Maintain EIFS Walls
PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY FROM HIGH WINDS
FEMA
April 2011

An Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) wall typically consists of 
several layers of materials sandwiched 
together into a single panel, which is then attached to a substrate mounted 
on the wall studs (see figure). The 
exterior of an EIFS wall is water resistant, but the wall can be weakened by 
moisture that becomes trapped 
behind the wall. The sources of this moisture are usually leaks around doors 
and windows and where the wall 
joins the roof. Once an EIFS wall has been weakened, it is more likely to be 
torn away or penetrated by high 
winds and windborne debris. If wind enters a building, the likelihood of 
severe structural damage increases, and 
the contents of the building will be exposed to the elements. 
You should periodically inspect your EIFS walls, particularly the flashing 
where the walls meet the roof and all 
the seals around doors, windows, and any objects that pass through the wall, 
such as utility lines. Make sure 
that the flashing and seals have been properly installed and are not damaged. 
BENEFITS OF UTILIZING THIS MITIGATION STRATEGY
*	Helps to prevent damage to a structure and its contents 
*	Helps to prevent injuries to occupants
TIPS 
Keep these points in mind when maintaining your EIFS walls: 
?	A licensed contractor can test EIFS walls for moisture content and 
advise you on repairs. 
?	EIFS walls should be installed only by experienced contractors who have 
completed a manufacturer’s 
training program. Contact the manufacturer or the EIFS Industry Members 
Association (EIMA) at 1-800-294-
3462 or online at http://www.eima.com for more information. 
?	Most EIFS walls are susceptible to damage from windborne debris; 
however, impact-resistant walls have 
been developed by some EIFS manufacturers. Ask manufacturers whether their 
walls meet the wind load 
and impact standards established for your area. Your local building official 
can advise you about these 
standards. 


?	Ask your local building official about state and local code 
restrictions on the use of EIFS walls. 
?	EIFS walls have had mixed degrees of success in different parts of the 
country. Ask your local building 
official about the performance of EIFS walls in your area. 
?	EIFS manufacturers provide different types of fasteners and adhesives 
for buildings designed to withstand 
high wind loads. Ask the EIFS manufacturer and installer what the highest 
allowable wind speed is for your 
building and what can be done to help the walls withstand even higher wind 
speeds. 
ESTIMATED COST 
EIFS wall costs vary; however, the cost of a typical EIFS wall is 
approximately $4 to $6 per square foot. 
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION 
EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA), http://www.eima.com.  
FEMA 489, Hurricane Ivan in Alabama and Florida: Mitigation Assessment Team 
Report, Observations, 
Recommendations and Technical Guidance, Chapter 5.3, “Non-Load-Bearing Walls, 
Wall Coverings, and 
Soffits,” August 2005, http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1569. 
FEMA 549, Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast: Mitigation Assessment Team 
Report, Observations, 
Recommendations and Technical Guidance, July 2006, 
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1857.
To view and download FEMA publications visit the FEMA Library at 
http://www.fema.gov/library. To obtain FEMA 
publications please call 1-800-480-2520 or fax 1-240-699-0525 Monday through 
Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. 
You may also email your request to FEMA-Publications-Warehouse@dhs.gov. 
Please provide the title, item 
number, short number, and quantity of each publication, along with your name, 
address, zip code, and daytime 
telephone number. 
.