About EIFS

What Is EIFS?

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. They provide superior energy efficiency and offer much greater design flexibility than other cladding products.

Developed in Europe in the 1950s, EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago. They were first used on commercial buildings, and later, on homes. Today, EIFS account for nearly 30% of the U.S. commercial exterior wall market. EIFS typically consist of the following components:

• insulation board, made of polystyrene or polyisocyanurate foam, which is secured to the exterior wall surface with a specially formulated adhesive and/or mechanical attachment
• a durable, water-resistant base coat, which is applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiber glass mesh for added strength
• an attractive and durable finish coat -- typically using acrylic co-polymer technology -- which is both colorfast and crack-resistant.

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

No other wall system offers optimal protection against elements, while providing energy efficiency and economy. EIFS also provides the design freedom of unlimited colors, textures, specialty finishes, integral shapes, curves and details. EIFS has been proven on billions of square feet worldwide for over 50 years.