National Conference Emerging trends of Energy Conservation in

connect these to the building structures. On top of the reinforcing layer primer is applied
followed by top coat.
1.2 Description of the system
components
The sectional view of a typical
EIFS has been shown in the Fig
1. All the components are part
of the whole system and have
different functions to fulfill
different requirements of the
system.Installation of EIFS
starts with the fixing of
insulation board (EPS) to the
wall with the use of adhesives. Figure 1. Components of EIFS [10]
After thorough drying of the
adhesive, the insulation boards are mechanically attached to the wall with the help of
mechanical fasteners. The gaps in between the EPS boards are filled with PU foam and the
joints are sealed with silicone sealer wherever there is possibility of water penetration or
seepage. Then sanding of the whole surface of the EPS board is done before application of
the reinforcing layer which consists of adhesive and fibreglass mesh. After thorough curing
of the reinforcing layer, priming is done on it followed by application of top coat (paint).
1.3 Advantages of EIFS
EIFS has the following advantages [10]
1) Highly efficient thermal insulation which results in saving energy.
2) Makes the building durable, weather resistant and provides a pleasant look.
3) Reduces the power consumption resulting in lowering the costs for heating/cooling.
4) Prevent contractions and mechanical damage of walls due to temperature fluctuation in
construction layer.
5) Highly water repellent walls (reduction in moisture absorption of the exterior surface of
the system).
6) Environment protection and mitigation of green house effect, as a result of reduced CO2
emission, caused by lower energy carrier consumption.
However, the above advantages can be broadly described from the two important points of
view namely Energy Efficiency of Building and Durability of Building.
1.3.1 Energy efficiency of building
Control of the flow of thermal energy and moisture through the building envelope is key to
energy conservation, preservation of the construction and its contents and occupant’s
satisfaction. The choice of exterior cladding and the quality of installation is critical for
achieving the desired performance.
1.3.1.1 Thermal insulation of walls
Heat transfer takes place from higher temperature to lower temperature in three different
ways namely conduction, convection and radiation. However, the extent of energy efficiency