Over the years, I've had a number of companies as clients that make and install signs. Most of the signs are used for commercial applications (stores and hotels) and they are usually made of metal and plastic but occasionally they'll even make one out of EIFS. Either way, they sometimes ask me how to attach their signs to EIFS walls. If you've ever purchased a custom sign, they are not cheap, so it's not a dumb question. Here are some guidelines on how to deal with signs. These notes relate to design considerations, as well as installation issues.

Lately I’ve been working with some cast stone products and have found that product to be a good complement to EIFS in terms of dealing with the damage-susceptible edges of EIFS. This month’s column gives some examples of how cast stone can be used with EIFS.

This month’s column gives you a checklist of things to keep in mind if someone wants an alternate price or prefers the other cladding. This list will be handy if you are working with a designer or owner who needs guidance when making a switch.

For a change of pace, I’ve decided to periodically write about contracting and field issues, including case studies of interesting projects. The idea is to offer insights that will help readers deal with aspects of EIFS in their work.

There are two basic ways of terminating the edge of an EIFS. One is by using the EIFS materials themselves, and the other is using some type of non-EIFS trim product, such as preformed plastic or metal pieces.

An EIFS finish coat is a textured, paint-like material. It’s usually made with acrylic resins or a blend of acrylic resins and other resins, such as silicones. The hardness of the coating and its textured surface make it susceptible to getting dirty.

The origin of the EIFS with drainage goes back to the 1990s. The idea of adding drainage came about due to a rash of water intrusion problems on houses in the southeast. Water had gotten behind the EIFS and ruined the supporting wood structure, causing a flurry of lawsuits and repairs, and sparking the interest of building code officials.

If you spend any time working with specifiers, end-users, designers and contractors who are involved with EIFS, you’ll find out right away that the environmental friendliness (“eco-friendliness”) of EIFS is a hot topic.

When I do technical seminars about EIFS, one of the most frequent questions is, “Should I use adhesives or mechanical fasteners (screws plus washers), or even both, to attach the foam insulation to the wall?” The answer depends on a number of factors, and sometimes you have no choice about which to use. 

There is work underway to develop a standardized protocol for inspecting EIFS as it is being installed. This work is being done by the ASTM technical society. 

Expanded polystyrene insulation and polyisocyanurate foam polyiso are the two main insulation types used in EIFS in North America. Overseas, many other types of insulation are used to make EIFS, such a mineral wool and “glass foam.”

No doubt you are aware that the quality of EIFS is very dependent on the contractor. One way to ensure quality is to monitor the process of installing the EIFS as it is being installed.

What do skin moisturizer, anti-malarial drugs and diesel fuel all have in common?

Under that greenery is hidden something very un-green, very dirty, and very big: Parking garages.

Since when did architects become responsible for ensuring occupant health resulting from exposure to building material ingredients?

If you are like me, you have a love-hate relationship with screw fasteners.

Not too many years ago, hydronic floor heating systems were all the rage with the hip-green crowd.

Designing exterior wall assemblies that satisfy both energy and building code requirements is a challenge.

“Green advocacy” is the very opposite of informed consent.

TellSpec and SCiO are about to release devices which will allow you “to get instant relevant information about the chemical make-up of just about anything around you.

Used shipping containers: the new farming frontier.

In December of this year, more than 190 nations will gather in Paris to negotiate a global agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, laying the foundation to save the planet from what many believe will be a catastrophic and irreversible change in the Earth’s climate.

Is there a future for coal fired power?

The energy saving contributions of thermal mass are well known but not always implemented in an ideal way.

Don’t be fooled, a rainscreen is much more than a cladding system that works well under wet conditions.

In part one; rainscreen and open joint cladding systems were discussed. Part two will focus on test standards determining the performance of cladding systems designed for the rainscreen principle.

Level up productivity with tools that enhance well-being and your body.

On Oct. 17, American Industrial Partners announced its definitive agreement to acquire PPG’s U.S. and Canadian architectural coatings business, which generated $2 billion in 2023 revenue.

The organisation, which has 160 employees, says it is still trying to understand how staff will be affected

The new members come from a range of charities, including Save the Children UK and Versus Arthritis

The two organisations employ a total of more than 450 people

The funds will go to support the organisations’ work in tackling food poverty

The findings come from Third Sector’s inaugural Charity Employer Index

Dame Julia Cleverdon spent 17 years as the chief executive of Business in the Community as part of a long career in the voluntary sector

Resolution Engineering Inc., Hudson, Wis.,is a provider of RF/wireless and embedded systems design services, while sister company Resolution Products produces a wide range of common use and wireless security devices. Until recently, “green” qualities weren’t on the radar for these types of products, so today, Resolution Engineering is thrilled to see increased attention focused on sustainability. The company’s products, services and operations have incorporated sustainable attributes for years. John Bergman, one of the founders of the company, is the driving force behind the company’s sustainable practices. 

World Wide Security, Garden City, N.Y., launched its “Go Green!” program promoting energy conservation to its customers. As energy prices rise throughout the United States, the Long Island region is often impacted more dramatically because it is an island with logistics and energy challenges.

SDM had the chance to interview Dr. Bob Banerjee, senior director of Training and Development, NICE Systems, Ra'anana, Israel, recently on “green” initiatives at NICE Systems. 

As a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY, HID Global follows its policy on minimizing its carbon footprint and helping to stimulate renewable energy markets. HID Global is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of its operations through continuous concentration on Genuine HID™ products; how they are designed, how they are built, and how they are used.

Sensitive to environmental considerations in the security and video surveillance industry, Panasonic System Networks Company of America, Secaucus, N.J., is taking leadership by offering products manufactured in energy-efficient facilities, using fewer hazardous materials and emitting less CO2, and which also consume less power than previous Panasonic comparable models.

For Metis Secure Solutions, Oakmont, Pa., and many other security-related companies, green trends provide opportunity.

In many ways, being environmentally conscious also makes good business sense. At times, it is just the "right thing" to do.

A leading provider of home automation and technology, Vivint is always on the lookout for opportunities to bring additional value to their customers with new offerings to provide more comprehensive home integration solutions.

K9s United is a dedicated non-profit organization that focuses on providing essential training, equipment and resources to support law enforcement canines.

Columbus, OH — People who incorrectly believe they have “all the facts” may remain overly confident in their beliefs or decisions, a recent study suggests.

Washington — A Federal Highway Administration final rule includes updates intended to improve safety and mobility for workers and drivers in roadway work zones.

Arlington, VA — Mine operators should train miners on recognizing highwall hazards and following procedures for their safe control, the Mine Safety and Health Administration advises in a recent safety alert.

The new Urban Roots is dedicated to delivering plant-forward products with bold, globally inspired flavors. The rebrand comes with two line expansions: the launch of Fruit+, and Cantina-Style Salsa.

The program invited cross-functional employee teams to submit projects completed during Conagra's fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Each submission was evaluated by a panel of peers, with the final winners selected by the company's sustainability leaders.

CBC Flooring’s Salto Exceptional Flooring brand offers Unica, a recycled limestone tile with an impressive 80 percent recycled content.

TOLI's Mature commercial sheet flooring from CBC Flooring offers architects and designers a beautiful and sustainable flooring product for healthcare, university and retail environments.