[Greenbuilding] Eifs as air barrier?

[John Straube]

Depends.  Synthetic stucco (EIFS, not stucco) can be an air barrier, but it is a horrible idea to attempt to seal this to the windows, as the windows leak rainwater, and then it will be trapped within the wall

Rainwater control always trumps airtightness in design and construction priorities.

 

It is better to use one of the many EIFS systems which are drained and have an integrated air-water barrier installed over the sheathing. Not uncommon to use such systems in Canadian commercial buildings. At least both Sto and Dryvit has EIFS systems approved to 12” of EPS over a drainage gap and full, high performance air-water barrier.  

 

From: Greenbuilding [mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Gennaro Brooks-Church - Eco Brooklyn
Sent: January 28, 2016 00:40
To: listserv Green Building new <greenbuilding at lists.bioenergylists.org>
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Eifs as air barrier?

 

Can the exterior stucco of a building act as the air barrier for Passive House standards?

 

If so, where the window/door frames meet the stucco, can the joint be filled with caulk on the outside?



-- 
Sent from Mobile, excuse the brevity.
Gennaro Brooks-Church, Director
Eco Brooklyn
347-244-3016
22 2nd St, BK NY 11231 

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