Readiness check

Will your stucco or EIFS shed water or trap it?

Stucco and EIFS both failed catastrophically when water got trapped, the lesson of the 1990s EIFS rot crisis. What keeps either one working is water management: a barrier behind it, a drainage path, a weep screed, and flashing. Answer for how the system is actually built. This is general guidance; confirm with the manufacturer, EIMA, and the code. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the stucco/EIFS checklist sent over.

1. Is the EIFS a drainable system (not the old barrier type with no drainage)?Yes, drainable EIFS with a drainage gapNot sure which it isBarrier EIFS, no drainage

2. Is there a water-resistive barrier and drainage path behind the cladding?Yes, WRB and drainage plane behind itA barrier, drainage unclearNo drainage path

3. Is a weep screed installed at the base to drain water out and hold it off the ground?Yes, weep screed with clearance to gradePresent but tight to gradeNo weep screed

4. Are the windows, penetrations, and roof-wall flashed and integrated with the WRB?Yes, flashed and integrated, kick-out at the roofSome flashing, mostly sealantSealant only

5. Are control and expansion joints placed to manage the cracking?Yes, control joints per the panel limitsA fewNone, it cracks randomly

6. Is the stucco moist-cured and given time between coats to resist cracking?Yes, proper cure and coat timingRushedNo cure discipline

7. For EIFS, are all components from one manufacturer's system (not mixed brands)?Yes, one listed system end to endMostly, with some substitutionsMixed brands

8. Is the sealant at the openings treated as a maintenance item and re-sealed over time?Yes, sealant inspected and maintainedInstalled and forgottenRelied on with no plan