Practical Guide to EIFS Wall Finish System Types

NT = Not Typical, but exceptions occur; check manufacturer’s specifications.
G = Geographical restrictions may apply; check manufacturer’s specifications.
C = Applications may be limited to combustible types of construction; check manufacturer’s specifications.
M = May be required based on model code report for framing type; check manufacturer’s specifications.

EIF SYSTEM TYPE
Category	System Component	PB or Barrier or Face Seal- EIFS	MD-EIFS	PM-EIFS	PI-EIFS or Poly Iso-EIFS	DA or DEFS
FINISH COAT	SYNTHETIC FINISH COAT	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
BASE COATS	CEMENTITIOUS	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
BASE COATS	NON-CEMENTITIOUS	Yes	Yes	No	NT	No
MESH	ENTIRE SYSTEM	Yes	Yes	Yes	M	M
MESH	JOINT & TERMINATIONS ONLY	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
INSULATION	EPS	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
	XPS	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
	POLYSIO	No	No	No	Yes	No
ATTACHMENT	ADHESIVES	Yes	Yes	NT	No	No
	MECHANICAL	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	BOTH	Yes	Yes	NT	Yes	No
WEATHER RESISTIVE BARRIER (WRB)	As noted in previous section the codes changed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A WRB of liquid or sheet goods are now required on moisture sensitive substrates. A WRB was not required prior to code changes.	Barrier EIFS still permitted on Masonry & Concrete Substrates	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

SUBSTRATE ASSEMBLIES
Category	System Component	PB or Barrier or Face Seal – EIFS	MD-EIFS	PM	QUIK-R	DEFS
SHEATHING	GYPSUM PAPERFACED	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
	GYPSUM GLASS MAT FACED	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	G
	PLYWOOD	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
	OSB	G	G	Yes	Yes	No
	CEMENT BOARD	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	NONE	No	No	No	Yes	No
FRAMING	WOOD	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
FRAMING	STEEL	Yes	Yes	Yes	C	Yes
MASONRY CONCRETE	MASONRY CONCRETE	Yes	Yes	Yes	NT	NT

NOTE: The great majority of system fall within this chart, but there are exceptions.

Practical Guide to EIFS Wall Finish System Types

EIF SYSTEM TYPE

SUBSTRATE ASSEMBLIES