Our Services
EIFS and Stucco System Analysis
Moisture Instrusion and Damage Assessment
Remedial Action Recommendations
Repair Monitoring
Moisture Warranty Program Inspections
Maintenance Guidelines and Monitoring Inspections
New Construction/ Third Party Inspections
EIFS Moisture Inspections
The most common inspection we perform involves evaluating EIFS/Stucco Systems for potential moisture intrusion. We provide this service in 3 steps:
Visual Analysis and Non Destructive Testing
Moisture Probing and Damage Mapping
Thorough Reporting Methods
1. Visual Analysis and Non Destructive Moisture Surveys
The first step in any EIFS / Stucco evaluation involves a thorough evaluation of the stucco system used including the exterior components (doors, windows, guttering, exterior drainage, landscaping etc.) and note any potential areas that are at risk for moisture penetration. We then follow that up with non-destructive moisture evaluations with our Tramex Wet Wall Detector and document our findings.
2. Moisture Probing , Material Analysis, and Damage Mapping
The next step involves probing the areas we checked with the Tramex that showed the potential for high moisture in the stucco system. With the permission of the owner we conduct a thorough moisture content test with the Delmhorst BD-2100 moisture probe. High moisture levels (above 30% are then checked for structural resistence of the substrate. We evaluate the substrate as FIRM OR SOFT to indicate the damage level due to moisture. Damage mapping involves probing the areas we confirm as SOFT to indicate how large the damaged area might be. This could save the owner thousands on repairs costs.
3. Reporting
The high readings, along with the specific location of the readings, should be noted in the report. This is necessary so that in the future, the readings can be referenced for a follow up test. A reference for future testing should be indicated in the report. Time frame should be approximately 6-18 months.
The report should indicate the following concerning the readings:
- 10-19% - Moisture is present in the wall. Additional sealant at the specific area should be sufficient.
- 20-29% - The source of the water intrusion should be identified, if possible. Appropriate corrective action should be taken to stop the entrance of the water. In many cases, a particular detail may be corrected, or additional sealant installed as a satisfactory corrective measure.
- 30%+ - This is the fiber saturation point of wood, the level at which decay rapidly begins to occur. The EIFS at these areas should be removed so that the framing can be inspected for indications of rot or decay. Any damaged areas should be repaired or replaced, as necessary.
The problem areas will be clearly identified in the report. We use the Report Maker Pro system for our report software. Report Maker Pro is specificaly designed for EIFS / Stucco reporting and is recommended by Moisture Free.
If you have any questions regarding our inspection procedure for EIFS clad homes please contact our office: 865-970-4363
New Constuction - Third Party EIFS / Stucco Inspections 