YOU AND YOUR E.I.F.S. APPLICATOR
Once upon a time not too long ago, the world of brick was intruded upon. In a galaxy it once ruled, it was no longer the only show in town.
Exterior Insulation Finish System invaded with its variety of textures and variety of colors causing quite a stir. The excitement within the prospective homeowners and new business owners spread like wildfire. Everyone wanted the "new" stuff on their structure. Though, it wasn't really new, as it had been around for years and years in other parts of the country.
The demand was so great that anyone who could walk and chew gum began applying it. People who had not been adequately trained were applying it. Builders were looking for the bottom dollar bid and not necessarily quality work or an experienced applicator. Corners were cut in the steps necessary to make the system durable, resilient and waterproof. Some structures were not prepared properly before application...i.e. improper or non-existent flashings and improperly installed windows. Some buildings and homes did not get proper caulk joints. Other problems involve improper installation of things like downspouts, shutters or anything else that was installed AFTER the E.I.F.S. application. Such as cutting a hole for a light or other fixture and then not properly sealing it. Many things and details that should have been common sense were left by the side of the road.
Not only were the people installing the system not always properly trained, but other trades had not been trained as well. Such as the gutter people on how to install downspouts with the proper fasteners so as not to allow water penetration into the E.I.F.S.
Then, when the water problems started the system got the blame. The brick industry jumped on that bandwagon in a hurry. The system in inadequate they said. They published reports, studys and stories talking about all the downfalls
of E.I.F.S. The flurry of negativity caused such a stir it took a couple of years before the dust began to settle and the truths started coming out. Some of these studys had to back up and admit some of the problem was the fault of the other trades such as roofers, gutter installers or window installers not doing their job properly to begin with.
the TRUTH being that there is nothing wrong with the system AS LONG AS IT IS APPLIED PROPERLY to an adequate structure that has been properly constructed and prepared.
Since the synthetic stucco was the new kid on the block, it got the blame and bad reputation when in fact, it was a series of circumstances and situations and not the system itself at all.
Where do we go now? The exciting and classy look of the texture and colors makes it an asset to any new home or building. So, let's quell the myths and the inaccuracies about the system and get on with the job at hand...
WHICH IS TO BUILD HOMES AND BUSINESSES WITH E.I.F.S. ON THEM!
It's time the E.I.F.S. manufacturers and qualified applicators stand up and be heard! Repeat after me "There is nothing wrong with the system...only the applicator."
I KNOW YOU STILL WANT TO USE SYNTHETIC STUCCO ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS...
SO FIND A QUALIFIED, ESTABLISHED, AND PROVEN APPLICATOR!
