s often a useful exercise. There are lots of ways of removing sections of EIFS from a wall. This month’s column will give some tips on how to remove samples.
Although not a “sample” per se, the pair of pencil-size holes that occur when moisture meter readings are taken do need to be plugged. Long probes must be used to get through the insulation layer and into the substrate and framing. Ram the long probes through the EIFS and it is likely one will bend the probes and thwart the ability to take moisture readings. Thus, first make pilot holes through the EIFS lamina. It’s not necessary for the pilot holes to go through the insulation, as it is soft and the probes will go through it easily.