Originally Posted By: gporter This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
At todays inspection i found some hairline stucco cracks. Normal, but when i pushed on the stucco it was soft and you can push it in and make a hole. How should I write this up.
Originally Posted By: tpeters1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gary has a powerful finger, indeed.
If you put your finger through it, it was probably EIFS. Was it applied over EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam boards? Was there a vinyl mesh product embedded in the finish?
It looks like it could be EIFS. The EPS boards are generally installed in 2' x 4' sections, and the cracks could be following those, which would indicated a delamination of the base coat or adhesive.
I've seen exactly one house with EIFS on it that was installed correctly, and that's being a skosh on the liberal side. If it is EIFS, it should be inspected by an EDI or similarly-certified Third-Party inspector.
In the interest of full-disclosure, I am an EDI inspector...
-- Trevor Peters
G.E. Peters, Inc. Inspection Services
Originally Posted By: tpeters1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
EIFS is a specialty synthetic stucco product, and should only be inspected by someone licensed to do so. It’s been involved in several class action lawsuits that I know of… Dryvit being the one hit the hardest, mostly because it was prevalent in the Southeast where it’s nice and humid…
EIFS has a problem with it due to it's design; it doesn't easily allow moisture to escape. Thus, when water gets behind it, it causes a lot of damage. (Mold, rot, etc...)
It was created in Cold War Germany and Eastern Europe in order to "super-insulate" buildings. It made its way over here shortly thereafter, and is still being used. Head over to your nearest Wendy's, Taco Bell, BK, etc. That's probably not stucco.
It's not always bad. An EIFS system installed correctly will last a lifetime. Have a look at the New York, New York hotel and casino in Vegas. That's a good job. (And Dryvit, at that.)
If you find it, tell your client to consider having a moisture analysis done by a certified inspector.
-- Trevor Peters
G.E. Peters, Inc. Inspection Services
Originally Posted By: lewens This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
EIFS is not a stucco product it is a exterior finishing system. E. exterior I. insulated F. finishing S. system. Mr Peters is right if properly installed it will last a very long time. Therein lays the rub. Proper back banding of the mesh from behind the styrene to around the front. Proper sloping of horizontal surfaces to allow proper drainage away from the wall. Proper use of the appropriate caulking that will allow the system to move without breaking the caulk and thus allowing water infiltration behind the wall system,etc. etc.etc.
If all the steps are taken in the proper order during installation there should be no problems, however, if you deviate from the s.o.p., doom awaits those unprepared.
Originally Posted By: Jay Moge This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Larry wrote
If all the steps are taken in the proper order during installation there should be no problems, however, if you deviate from the s.o.p., doom awaits those unprepared.
Larry
seems like s.o.p.s' are to be followed strictly no matter who's they are, as long as you understand it. 
Originally Posted By: Scott Petronio This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It sounds like these guys are giving you good advice. You may want to visit the EIMA website for more information on EIFS. Aslo, you should read the earlier posting on this message board titled kickout out flashing. This can be critical for EIFS systems to be effective.
