At the end of August, This Old House Ventures published an updated article entitled “Fire-Resistant Roofing and Siding.”

EIFS was one of the five exterior cladding options outlined in the article. The article says:

“While EIFS products, like Dryvit Systems, don’t have a fire rating due to their tendency to fall when exposed to high heat, they won’t compromise the fire resistance of the underlying wall system.

The insulation properties of EIFS also contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain, which can lead to lower utility bills. This combination of fire resistance and energy efficiency makes EIFS a practical choice for homeowners who want to save money and protect their homes.”

This conclusion is not surprising since the American Chemistry Council reports that there has never been a high-rise façade fire in the United States where a wall assembly (including those with plastic insulation building materials, like EPS) has complied with the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association 285 test.

This test has been part of the International Code Council’s International Building Code ever since it was first published in 2000.

Additionally, EIMA’s manufacturer-members can configure today’s EIFS with drainage to meet the most prescriptive fire code building requirements in the country (New York City) with noncombustible insulation material (mineral wool) and/or integrated fire-blocking into the façade assembly, if desired.

With continuous insulation built into a singular wall system that can mimic brick, stone, wood, metal, stucco and multiple claddings, there has never been a better time to consider EIFS for a new construction or retrofit project. Learn more at www.eima.com.