Often referred to as “synthetic stucco” (but not actually stucco), an EIFS is a non-load bearing, exterior wall cladding system that consists of an insulation board attached either by adhesive or mechanically, or both, to the substrate. The EIFS is finished by an integrally reinforced base coat and a textured protective top coat.
There are a number of versions of EIFS. The most basic and common EIFS is called a “barrier EIFS” (also known as a
traditional or conventional EIFS). Another type is called an “EIFS with drainage”, which is a barrier EIFS to which a water drainage capability has been added.
EIFS were introduced for commercial use in the United States in the late 1960s, and were later used in residential applications.
