EnviroSpec, Inc. - EIFS Inspections for residential and commercial properties using Dryvit, Senergy, Sto, and Parex EIFS
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A qualified EIFS inspector should be retained and a professional contractor experienced with EIFS product application should be hired for repairs - EnviroSpec, Inc   Contact EnriroSpec, Inc - For an IEIS Insection

Damaged Structural Framing and Wet Insulation Exposed Behind Damaged Sheathing on ChimneyDryvit® also states that “A qualified EIFS inspector should be retained and a professional contractor experienced with EIFS product application should be hired to perform any required repairs”.

Finding a qualified EIFS inspector is the first step to a thorough evaluation and maintenance of the exterior cladding. The inspector should be certified by either the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) and/or Exterior Design Institute (EDI) and should have performed a minimum of 500 EIFS inspections (commercial or residential). They should also have the ability to perform invasive testing which may require removal and replacement of the EIF system in limited areas (see Inspection Protocol for details). 

Once the evaluation has been completed and recommendations for remedial action have been established, the building owner should contact a “qualified” EIFS repair contractor.

While there are many qualified EIFS contractors, there are only a few that specialize in repairs which in many cases includes retrofitting flashing and window details, removal and replacement of wall areas and integration of new EIFS with other wall components such as windows while avoiding obvious “patching”.

Another consideration is that most EIFS applicators that install systems for new construction are used to working on construction sites where considerations such as landscaping and the presence of homeowners or other occupants are not a factor.

Ask the repair contractor to provide you with references of other repairs they have performed which are similar in scope to your needs, preferably at properties you can visit to see first-hand that the finished repair is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.  

If your building has not been inspected previously, it is possible that the initial repairs or maintenance issues will be costly. However, our experience has been that by having your building inspected periodically by a “qualified” EIFS inspector and “properly” repaired, annual maintenance costs will be kept to a minimum, and in many cases can be limited to the cost of the inspection.

Most assuredly, regular inspections will provide the homeowner with the tools to prevent minor problems from become costly headaches.