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I'm in negotiations with a house which has only the front siding made of EIFS (Exterior Insulating Finishing system) and the rest of vinyl. I have read online so many issues related to water damage that it has scare me a little bit.
If anyone familiar with this material can leave some feedback or recommendation it will e much appreciated.
The EIFS was probably installed around 2010 and it has some small damages probably from woodpeckers. The damage to repair it is only a couple of hundreds but should I get an EIFS inspector before purchasing? And do you recommend anyone?
The vast majority of EIFS issues are related to installations in the 1980s to mid 1990s. Once the shortcomings were identified, standards were developed to help mitigate the moisture entrapment issues. If properly installed AND maintained, there shouldn't be any major concerns. However, that's a HUGE 'if'. Commercial installations got a lot better, but it's really hard to say that residential installations did. It depends on the diligence and skill of the installers, and the close attention to maintenance and repairs by the homeowner.
The only way to know for sure is to open up the EIFS and/or interior of the exterior walls and visually inspect.
For me personally, there's too many unknowns to feel comfortable.
I would most definitely have a certified EIFS inspector go over it, not just a home inspector. After the home is inspected, you can have any repairs needed complete and then have a warranty issued. This is the only way I would buy a home with EIFS (and I'm not sure I'd buy one in Ohio) and it is what I recommend to my clients.
To find an inspector, you'll probably need to ask your agent. I have one in Cincinnati but can't help otherwise :-)
I'm in negotiations with a house which has only the front siding made of EIFS (Exterior Insulating Finishing system) and the rest of vinyl. I have read online so many issues related to water damage that it has scare me a little bit.
If anyone familiar with this material can leave some feedback or recommendation it will e much appreciated.
The EIFS was probably installed around 2010 and it has some small damages probably from woodpeckers. The damage to repair it is only a couple of hundreds but should I get an EIFS inspector before purchasing? And do you recommend anyone?
Thanks,
Chris
I wouldn't, but I live in Florida. It just seems like it can hide a lot. I don't think I would buy EIFS anywhere. It would seem flimsy to me, and I have lived through too many hurricanes.
Personally, I would not own one. However, I have inspected hundreds of homes with EIFS, and some do not appear to have any problems.
If you really love the house, get an EIFS expert to go over it. Based on their inspection, it may need repairs.
Keep in mind that with EIFS homes, you have to be vigilant when it comes to the junctions with other materials, mostly door and windows. You will need periodic inspections and maintenance.
All things being equal, I would pick a non EIFS house, but thats just me.
I would in Denver.
I would never in 08861.
We renovated our former house in 1987 and installed EIFS. It was in great condition when we sold in 2011.
Why did we do it?
Because there aren't many other ways to insulate a 1926 brick bungalow.
You can get a lot of shadow lines for zero marginal cost.
What made it successful?
1. Dry climate in Denver.
2. Large (1926 Craftsman style) overhangs. So, no water penetration possibility.
3. Expert installation.
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Yes and No
