Exterior insulation and finish systems have been a popular cladding choice for buildings for over 35 years in the United States and almost 50 years in Europe. This durable, lightweight and versatile cladding is offered in a variety of colors and textures. The existing inventory of EIFS clad buildings has created an opportunity for contractors and manufacturers to offer solutions to restore the building’s exterior skin. EIFS manufacturers have developed programs or steps that can be taken to renew or restore an existing EIFS building. This has become a popular option for other cladding types such as brick, precast and stone. A meeting with the owner to determine possible options and expected return on investment is recommended to assess the feasibility of any work to the structure.
The first step in determining the appropriate method for restoring an existing building is to evaluate the condition of the cladding. This includes a site assessment to determine the scope of work to be completed and what type of restoration options are possible for the building. The assessment combines a thorough interview with the owner or maintenance personnel with an evaluation of the condition of the cladding, sealant, flashing and connections or penetrations through the building to determine what items need to be repaired or replaced. Evaluation methods could include thermal scans for heat loss and to identify locations of moisture penetration.