Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) – Design Application

This Standard contains requirements for the design, selection and application of exterior cladding utilizing Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) that meet the requirements of CAN/ULC-S716.1, and for the interfaces between EIFS and other building components.

This Standard applies to both new installations and to retrofit installations of EIFS on both high-rise and low-rise buildings.

This Standard addresses the components forming the substrate to which the EIFS is attached only insofar as they impact the proper performance of the EIFS. This Standard does not address the structural design of the substrate.

Standard CAN/ULC-S716.2 provides complementary information to this standard on the installation requirements for EIFS.

Cladding systems where the reinforcement is the supporting element of the rendering, e.g., stucco, are not part of this Standard.

The Standard does not address the application of direct-applied coatings onto stucco, sheathing boards, masonry, concrete, or insulating concrete forms (ICFs).

The use of mechanical fasteners is outside the scope of this Standard.

NOTE: Refer to Annex A for further information.

This Standard does not purport to address all the aspects related to EIFS design, selection and use. The use of this Standard requires a working knowledge of applicable federal, provincial and local building codes and regulations, as there may be other design, selection, or application considerations for specific installations that are not addressed by this standard.

This Standard is intended to provide detailed information pertaining to the design, selection and application of EIFS for building designers, building code officials, product manufacturers and contractors and to provide information that will promote satisfactory performance and durability of EIFS.

This Standard does not purport to address all the health and safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this Standard has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish health and safety practices, in conjunction with any existing applicable regulatory requirements, prior to its use.