If you are considering purchasing a stucco clad home, you should have a moisture inspection performed. We can perform non-invasive, as well as intrusive moisture inspection to determine if you have issues with your home.

EIFS, is an acronym for Exterior Insulated Finish System. Other terms for this type of stucco are synthetic or artificial stucco. Not sure what type of stucco is installed?  A simple test is to tap on the stucco away from frames, and listen for a "hollow" sound to the tapping. This is an easy way to identify EIFS, however newer insulated concrete form (ICF) will sound hollow, but tinny. ICF constructed homes will have been constructed after 2002.

 In the early to middle 1980's, this product was introduced into the United States as an architectural system that was easy to design and sculpt for aesthetic value. Unfortunately, the early forms of EIFS were not properly installed, which led to moisture intrusion issues. A lot of these issues took years to manifest themselves to obvious problems. By the time visible evidence was readily apparent, the structural issues were beyond easy repair for a lot of homes.

In the middle 1990's, there were many changes prescribed to the installation of EIFS, to ensure moisture intrusion would be reduced, however, it was up to the individual contractors to make sure these preventative measures were taken. In the early part of this century, even more innovative techniques were developed to further reduce moisture issues.

 It would be very prudent to have a moisture inspection done on any home, with any type of cladding. At our inspection firm, we have seen vinyl sided homes, brick homes, and wood sided homes with serious moisture intrusion issues. Moisture intrusion is one of the items we check for during all of our home inspections.