Barrier Vs. Drainage EIFS

When EIFS was first brought to the U.S., it was sold as a lightweight insulating cladding/barrier system. It was the original continuous insulation cladding and applied to many commercial buildings. Eventually, it became very popular in the housing industry. It is through the housing segment that EIFS took a bat to the knees. The barrier system was thought to be insufficient as a weather barrier and was thought to cause all forms of construction maladies. EIFS battled the misinterpretations and sensationalized attacks and was victorious in presenting the facts. I will say it: barrier EIFS is still an excellent high performance exterior cladding compared to other exterior claddings.

Throughout the market “righting” period of the EIF systems, code changes were made that have changed the way EIFS is installed today. The biggest change was that in 2009, the International Building Code listed EIFS in Section 1408. The code states that any structure classified as Type V construction and Group R1, R2, R3 and R4 occupancies, drainage EIFS must be installed. These systems with drainage must incorporate a drainage plane and a water-resistive barrier complying with section 1404.2. In plain English, the barrier EIF system must have a continuous WRB and drainage plane between it and the exterior sheathing.