Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a non-load bearing cladding system for exterior walls which combines continuous rigid board insulation, drainage and water resistant finished surface in a single composite system. It is an extremely versatile system which comes in a variety of thickness and finishes giving designers the flexibility to achieve almost any aesthetic. The combination of the high degree of versatility and cost competitiveness makes it a great choice for both residential and commercial applications.

Each manufacturer’s system would have proprietary components but in general would be composed of three main parts. A water resistive barrier is applied to the substrate to prevent moisture ingress into the wall assembly. An insulation board with an integrated drainage layer most commonly made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) is attached to the wall either mechanically or with an adhesive. Reinforcing mesh with a base and finish coats are applied to the insulation boards.