System Type PB EIFS, Barrier EIFS or Face Seal EIFS (no longer permitted on Moisture Sensitive Substrates; however, still permitted on concrete and masonry substrates).
PB – Polymer Based EIFS
Polymer based systems are often referred to as “thin coat,” “original EIFS,” “soft,” or “barrier” systems.
They contain the following components:
- 1-lb. (cu. ft.) expanded polystyrene (EPS)
- EPS adhesives or mechanical fasteners or both
- Base coat over EPS
- Fiberglass mesh from 4oz. – 20oz.
- Textured finish coat
Polymer based EIFS have these typical characteristics:
- Varying thickness of EPS can be used for architectural styling. Increased weight fiberglass mesh can be incorporated for impact resistance.
- Base coat usually contains 50% Portland (Type I or Type I & Type II) cement.
- Fiberglass mesh is often colored to identify system manufacturer (see chart in Fiberglass Mesh topic of System Components).
- Finish coat is usually acrylic based with aggregates sized to create a variety of textures from smooth to heavy Spanish.
- Requires no control joints to increment movement and cracking. It does require expansion joints per manufacturers details (see details section).
Polymer Based System Attached with Adhesive
- Substrate
- EPS
- Adhesive Attachment
- Base Coat
- Mesh
- Finish
This drawing shows how a polymer-based system is attached with adhesive.
(PB) Polymer Based EIFS Mechanically Attached
- Substrate
- EPS
- Mechanical Fasteners or Adhesive or Both
- Basecoat
- Mesh
- Finish
This drawing shows how a polymer-based system is mechanically attached. * Basecoats and finish systems are proprietary – check with manufacturer’s specification
Online Resources for System Types
Most manufacturers have information available online for sales and research purposes. Go to the Resource Tab on the exteriordesigninstitute.org site for website addresses for most current manufacturers.