EIFS and Stucco Inspection
With every home inspection Home Buyers Protection Company conducts, we work with our customers to help them understand where the biggest problem areas lie to help them make informed decisions when buying and selling a home. As each member of our team helps to make sure that each inspection meets or exceeds all standards set by ASHI®, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best service.
What Is EIFS?
EIFS, or Exterior Insulated Finish Systems, is a synthetic stucco. Originally introduced in the 1960s, the product gave home and business owners an inexpensive siding option that provided a high-end look. Unfortunately, through incorrect or poor installation, EIFS has been known to have issues with water infiltration that turns to mold.
How Is EIFS Different from Traditional Stucco?
There are two ways in which EIFS and traditional stucco differ. They are:
- Substance: Traditional stucco is most often a Portland cement that’s applied in just a few layers on top of a moisture barrier and self-furring lath. EIFS on the other hand is applied in a much thinner layer (1/16 to 1/4 inch thick) on top of polystrene foam board and a fiberglass mesh for support.
- Structure: Due to its thin layering, EIFS is more susceptible to damage and problems down the road. While it can be an advantage early on in terms of cost, an EIFS home could end up spending more to repair any damage than to enjoy it for years to come.
What Is the EIFS Inspection Process?
When an EIFS inspection is requested, our team—who all have Level 1 and Level 2 certifications from the Exterior Design Institute as third-party EIFS Inspectors—will come to your home to do the perform a visual, walk-around inspection to determine if the EIFS has been installed properly. We will do non-invasive moisture testing to find any areas of moisture intrusion. If there are high moisture levels in any area, a probe test will then be conducted at the owners’ discretion.
Following these tests, we provide each of our clients with a detailed report, including photos, of the affected areas that are in need of repair or further testing.
Contact Home Buyers Protection Company
Do you need your EIFS or stucco inspected? Give us a call at (402) 334-7926 or send us a quick message to schedule an inspection today! Our team is ready to help.