Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) - Materials and Systems

1.1 This Standard outlines requirements for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), used in combination with a drained air space as an exterior wall cladding system. It also outlines requirements for water resistive barrier systems (WRBs) that can be used with EIFS.

1.2 The EIFS wall cladding system is comprised of thermal insulation boards, an adhesive for attachment of the thermal insulation boards to the substrate, a glass fibre reinforcing mesh embedded in a base coat on the face of the thermal insulation boards and a finish coat.

1.3 The use of mechanical fasteners is outside the scope of this Standard, but is acceptable as a complement and/or as an alternate to adhesive for attachment where the substrate will not support adhesive attachment of the EIFS.

NOTE: Refer to CAN/ULC-S716.3, Annex A for further information.

1.4 In EIFS, the thermal insulation boards support the base coat with integral glass fibre reinforcing mesh. Systems where the reinforcement is the supporting element of the rendering, e.g., conventional stucco, are not covered by this Standard.

1.5 This document 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.