Exterior Insulation Finish Systems ("EIFS") are a type of building product that provides exterior walls with a finished surface, insulation and waterproofing in an integrated composite system. EIFS is also known as "synthetic stucco" and "Senergy", "Finestone", "Dryvit" or "Sto" - popular EIFS brands.{mosimage}Performing an EIFS inspection requires specialized training, tools, and a lot more time than a general home inspection allows. This is why even other home inspection companies typically call us for an EIFS-certified inspector when EIFS is encountered during a general home inspection. 

Ou inspection includes a full Thermal Image of exterior with non intrusive moisture meter testing. Areas of concer are then inspected with a fiber optic camera the ID interior wall cavity condition.

Is there anything I can do to diagnose the problem myself?

Unfortunately, the installation of EIFS can tolerate only the smallest margin of error. These mistakes , lack of training or short cuts have sometimes led to total system failure in the form of water intrusion and  will eventual rot and decay the structural members of a house.

Types of improper installation are:

• improperly flashed,beaded and caulked windows
• lack of back wrapping on the insulation foam
• foam/sheathing insulation placed below grade 
• lack of backer rod around windows
• flashing at door and window headings, deck ledger boards, roof-wall intersections and decks
  
• failure to seal horizontal surface penetrations
  

The detection, evaluation and accurate locating of excess moisture in substrate beneath exterior insulation and finish systems can be difficult, costly and time consuming and can involve the inspector making a large number of holes in the EIF system. With this in mind, Pacific Northwest Inspections Group developed a non-destructive inspection method for detection.

Our equipment has been specially designed for the detection, location, and tracking of excess moisture within and behind EIFS. When this is properly done we can then send in a fiber optic camera to determine the amount of damage.

Furthermore this electronic instrument will read through fiber reinforced lamination and exterior insulation to locate and evaluate excess moisture that may be present in the sheathing substrate and wood stud.

Our testing equipment is the latest, most practical and useful you can have when conducting a moisture survey on buildings with EIFS claddings. Login to read more about our EIFS inspection process!