Exterior Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) Market

Exterior Insulation Finishing System Market

Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) is a general class of non-load bearing building cladding systems that provides exterior walls with an insulated, water-resistant, finished surface in an integrated composite material system. In Europe, systems similar to EIFS are known as External Wall Insulation System (EWIS) and External Thermal Insulation Cladding System (ETICS).

Exterior Insulation Finishing System are proprietary systems of a particular EIFS manufacturer and consist of specific components. EIFS are not generic products made from common separate materials. To function properly, EIFS needs to be architecturally designed and installed as a system. The materials and installation methods specified by different EIFS manufacturers are not all compatible and should not be used interchangeably in new construction or repair work.

The technical definition of an EIFS does not include wall framing, sheathing, flashings, caulking, water barriers, windows, doors, and other wall components. However, some architects have begun specifying flashings, sealants, and wiring fasteners as being a part of the EIFS scope of work, essentially requiring EIFS contractors to carry out that work as well. The technical national consensus standard for the definition of an EIFS, as published by ASTM International does not include flashing or sealants as part of the EIFS. Many of the Exterior Insulation Finishing System manufacturers have their own standard details showing typical building conditions for window and door flashings, control joints, inside/outside corners, penetrations, and joints at dissimilar materials which should be followed for that manufacturers warranty.

Exterior Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) is an insulating, decorative, and protective finish system for exterior walls that can be installed on any type of construction. It is the only exterior wall covering that insulates and provides weather protection in a selection of shapes, colors, and textures that can replicate almost any architectural style or finish material, or stand by itself as an architectural finish. EIFS is wall cladding that utilizes stiff insulation boards on the outside of a wall and a plaster-like exterior covering. EIFS employs organic polymeric finishes reinforced with glass mesh. EIFS can be effective for both new construction and recladding applications, as an energy-efficient, economical wall covering. After World War II, buildings throughout Germany were damaged and in need of resurfacing. EIFS originated in Germany and came to the U.S. in the late 1960s.

EIFS, if installed properly, makes the building energy efficient. The EIFS costs more initially; however, it pays for itself over time. Structures with EIFS can save between 20% and 30% on energy bills as per the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Aesthetics and creative freedom are the perks offered by EIFS. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a part of the system that can be cut or molded to create several shapes such as arches, columns, window details, and sculptures. EIFS costs less than traditional insulation materials. It does not encroach upon the interior area, as it is fitted on the outside. EIFS can be installed in extremely hot or cold places that otherwise are unlikely to accommodate construction. EIFS installations are technically challenging. Inexperienced workers plus fast-tracked construction can compromise the quality of EIFS. This could result in leak or holes in EIFS or worse. This is the primary restraining factor for the EIFS market.

Based on design, the exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) market can be segmented into class Polymer based (PB), class Polymer Modified (Polymer Modified), Direct-applied Exterior Finish System (DEFS), and EIFS with drainage. Class PB is also known as ’soft coat’ EIFS. It utilizes adhesively fastened expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation with glass fiber reinforcing mesh embedded in a nominal base coat. Class PB represents the majority of EIFS used in North America. Class PM is also known as ’hard coat’ EIFS. In class PM EIFS, reinforcing mesh is mechanically attached to the extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, over which a thick, cementitious base coat is applied. Class PM EIFS was developed for improved impact resistance. DEFS is an EIFS without insulation. DEFS are mainly used for soffits, stairwells, and high-impact prone areas that don’t require insulation. EIFS with drainage is also known as ’rain screen EIFS’.

In terms of geography, the EIFS market can be segregated into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America and Europe are key markets for EIFS. The market in MEA and Asia Pacific is relatively small, as compared to the market in Europe and North America.

Key players operating in the exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) market are BASF Corporation, RMAX, Dryvit Systems, Inc., Parex USA, Inc., Sto Corp., Lafargeholcim Ltd, The Dow Chemical Company, Saint-Gobain Weber, and Aliva UK Ltd.