Guide Specification

Preparation of a “Guide Specification” to restore the water tightness of an exterior wall claddings building is beyond the scope of this document. The following general procedure is designed to help a specifier determine the nature of existing leakage and provide a decision tree that allows appropriate repairs to be identified. Based upon a thorough investigation, a customized specification can be developed. A Dow Corning representative can assist you in the preparation of a specification once the investigation is complete and the necessary repairs have been identified. The following guide is not intended to replace the expertise of a qualified industry consultant who is knowledgeable in the restoration of EIFS buildings.

Determine areas of water infiltration by inspection.
1. Inspect and map interior areas of water infiltration.
2. Inspect roof areas at wall transition points. Map and record existing conditions.
  1. Check copings, parapets, and penetrations.
3. Inspect all elevations for water entry points. Map and record existing conditions.
  1. Glazing
    1. Gaskets
    2. Weeps
    3. Sealants
    4. Perimeter sealants
    5. Unauthorized tenant alterations
  2. Penetrations
    1. Designed penetrations
    2. Post-construction penetrations
    3. Sealants
    4. Unauthorized tenant alterations
  3. Wall area
    1. False joints (cracking)
    2. Designed joints
    3. Post-construction joints
    4. Cracks
    5. Bird nests, insect holes
    6. Unauthorized tenant alterations
4. Refer to the references in the EIFS Restoration Guide, Form No. 62-510, for additional explanation of existing conditions.
Determine the issues and areas of concern that are beyond the scope of this guide. Issues that should be addressed separately with the assistance of a qualified industry consultant include:
1. Functionality of window system design
  1. Internal seals
  2. Weep system
  3. Anchorage
  4. Flashing
2. Water vapor transmission
3. Roof penetrations
4. Structural integrity of wall system
  1. Anchorage corrosion
  2. Original design to meet specified wind load
  3. Appropriate attachment method
    1. Adhesive
    2. Mechanical
5. Roof-to-wall transitions
  1. Parapets
    1. Joint sealants
  2. Copings
  3. Drip edges
6. Water infiltration testing
  1. Differential pressure required
  2. Flow rate of water onto wall (ASTM E547)
    1. Gallons per square foot per hour
Install a mockup to select the appropriate restoration method(s) for joints and walls.
1. Select section(s) of the wall for testing.
2. Select a qualified contractor to install the mockup test area(s) according to the procedures outlined in this guide. Your Dow Corning representative can assist you in identifying a qualified contractor.
  1. Install test area(s) according to the recommended restoration procedure(s).
  2. Photograph, video tape and/or record the installation process and conditions.
3. Test the mockup section for water infiltration with installing contractor present.
  1. Evaluate each restoration method for adhesion and aesthetics.
Prepare specification as a bid document based upon the knowledge obtained through the inspection, mapping and testing process.
1. Scope of work
2. Details of desired repairs compared to existing conditions
  1. Sealant joint repairs
  2. Glazing repairs
  3. Parapets and copings
  4. Elastomeric coatings
3. Procedures, products and references
  1. Refer to mockup areas as standard
  2. Surface preparation procedure
  3. Field performance tests
    1. Required documentation
    2. Required frequency
  4. Expectations of work conditions (weather)
  5. Special tenant considerations
  6. Requirements of cleanup.
  7. Provisions for unanticipated issues/repairs/ changes
Select a contractor.
Inspect and oversee work ensuring compliance with specification.