Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are a type of exterior cladding. They are multi-component systems which provide weather resistance, insulation, and the final colour and shape of the structure. EIF Systems have been used in Europe for over 40 years, and have been available in North America for approximately 25 years.

EIF Systems are a non-loadbearing exterior cladding. They are attached to a rigid backing, which can range from gypsum sheathing over steel studs to a concrete block wall. This flexibility of substrates makes them ideally suited to retrofit applications, as well as panelization. EIF Systems are particularly good at eliminating energy wasting thermal bridges, and providing maximum design flexibility with regard to shapes and colours. There are a number of variations on the standard.

Polymer Based (PB) EIF System. The following diagram outlines the components and construction of a standard system.

The Substrate

The substrate can vary from exterior gypsum based sheathing and plywood, to concrete block or brick. The substrate provides the base that the system is adhered to.

Insulation

The insulation is adhesively or mechanically attached to the substrate. It can be manufactured from polystyrene (expanded or extruded) or even a noncombustible mineral wool depending on the system requirements.

Reinforcing Fabric

The reinforcing fabric is a balanced open weave glass fabric. It is specially treated for compatibility with all other system components. Fully embedded in the wet basecoat, when applied, this reinforced skin dries to form a tough resilient layer which will hold fast against the shock of weather extremes. The fabric is available in a variety of strengths depending on the impact requirements of the project.

Adhesive / Basecoat

The Adhesive compound is designed to keep the system together. Mixed equally with Portland cement, by weight, this compound is used as the Adhesive between the insulation and the substrate, as well as the Basecoat over the insulation which along with the reinforcing fabric forms the weather protective barrier.

Acrylic Finish

Preswitt Quality Acrylic Finish is a superior interior or exterior wall coating with all the properties of a first class surface treatment. Extensive laboratory testing and field applications on commercial, industrial, and residential projects attest to the superiority of this product. Our decision to formulate a 100% acrylic polymer coating was based on the high performance achieved in such areas as colour fastness, moisture resistance, and abrasion resistance.