You have EIFS on your home. You want it to last a long time. This is good. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems can protect your home for a long time when they are installed and maintained correctly. We are talking about 30 to 60 years or more. Taylorsville has hot, dry summers as well as cold, snowy winters. This means you have specific challenges to think about for your EIFS. Our team has seen a lot of EIFS in this valley. We can tell you what works and what does not work for EIFS in Taylorsville.
Extending the Life of Your EIFS in Taylorsville
The biggest thing you can do to extend the life of your EIFS is to keep water out. This sounds simple to do. However, this is where most problems with EIFS start. EIFS is designed to be a protective barrier for your home. If water gets behind the EIFS and cannot escape, then you will have real trouble. This is a very important part of EIFS maintenance in Taylorsville.
- Sealants are your first line of defense for EIFS: You must pay close attention to the caulking around windows as well as doors. This also includes any penetrations like pipes or vents on your home. These seals break down over time. This happens especially with our temperature swings in Taylorsville. Temperatures can go from 23°F in winter to 93°F in summer. You should re-seal these EIFS joints every 5-10 years. You should do this sooner if you see cracking or deterioration in the EIFS sealants.
- Manage water runoff around your EIFS: You must make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean. They must also direct water well away from your foundation. Poor drainage around your home can lead to water pooling near the EIFS. This is a big problem for EIFS in Taylorsville.
- Protect your EIFS from impact: EIFS is durable. However, it is not as impact-resistant as brick. You need to be careful when you are mowing the lawn. You should also be careful when trimming bushes or doing anything else that could hit the side of your house. Even small dings can compromise the EIFS system.
- Consider recoating your EIFS: Some polymer-based EIFS systems benefit from a recoat every 10-15 years. This helps to maintain their aesthetics as well as their durability. This is especially true against UV exposure in Taylorsville.
Regular EIFS Maintenance You Can Do in Taylorsville
You do not need to be a professional to keep an eye on your EIFS. Regular visual inspections are important for your EIFS. We tell folks around Taylorsville to do a thorough check at least twice a year. This can be done in the spring after the snow melts. You can also do it again in the fall before winter hits. This helps with EIFS maintenance in Taylorsville.
- Clean your EIFS gently: Dirt, algae, and mildew can build up on your EIFS. This happens especially on north-facing walls that do not get as much sun. You should use a mild detergent solution and a soft brush. You must never use a high-pressure washer. It can damage the EIFS finish.
- Look for cracks in your EIFS: Hairline cracks, chips, or larger fractures can be entry points for water. You should pay extra attention to areas around windows as well as doors. This also includes where different materials meet on your home.
- Check for discoloration or stains on your EIFS: Dark streaks or stains often mean water is getting into the EIFS. White, powdery spots, also known as efflorescence, can also show water problems.
- Inspect flashing around your EIFS: You need to make sure all flashing around windows, doors, and rooflines is intact. It must also be properly sealed. This is very important for directing water away from your EIFS.
Warning Signs of Bigger EIFS Problems in Taylorsville
Sometimes, what looks like a small issue is actually a sign of something more serious happening underneath your EIFS. Here is what you need to keep an eye out for with your EIFS in Taylorsville:
- Soft spots or bulging on your EIFS: If you press on the EIFS and it feels soft or spongy, that is a major red flag. If you see areas that are bubbling or bulging, that is also a major red flag. This almost always means water is trapped behind the EIFS system. This weakens the insulation and can cause rot or mold.
- Persistent moisture indoors with EIFS: Unexplained indoor humidity can point to hidden moisture intrusion behind the EIFS. Water stains on drywall can also point to hidden moisture intrusion. A musty smell inside your home can also be a sign of hidden moisture intrusion.
- Cracks at corners of openings in EIFS: Small cracks that radiate from the corners of windows and doors are common stress points. Water can sneak in through these cracks. Diagonal cracks near windows and doors can also show building movement.
- Chipping or peeling EIFS: If chunks of the EIFS are chipping or peeling off, this is often a sign of underlying water damage.
- Mold or mildew that keeps coming back on EIFS: Some surface mold can be cleaned. However, persistent or recurring mold suggests ongoing moisture issues within the EIFS wall system.
When to Call a Professional EIFS Contractor in Taylorsville
We believe homeowners should do what they can for their EIFS. However, some EIFS issues need a professional. If you see any of the serious warning signs we just mentioned, do not wait. Early detection can save you a lot of money later on. Taylorsville Stucco & Plastering is here to help with EIFS issues.
- Significant EIFS damage: You should call us if you have large cracks. You should also call us if you have widespread discoloration or those tell-tale soft or bulging areas. We have the tools and experience to find the root cause. This often involves specialized moisture meters. These meters can see what is happening behind the EIFS surface.
- Suspected water infiltration in your EIFS: A professional inspection is important if you suspect water is getting behind the EIFS. This is true even if you cannot pinpoint where the water is coming from. Water intrusion can lead to serious structural damage. It can also cause mold as well as rot.
- Improper EIFS installation or older systems: Many older barrier-style EIFS systems did not have drainage systems. This is especially true for those installed before the early 2000s. These systems are more prone to moisture problems. Regular professional checks are even more important if you have one of these EIFS systems.
- Pre-purchase or sale EIFS inspections: A specialized EIFS inspection can protect both parties if you are buying or selling a home with EIFS. This helps by finding potential hidden risks with the EIFS.
- After severe weather for EIFS: Taylorsville gets heavy snow as well as strong winds. It is a good idea to have a professional look for EIFS damage after a particularly bad storm.
Taylorsville Stucco & Plastering has seen all types of EIFS issues. We know the specific challenges our local climate presents. Our alkaline soils can impact drainage around foundations. Freeze-thaw cycles can stress exterior finishes. Do not let a small EIFS issue turn into a major headache. You can give us a call if you are unsure about your EIFS. We will help you keep your Taylorsville home protected.