AC24 -- Interim Criteria for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

ICC EVALUATION SERVICE, INC. 

Evaluate P Inform P Protect 

INTERIM CRITERIA FOR 

EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS 

AC24 

June 2003 

(Effective July 1, 2003) 

Previously issued April 2001, October 1999, June 1998, January 1998 

April 1997, January 1993 

PREFACE 

Legacy evaluation reports issued by ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC-ES), are based upon performance features of the Uniform family 

of codes and the International family of codes. Section 104.2.8 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC), Section 104.11 of the 2000 

International Building Code ® (IBC) and Section R104.11 of the 2000 International Residential Code ® (IRC) are the primary charging sections upon 

which evaluation reports are issued. Section 104.2.8 of the UBC reads as follows: 

The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any material, alternate design or method of 

construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided any alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the 

building official. 

The building official may approve any such alternate, provided the building official finds that the proposed design 

is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this code and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose 

intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, 

safety and sanitation. 

The building official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may 

be made regarding its use. The details of any action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the 

files of the code enforcement agency. 

Similar provisions are contained in Sections 104.11 and R104.11 of the IBC and IRC, respectively. 

The attached acceptance criteria has been issued to provide all interested parties with guidelines on implementing performance features 

of the applicable code(s) referenced in the acceptance criteria. The criteria was developed and adopted following public hearings conducted by 

the ICC-ES Subcommittee on Uniform Codes and is effective on the date shown above. All reports issued or reissued on or after the effective 

date must comply with this criteria, while reports issued prior to this date may be in compliance with this criteria or with the previous edition. If the 

criteria is an updated version from a previous edition, a solid vertical line (�) in the margin within the criteria indicates a technical change, addition, 

or deletion from the previous edition. A deletion indicator (�) is provided in the margin where a paragraph has been deleted if the deletion involved 

a technical change. This criteria may be further revised as the need dictates. 

ICC-ES may consider alternate criteria, provided the proponent submits valid data demonstrating that the alternate criteria are at least 

equivalent to the attached criteria and otherwise meet the applicable performance requirements of the codes. Notwithstanding that a material, 

type or method of construction, or equipment, meets the attached acceptance criteria, or that it can be demonstrated that valid alternate criteria 

are equivalent and otherwise meet the applicable performance requirements of the codes, if the material, product, system or equipment is such 

that either unusual care with its installation or use must be exercised for satisfactory performance, or malfunctioning is apt to cause unreasonable 

property damage or personal injury or sickness relative to the benefits to be achieved by the use thereof, ICC-ES retains the right to refuse to issue 

or renew an evaluation report. 

Copyright © 2003 

Business/Regional Office P 5360 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California 90601 P (562) 699-0543 

www.icc-es.org Regional Office P 900 Montclair Road, Suite A, Birmingham, Alabama 35213 P (205) 599-9800 

Regional Office P 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, Illinois 60478 P (708) 799-2305

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

INTERIM CRITERIA FOR EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS 

1.1 Scope: The purpose of this acceptance criteria is to 

specify the conditions under which an exterior insulation and 

finish system (EIFS) can be recognized in an ICC-ES 

evaluation report under the 1997 Uniform Building Code 

(UBC), the 2000 International Building Code ® (IBC) and the 

2000 International Residential Code (IRC). Where this 

criteria references code sections of each of the various 

codes, the applicable section is the section of the code 

under which the system is being evaluated, unless noted 

otherwise. Standard editions applicable to each code are 

summarized in Table 1. 

Equivalent systems can be considered with proper 

justification. At a minimum, the equivalent system must 

include the exterior coating, insulation and nonmetallic 

reinforcement, and be primarily confined to the exterior wall 

surface. 

1.2 Referenced Documents: 

1.2.1 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC), 

International Conference of Building Officials. 

1.2.2 2000 International Building Code ® (IBC), 

International Code Council. 

1.2.3 2000 International Residential Code (IRC), 

International Code Council. 

1.2.4 ICC-ES Interim Criteria for Test Reports and 

Product Sampling (AC85). 

1.2.5 ICC-ES Interim Criteria for Laboratory 

Accreditation (AC89). 

1.2.6 ICC-ES Interim Criteria for Quality Control 

Manuals (AC10). 

1.2.7 1997 UBC Standard 7-1, Fire Tests of Building 

Construction and Materials, International Conference of 

Building Officials. 

1.2.8 1997 UBC Standard 8-1, Test Method for Surfaceburning 

Characteristics of Building Materials, International 

Conference of Building Officials. 

1.2.9 1997 UBC Standard 14-1, Kraft Waterproof 

Building Paper, International Conference of Building 

Officials. 

1.2.10 1997 UBC Standard 23-2, Construction and 

Industrial Plywood, International Conference of Building 

Officials. 

1.2.11 1997 UBC Standard 23-3, Performance Standard 

for Wood-based Structural-use Panels, International 


1.2.12 1997 UBC Standard 26-3, Room Fire Test 

Standard for Interior of Foam Plastic Systems, International 


1.2.13 1997 UBC Standard 26-4, Method of Test for the 

Evaluation of Flammability Characteristics of Exterior, 

Nonload-bearing Wall Panel Assemblies Using Foam Plastic 

Insulation, International Conference of Building Officials. 

1.2.14 1997 UBC Standard 26-9, Method of Test for the 


Nonload-bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible 

Components Using the Intermediate-scale, Multistory Test 

Apparatus, International Conference of Building Officials. 

2 

1.2.15 ASTM B 117-90, Practice for Operating Salt-spray 

(Fog) Apparatus, American Society for Testing and 

Materials. 

1.2.16 ASTM C 79, Standard Specification for Treated 

Core and Nontreated Core Gypsum Sheathing Board, 

American Society for Testing and Materials. 

1.2.17 ASTM C 150, Standard Specification for Portland 

Cement, American Society for Testing and Materials. 

1.2.18 ASTM C 297-94, Standard Test Method for 

Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions, 


1.2.19 ASTM C 897-88 (1993), Standard Specification for 

Aggregate for Job-Mixed Portland Cement-Based Plasters, 


1.2.20 ASTM C 920-98, Standard Specification for 

Elastomeric Joint Sealants, American Society for Testing 

and Materials. 

1.2.21 ASTM C 1177-96, Standard Specification for 

Glass Mat Gypsum Substrate for Use as Sheathing, 


1.2.22 ASTM D 226-97a, Standard Specification for 

Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt Used in Roofing and 

Waterproofing, American Society for Testing and Materials. 

1.2.23 ASTM D 2247-97, Standard Practice for Testing 

Water Resistance of Coatings in 100% Relative Humidity, 


1.2.24 ASTM E 84-98�1, Standard Test Method for 

Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 


1.2.25 ASTM E 96-95, Standard Test Method for Water 

Vapor Transmission of Materials, American Society for 

Testing and Materials. 

1.2.26 ASTM E 119-98, Standard Test Method for Fire 

Tests of Building Construction and Materials, American 

Society for Testing and Materials. 

1.2.27 ASTM E 330-90, Standard Test Method for 

Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls 

and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference, 


1.2.28 ASTM E 331-86, Standard Test Method for Water 

Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylight, Doors and 

Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference, 


1.2.29 ASTM E 1233-97, Standard Test Method for 

Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls 

and Doors by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Differential, 


1.2.30 ASTM G 23-81, Standard Practice for Operating 

Light-Exposure Apparatus (Carbon-Arc Type) With and 

Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials, 


1.2.31 ASTM G 26-96, Standard Practice for Operating 

Light-Exposure Apparatus (Xenon-Arc Type) With and 

Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials, 


1.2.32 ANSI A118.9-1999, Test Methods and 

Specifications for Cementitious Backer Units.


1.2.33 EIMA 200.2, Standard Test Method for 

Determining the Drainage Performance of Exterior Insulation 

and Finish Systems (EIFS), Class PB, EIFS Industry 

Members Association. 

1.2.34 Federal Specification UU-B-790a-1968, Building 

Paper, Vegetable Fiber: (Kraft, Waterproofed, Water 

Repellent and Fire Resistant), General Services 

Administration. 

1.2.35 NFPA 268-96, Standard Test Method for 

Determining Ignitability of Exterior Wall Assemblies Using a 

Radiant Heat Energy Source, National Fire Protection 

Association. 

1.2.36 NFPA 285-98, Standard Method of Test for the 


Nonload-bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible 

Components Using the Intermediate-scale, Multistory Test 

Apparatus, National Fire Protection Association. 

1.2.37 UL 1715-97, Fire Test of Interior Finish Material, 

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. 

1.2.38 US DOC PS-1-95, Construction and Industrial 

Plywood, United States Department of Commerce. 

1.2.39 US DOC PS-2-92, Performance Standard for 

Wood-based Structural-use Panels, United States 

Department of Commerce. 

2.0 DEFINITIONS 

2.1 EIFS: 

2.1.1 EIFS is a nonbearing exterior wall covering 

system, applied to a solid substrate or framing. It includes a 

fastening system, insulation board, base coat, nonmetallic 

reinforcing fabric and a finish coat. The system may also 

include primers, sealers, and accessories such as trim, 

corner beads and stops. 

2.1.2 The fastening system is the method used to attach 

the insulation board to the substrate or framing. It may be an 

adhesive, a mechanical fastener or a combination thereof. 

For combination systems, either the mechanical or adhesive 

portion itself must be capable of resisting required forces 

when justification is other than results of full-scale structural 

performance tests. See Section 5.5. 

2.2 EIFS Wall Covering Assembly With Drainage: 

2.2.1 An EIFS wall covering assembly with drainage is 

a nonbearing exterior wall covering assembly applied to a 

solid substrate. It includes a water-resistive coating that may 

be trowel-, spray- or roller-applied over the surface of a 

sheathing substrate, or a weather-resistive barrier as 

defined in Sections 1402 and 2506.4 of the UBC or a waterresistive 

barrier as defined in Sections 1404.2 and 2510.6 of 

the IBC or weather-resistant sheathing paper as defined in 

Section R703.2 of the IRC; a drainage medium or other 

means of drainage; a fastening system; insulation board; a 

base coat; nonmetallic reinforcing fabric; and a finish coat. 

The system may also include primers, sealers, and 

accessories such as trim, corner beads and stops. 

2.2.2 The fastening system is the method used to attach 

the insulation board to the substrate. It may be adhesive, a 

mechanical fastener or a combination thereof. For 

combination systems, either the mechanical or adhesive 

portion itself must be capable of resisting the required forces 

when justification is other than full-scale structural 

performance tests. See Section 5.5. 

3 

2.3 The proponent is the applicant for an evaluation report 

on an EIFS. 

3.0 MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS 

3.1 Water-resistive Coating Components (if 

applicable): 

3.1.1 Field Blended: 

3.1.1.1 Cement: Type and description must comply 

with ASTM C 150. 

3.1.1.2 Sand: Must be clean and free from deleterious 

amounts of loam, clay, silt, soluble salts and organic matter. 

Sampling and testing must comply with ASTM C 897. Limits 

for grading sand must be specified when added in the field. 

3.1.1.3 Admixtures: Description and purpose are 

needed for each product. 

3.1.1.4 Preparation: Mixing instructions are needed. 

3.1.2 Factory Blended: A description of the factoryblended 

materials is needed. 

3.2 Adhesive Components: 

3.2.1 Field-blended: 









3.2.1.4 Preparation: Mixing instructions are needed. 

3.2.2 Factory-blended: A description of the factoryblended 


3.3 Base Coat Components: 

3.3.1 Field-blended: 









3.3.2 Factory-blended: A description of the factoryblended 


3.4 Finish Coat: Specific description is needed, including 

any field mixing instructions. 

3.5 Nonmetallic Reinforcing Fabric: Description must 

include such items as type, weight, thread count, strength, 

weave, and treatments for compatibility with coating. 

3.6 Substrates: The EIFS must be applied to a rigid, solid 

substrate such as concrete, concrete masonry, Exterior or 

Exposure 1 wood-based panel sheathing complying with 

UBC Standard 23-2 or 23-3 (UBC) or US DOC PS-1 or PS-2 

(IBC/IRC), water-resistant core gypsum sheathing complying 

with ASTM C 79 or C 1177, cementitious backer units


complying with ANSI A118.9, or equivalent material. In lieu 

of substrates, the EIFS may be applied to framing using an 

approved fastening system and a weather-resistive barrier 

complying with Section 1402.1 of the UBC, a water-resistive 

barrier complying with Section 1404.2 of the IBC, weatherresistant 

sheathing paper complying with Section R703.2 of 

the IRC or a weather-resistive barrier complying with the 

ICC-ES Interim Criteria for Weather-resistive Barriers 

(AC38). 

3.7 Foam Plastic Insulation: Description of insulation 

must include type, density, flame spread, smoke density, 

conditioning requirements, dimensional tolerances, flexural 

strength, maximum water absorption, and other 

requirements necessary to show compliance with Section 

2602 of the UBC, Section 2603 of the IBC or Section R318 

of the IRC, the ICC-ES Interim Criteria for Foam Plastic 

Insulation (AC12), and special requirements unique to the 

EIFS. When used on walls required to be of noncombustible 

construction, the foam plastic must be identified in 

accordance with Section 2602.5.2.2, Item 6, of the UBC or 

Section 2603.5.6 of the IBC. 

3.8 Other Insulation Boards: Other insulation boards 

must comply with applicable UBC, IBC or IRC reference 

standards or, if not available, a recognized national 

standard, with the concurrence of ICC-ES. 

3.9 Fastening Systems: 

1. Mechanical fasteners must be specifically described, 

including type, shank diameter, length, head diameter, 

corrosion-resistance treatment and material specifications. 

2. Adhesives for attachment of insulation to framing 

members must be qualified under the ICC-ES Interim 

Criteria for Sandwich Panel Adhesives (AC05). Attachment 

of an EIFS to framing members must be qualified in 

accordance with Section 5.5. Alternative adhesives and/or 

substrates may be qualified as described in Section 6.4. 

3.10 Accessories: Expansion joints, weep screeds, corner 

reinforcement and similar items, when required by the 

proponent, must be installed in accordance with the 

proponent's recommendations and as specified in the 

project design specifications (documents). Accessories must 

be described as to type of material, dimensions, thickness 

and corrosion-resistant treatment. 

3.11 Primers and Adhesion Intermediaries: Specific 

description is necessary, including type, use, specification 

and location. 

3.12 Surface Sealers: Specific description is necessary, 

including type, use, specification and limitations. 

3.13 Labeling: Labeling for field identification must include 

the following: 

1. Name and address of manufacturer and appropriate 

evaluation report number. 

2. Identification of components. 

3. Lot or batch number. 

4. Quantity of material in packaged mix. 

5. Storage instructions. 

6. Specific mixing instructions. 

7. Curing instructions. 

4 

8. Expiration date (when applicable). 

9. ICC-ES evaluation report number (ICC-ES ER-xxxx). 

4.0 SEALANTS 

' Sealants used at control joints, intersections or 

' terminations of the EIFS at dissimilar materials, wall/eave 

' interfaces, penetrations and openings must be Type S or M, 

' minimum Grade NS, minimum Class 25, and Use O, in 

' compliance with ASTM C 920, and be compatible with the 

' applicant’s EIFS. Under the Use O classification, the sealant 

' needs to be qualified for each of the materials to which the 

' sealant will be applied, such as the EIFS material, copper 

' piping, galvanized steel and vinyl window frames, by the 

' adhesion and cohesion under cyclic movement test and 

' adhesion-in-peel tests of Sections 8.8 and 8.9 of ASTM C 

' 920. The details for sealant installation, including the width 

' and thickness of the sealant, shall be designed by the 

' registered design professional, designer, builder, or EIFS 

' evaluation report applicant, in that order, to the satisfaction 

' of the building official. An installation card, in the format 

shown in Exhibit A, completed by the sealant installer, must 

be presented to the building official, with the EIFS contractor 

declaration, at the completion of each project. The sealant 

declaration states that the sealant installation conforms to 

the EIFS evaluation report and the sealant manufacturer's 

installation methods and procedures. 

5.0 EXTERIOR WALL CONSTRUCTION 

5.1 An EIFS can be recognized for application to walls 

required to be of noncombustible construction provided the 

EIFS is in compliance with Section 6.7.2 of this criteria; and 

Section 2602.5.2.2 of the UBC or Section 2603.5 of the IBC. 

5.2 Performance Requirements: 

5.2.1 Water-resistive Coating (if applicable): 

1. Tensile bond tests as set forth in Section 6.4.1. 

2. Freeze-thaw tests as set forth in Section 6.5.1. 

3. Water-resistance tests as set forth in Section 6.6.1. 

4. Water-vapor transmission of materials tests as set 

forth in Section 6.8.1. 

5. Water-penetration tests as set forth in Section 

6.10.1. 

5.2.2 EIFS (Section 2.1): 

1. Salt-spray-resistance tests as set forth in Section 

6.3. 

2. Tensile-bond tests as set forth in Section 6.4.2. 



5. Optional fire tests as set forth in Section 6.7. 

6. Structural testing as set forth in Section 6.9. 


6.10.2 (UBC) or Section 6.10.3 (IBC/IRC). 

6.12. 

8. Accelerated-weathering tests as set forth in Section 

5.2.3 EIFS Wall Covering Assemblies with Drainage 

(Section 2.2):


1. Salt-spray-resistance tests as set forth in Section 

6.3. 

2. Tensile-bond tests as set forth in Section 6.4.2. 



5. Optional fire tests as set forth in Section 6.7. 

6. Structural testing as set forth in Section 6.9. 


6.10.2. 

8. Accelerated-weathering tests as set forth in Section 

6.12. 

9. Drainage-performance tests as set forth in Section 

6.11. 

5.3 The need for and locations of expansion and control 

joints must be determined and specified by the registered 

design professional, designer, builder, or exterior coating 

manufacturer, in that order. All expansion and control joint 

materials must be corrosion resistant. If used, expansion 

and control joints must be a part of test specimens for 

durability and structural tests. 

When the EIFS is placed over platform-frame 

construction with dimensional lumber, control joints are 

required at each floor level. 

5.4 An EIFS is a nonbearing system. 

5.5 Structural Considerations: Structural tests are 

required to determine allowable positive and negative wind 

loads that may be imposed on the EIFS. The test program 

should incorporate the following: 

5.5.1 EIFS test specimens must represent minimum 

conditions of installation, including such items as material 

thickness, density and connections. See Section 6.9. 

5.5.2 Maximum allowable deflection of structural wall 

components must be specified and must be limited to a 

maximum 1 / 180 of span, except where more restrictive 

requirements prevail. 

5.5.3 Lateral-resistance tests of mechanical connections 

(such as nails and screws) are required if connectors 

support heavy exterior wall coatings through foam plastic, or 

other nonstructural insulations, that are more than 1 1 / 2 

inches (38 mm) thick. Where standard specifications are 

available on minimum structural qualities of the materials 

involved, calculations may be substituted for tests. 

5.6 Weather-resistive Consideration: 

5.6.1 UBC Type V, Group R, Division 1 and Division 

3 Occupancies: Systems shall comply with Section 5.2.3 as 

EIFS wall covering assemblies with drainage. Weatherresistive 

barriers complying with Section 1402.1 of the UBC 

are required for Type V, Group R, Division 1 and Division 3 

Occupancies having framed walls. Section 1402.2, Section 

2506.4, and the third paragraph of Section 2506.5 of the 

UBC must be considered in establishing the required 

weather protection. As an alternative to using two layers of 

Grade D building paper as specified in Section 2506.4 of the 

UBC for construction utilizing wood-based sheathing, a 

single layer of Grade D building paper having a waterresistance 

rating of 60 minutes may be used. To qualify a 

water-resistive coating applied over solid substrates as an 

5 

alternate to the weather-resistive barrier, testing of the 

coating as outlined in Section 5.2.1 is required. 

5.6.2 Occupancies Other than Type V, Group R, 

Division 1 and Division 3, with Framed Walls under the 

UBC: Compliance with Section 1402 of the UBC, without the 

mandatory weather-resistive barriers, is permitted with 

proper justification. For Type V Construction, as an 

alternative to using two layers of Grade D building paper as 

specified in Section 2506.4 of the UBC for construction 

utilizing wood-based sheathing, a single layer of Grade D 

building paper having a water resistance rating of 60 

minutes may be used. This justification requires testing 

under Section 5.2.2 of this criteria. 

5.6.3 IBC—Type V, Group R1, R2, R3 and R4 

Occupancies: Systems shall comply with Section 5.2.3 as 

EIFS wall covering assemblies with drainage. Weatherprotection 

items complying with Sections 1403.2, 1404.2, 

1405.3, 2510.3, 2510.6 and 2512.1.2 of the IBC must be 

considered in establishing the required weather protection. 

For Type V, Group R Occupancies, Exception 2 of 

Section 1403.2 of the IBC shall apply to R1 and R2 

Occupancies only. As an alternative to steel described in 

Section 2512.1.2 of the IBC, materials complying with ASTM 

C 1063 may be used in weep screeds. 

As an alternative to using two layers of Grade D 

building paper as specified in Section 2510.6 of the IBC, for 

construction utilizing wood-based sheathing, a single layer 

of Grade D building paper having a water-resistance rating 

of 60 minutes may be used. To qualify a water-resistive 

coating applied over solid substrates as an alternate to the 

water-resistive barrier, testing of the coating as outlined in 

Section 5.2.1 is required. 

5.6.4 Occupancies other than Type V, Group R1, R2, 

R3 and R4 with Framed Walls under the IBC: Compliance 

with Section 1403.2 of the IBC, without the mandatory waterresistive 

barriers is permitted with proper justification. For 

Type V Construction, as an alternative to using two layers of 

Grade D building paper as specified in Section 2510.6 of the 

IBC, for construction utilizing wood-based sheathing, a 

single layer of Grade D building paper having a waterresistance 

rating of 60 minutes may be used. This 

justification requires testing under Section 5.2.2 of this 

' criteria. Weather protection items complying with Sections 

' 1403.2, 1404.2, 1405.3, 2510.3, 2510.6 and 2512.1.2 of the 

' IBC must be considered in establishing the required weather 

' protection and the configuration of the test assemblies 

' required under Section 6.10.3. 

5.6.5 IRC: Weather-resistive barriers, complying with 

Section R703.9.1, and flashing, complying with Section 

R703.9.2, are required for framed-wall construction over 

water-sensitive building components. Systems shall be EIFS 

wall covering assemblies with drainage and comply with 

Section 5.2.3. 

5.7 Plans, details and specifications, concerning proper 

installation of the EIFS, that are applicable to the specific 

building under consideration, must be a part of documents 

submitted to the building official for approval. When installed 

on framed walls of Type V, Group R, Division 1 or Division 

3 Occupancies (UBC), Type V, Group R1, R2, R3 or R4 

Occupancies (IBC), or building under the IRC, EIFS wall 

covering assemblies with drainage, defined in Section 2.2, 

are required.


5.8 Off-site fabrication of EIFS must be done in the shop 

of an approved fabricator under special inspection in 

conformance with Section 1707.7 of the UBC or Section 

1704.2.2 of the IBC. 

5.9 Required installation details of the EIFS at typical 

areas of termination, such as parapets, wall openings, 

intersections with other materials, expansion and control 

joints, foundations, projections and wood-based panel 

sheathing are necessary. Details must be of camera-ready 

quality, for inclusion in evaluation reports, and must be 

consistent with required application instructions. See 

Section 7.1. 

5.10 Impact Resistance: Impact resistance is beyond the 

scope of this criteria. 

5.11 EIF systems must be separated from the interior of 

the building with a thermal barrier having a minimum 

thermal-barrier index of 15, unless specific recognition is 

granted based on Section 2602.4 or Section 2602.6 of the 

UBC or Section 2603.4.1 or 2603.7 of the IBC, or Section 

R318.1.2 of the IRC. 

5.12 Vertical joints of insulation boards must be staggered 

from edges of wall openings. 

6.0 TESTING 

6.1 Testing Laboratories: Testing laboratories must 

comply with the ICBO ES Acceptance Criteria for Laboratory 

Accreditation (AC89). 

6.2 Test Reports and Product Sampling: Test reports 

and test specimen sampling must comply with the ICBO ES 

Acceptance Criteria for Test Reports and Product Sampling 

(AC85). 

6.3 Salt Spray Resistance: 

6.3.1 Testing must comply with ASTM B 117. Three 

samples, 4 inches by 6 inches (102 mm by 152 mm) by the 

minimum thickness of the EIFS as specified by the 

manufacturer, are mounted to minimum 1 / 2-inch-thick (12.7 

mm) gypsum sheathing or equivalent and cured in 

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The testing 

period is 300 hours. 

6.3.2 Condition of Acceptance: The absence of 

deleterious effects from salt spray after 300-hour exposure. 

6.4 Tensile Bond: 

6.4.1 Water-resistive Coating: 

6.4.1.1 Testing must comply with ASTM C 297. For 

each substrate for which recognition is sought, five samples 

are prepared by applying the water-resistive coating to the 

substrate. 

6.4.1.2 Condition of Acceptance: A minimum 

flatwise tensile strength of 15 psi (105 kPa) is required. 

6.4.2 System Testing (adhesive attachment): 

6.4.2.1 Testing must comply with ASTM C 297. For 

each substrate for which recognition is sought, five samples 

are prepared by applying the water-resistive coating (if 

applicable) to the substrate, then adhering insulation board 

to the water-resistive coating or adhering insulation board 

directly to the substrate. 

6.4.2.2 Conditions of Acceptance: Insulation board 

must fail cohesively. 

6 

Exceptions: 

1. Maximum 25 percent adhesive failure is 

acceptable. 

2. Where flatwise tensile strength test values are 15 

psi (105 kPa) or greater, adhesive failure up to 100 percent 

is acceptable. 

6.5 Freeze-thaw Tests: 

6.5.1 Water-resistive Coatings: 

6.5.1.1 For each substrate for which recognition is 

sought, five 6-inch-square (23 226 mm 2 ) samples are 

prepared by applying the water-resistive coating to the 

substrate. To prepare samples, the substrate is cut in half 

and the water-resistive coating is applied to the substrate 

surface in accordance with the manufacturer's 

recommended application instructions. The back and sides 

of the samples must be sealed with an impervious material 

that need not be the coating. Specimens must be 

representative of those used in actual construction. 

6.5.1.2 Samples are subjected to 10 freeze-thaw 

cycles. Each cycle consists of air-drying at a temperature of 

120°F (49°C) for a minimum of eight hours, followed by total 

immersion in water at 70°F to 80°F (21.1°C to 26.7°C) for 

eight hours, and exposure to a temperature of -20°F (- 

28.9°C) for 16 hours. 

6.5.1.3 Condition of Acceptance: Failure is defined 

as surface changes, as viewed by minimum 5× 

magnification, such as cracking, checking, crazing, erosion 

or other characteristics that may affect performance as a 

wall covering. Failure is also defined as delamination, or 

indications of delamination between components. 

6.5.2 EIFS Testing: 

6.5.2.1 Five 6-inch-square (23 226 mm 2 ) samples are 

prepared by applying the weather-resistive coating (if 

applicable) to the substrate, then applying the insulation 

board and exterior coatings to the front face and edges of 

the insulation board. The back of the sample must be sealed 

with an impervious material that need not be the coating. 

Specimens must contain coating and insulation accessories 

that are representative of those used in actual construction. 

6.5.2.2 Samples are subjected to 10 freeze-thaw 

cycles. Each cycle consists of air-drying at a temperature of 

120°F (49°C) for a minimum of eight hours, followed by total 

immersion in water at 70°F to 80°F (21.1°C to 26.7°C) for 

eight hours, and exposure to a temperature of -20°F (- 

28.9°C) for 16 hours. 

6.5.2.3 Condition of Acceptance: Failure is defined 

as surface changes, as viewed by minimum 5× 

magnification, such as cracking, checking, crazing, erosion, 

or other characteristics that may affect performance as a 

wall cladding. 

Failure is also defined as delamination, or 

indications of delamination between components. 

6.6 Water Resistance Tests: 


6.6.1.1 For each substrate for which recognition is 

sought, three samples, a minimum of 4 inches by 6 inches 

(102 mm by 152 mm) in size, are prepared by applying the 

water-resistive coating to the substrate. The substrate is cut


in half, and the water-resistive coating is applied to the 

substrate surface in accordance with the manufacturer's 

recommended application instructions. The back and sides 

of the samples must be sealed with an impervious material 

that need not be the coating. Specimens must be 

representative of those used in actual construction. 

6.6.1.2 Testing must be in accordance with ASTM D 

2247. Periodic inspections must be conducted. Testing may 

be concluded after 14 days, or after deleterious effects of 

exposure to water are observed. 

6.6.1.3 Condition of Acceptance: The absence of 

deleterious effects from 14 days of exposure to water. 

6.6.2 EIF System: 

6.6.2.1 General: Testing must comply with ASTM D 

2247. Three samples, a minimum of 4 inches by 6 inches 

(102 mm by 152 mm) in size, must be used. Periodic 

inspections must be conducted. Testing may be concluded 

after 14 days, or after deleterious effects of exposure to 

water are observed. 

6.6.2.2 Condition of Acceptance: The absence of 

deleterious effects from 14 days of exposure to water. 

6.7 Fire Tests: 

6.7.1 Fire-resistive Construction UBC Standard 7-1 

(UBC) or ASTM E 119 (IBC/IRC) (optional): This optional 

test is for recognition for fire-resistive construction. Unless 

a report of successful testing of an assembly in accordance 

with UBC Standard 7-1 or ASTM E 119 is submitted, EIFS 

is limited to nonfire-resistive construction. In this regard, the 

application of the EIFS to a recognized noncombustible fireresistive 

assembly negates the assembly's fire-resistive 

rating, unless: 1) the assembly is tested in accordance with 

the specified standard; or 2) an analysis of the effect of 

installation of the EIFS on the fire-resistance of the fireresistive 

assembly is submitted. The data comprising the 

analysis should include reports of fire-resistance tests on 

wall assemblies with and without EIFS installed, and an 

analysis of the effect of the EIFS on fire resistance. 

Recognition of EIFS in fire-resistive assemblies must 

consider type of assembly, whether bearing or nonbearing, 

and foam plastic thickness. 

6.7.2 Noncombustible Construction under the UBC: 

UBC Standard 26-4 or UBC Standard 26-9 (optional): 

This optional test is for recognition of EIFS for application to 

walls required to be of noncombustible construction. Other 

related requirements are addressed in Section 2602.5.2.2 of 

the UBC. Without compliance, EIFS is limited to combustible 

construction. 

6.7.3 UBC Standard 8-1 (based on ASTM E 84-84) 

(optional): This optional test is for recognition of EIFS as an 

interior finish, provided thermal-barrier requirements for 

foam insulation are resolved in accordance with Section 

2602 of the UBC. Without successful testing, the EIFS is 

considered an exterior wall covering only. The EIFS must be 

tested with the face of the assembly exposed to the fire 

source during testing in accordance with UBC Standard 26- 

3. For recognition on noncombustible construction, the 

system components must be tested separately in 

accordance with Item 4 of Section 2602.5.2.2 of the UBC. 

6.7.4 Noncombustible Construction under the IBC: 

NFPA 285 (optional): This optional test is for recognition of 

EIFS for application to walls required to be of 

7 

noncombustible construction. Other related requirements 

are addressed in Section 2603.5 of the IBC. Without 

compliance, EIFS is limited to combustible construction. 

6.7.5 ASTM E 84 under the IBC or IRC (optional): 

This optional test is for recognition of EIFS as an interior 

finish, provided thermal-barrier requirements for foam 

insulation are resolved in accordance with Section 2603.4 of 

the IBC or R318.1.2 of the IRC. Without successful testing, 

the EIFS is considered an exterior wall covering only. The 

EIFS must be tested with the face of the assembly exposed 

to the fire source during testing in accordance with UL1715. 

For recognition on noncombustible construction, the system 

components must be tested separately in accordance with 

Section 2603.5.4 of the IBC. 

6.7.6 Ignition—NFPA 268 under the IBC: This test is 

required for exterior wall coverings in accordance with 

Section 1406.2 of the IBC. For installation on walls required 

to be noncombustible construction, Section 2603.5.7 of the 

IBC applies. 

6.8 Water Vapor Transmission: 

6.8.1 Water-resistive Coatings: Three specimens of 

the water-resistive coating are prepared by applying the 

coating, at the recommended thickness, to a nonadhesive 

surface. After curing, the films are removed from the 

surface; the average thickness is determined from material 

density, area, and weight. The films are used to set up three 

wet cups in accordance with ASTM E 96, Water Method. 

Specimens are conditioned at 75°F ± 5°F (24°C ± 3°C) and 

50 percent relative humidity for 40 hours before testing. 

Each cup is placed in a room with controlled conditions of 

75°F ± 5�F (24°C ± 3°C) and 50 percent relative humidity. 

Reduction in weight is recorded daily. Water vapor 

transmission is calculated in accordance with Section 13 of 

ASTM E 96, and reported in grams per square meter per 24 

hours. 

6.8.2 Conditions of Acceptance: Water vapor 

transmission must satisfy one of the grade requirements in 

Table 14-1-A of UBC Standard 14-1 or Table 1 of the ICC- 

ES Interim Criteria for Weather-resistive Barriers (AC38). 

6.9 Structural Performance Tests: 

6.9.1 Testing must be in accordance with ASTM E 330, 

Procedure B. At least three positive and three negative load 

tests must be conducted on three specimens, with the 

coating, insulation board, and sheathing prepared and 

installed in accordance with the proponent's published 

instructions. Test-specimen fabrication must be done with 

verification by the testing agency or its authorized 

representative. Specimens must be a minimum of 4 feet by 

8 feet (1219 mm by 2438 mm) in size, and must include 

vertical-control joints, scored joints and any other 

architectural features located midway between the stud 

framing, if these features are to be recognized in the 

evaluation report. Application of load to ultimate must 

consist of at least six increments, with a 10-second load 

duration for each increment. 

6.9.2 Specimens must be mounted in accordance with 

ASTM E 330. Framing supporting the panel must be located 

at the maximum spacing for which recognition is sought. In 

most instances, this will result in triple 16-inch (406 mm) 

spans or double 24-inch (610 mm) spans. ICC-ES staff must 

be contacted by the report applicant in the event that spans 

vary from those required herein. For mechanically fastened 

systems, connections to framing members must be based


on minimum conditions (since test specimens establish a 

basis of acceptance), including the steel thickness (where 

steel framing is involved). 

6.9.3 In addition to data specified in Section 6.2, loaddeflection 

readings at panel midpoint must be reported. 

6.9.4 Conditions of Acceptance: Allowable loading will 

be based on a minimum factor of safety of 3.0 applied to the 

ultimate load, if all of the following are satisfied: 

6.9.4.1 No single test result varies by more than 15 

per cent from the average of three tests. Variations 

exceeding this limit require larger safety factors. 

6.9.4.2 Allowable load does not exceed established 

values for mechanical connectors such as nails, screws and 

staples. 

6.9.5 To qualify the adequacy of fasteners in concrete 

or masonry substrates, a tension-load test program, 

consisting of fastener withdrawal from the applicable wall(s) 

of the building(s) at the location in question, must be 

implemented. The testing must be conducted by an 

independent testing laboratory. 

The average withdrawal strength, in pounds, must be 

six times the design wind pressure for the location in 

question. 

A minimum of five tests per program is required, with 

results varying no more than 15 percent from the average. 

If a minimum of 10 tests per program is conducted, variation 

from the average may be disregarded. 

For masonry substrates, minimum 40 percent of the 

tests must be run in masonry joints. 

Prior to installation of EIFS fasteners, a certificate of 

compliance, concerning test results relating to load 

requirements in the evaluation report, must be submitted to 

and approved by the building official. 

6.9.6 Results of tests conducted over gypsum sheathing 

as specified in Sections 6.9.1 through 6.9.4 can be extended 

to EIFS adhered to wood-based sheathing, cementitious 

backer units and glass-mat gypsum board, under the 

following conditions: 

6.9.6.1 The EIFS is adhered to all sheathing in 

question (e.g., plywood, particleboard, waferboard and 

oriented strand board, gypsum panels, and cementitious 

backer units). 

6.9.6.2 Tensile bond tests are conducted in 

accordance with ASTM C 297. 

6.9.6.3 Tensile bond test results average a minimum 

of 15 psi (103 kPa). 

6.10 Water Penetration Tests: 


6.10.1.1 Three samples are prepared by applying the 

water-resistive coating to the substrate. The substrate must 

be attached to the framing members as required by the 

substrate manufacturer. The test samples must be a 

minimum of 4 feet by 8 feet (1219 mm by 2438 mm) in size, 

and must include a minimum of two vertical joints and one 

horizontal joint within the sheathing substrate. Joints within 

the substrate must be 1 / 8 inch (3.2 mm) wide. 

The water-resistive coating is applied to the 

substrate surface in accordance with the manufacturer's 

8 

recommended application instructions. Each sample must 

be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1233, Procedure A, 

with 80 percent positive design load (design load is defined 

as ultimate load with a safety factor of 3.0 imposed) as the 

maximum test load. The samples must be cycled for a 

minimum of 10 cycles. Each sample must then be tested in 

accordance with ASTM E 331. A 6.24-psf (298 Pa) airpressure 

differential must be maintained, across the test 

specimens, for 75 minutes. 

6.10.1.2 Conditions of Acceptance: There must be no 

water penetration on the plane of the exterior-facing side of 

the substrate. The substrate must be removed after the test 

to make this determination. 

6.10.2 EIFS Testing: 

6.10.2.1 Three samples are prepared by applying the 

EIF system to the substrate. The substrate must be attached 

to the supporting framework as required by the substrate 

manufacturer. The test samples must be a minimum of 4 

feet by 8 feet (1219 mm by 2438 mm) in size, and must 

include a minimum of two vertical joints and one horizontal 

joint within the sheathing substrate and insulation board. 

Each sample must be tested in accordance with ASTM E 

331. A 2.86-psf (136.9 Pa) air-pressure differential must be 

maintained, across the test specimens, for 15 minutes. 

6.10.2.2 Conditions of Acceptance: For specimens 

with insulation fully adhered to the substrate, no water 

penetration is permitted on the unexposed substrate face 

(i.e., the face of the test specimen that is not exposed to the 

test conditions). For specimens with insulation mechanically 

fastened to the substrate, no water penetration is permitted 

on the plane of the exterior-facing side of the substrate. The 

substrate must be removed after the test to make this 

determination. 

6.10.3 EIFS Testing (IBC/IRC): 

6.10.3.1 Tests for EIFS are conducted in accordance 

with Section 1403.2, Exception 2, of the IBC. At least one 

sample for each wall envelope assembly configuration is 

needed. The configuration is determined by the sheathing, 

' insulation, insulation attachment, lamina, openings, joints, 

' penetrations and wall sill joint configuration used in the test 

' samples. Control joints, intersections or terminations of the 

' EIFS at dissimilar materials, wall/eave interface, 

' configuration and methods of making the EIFS at 

' penetrations and openings waterproof (including the EIFS 

' interface at doors and windows), as used in the tests, will be 

' the basis for the evaluation report. Sealants used in the test 

' assembly shall comply with Section 4.0. For windows and 

' doors, the test assembly shall be in accordance with Figure 

' 1 and include the intended flashing system, or the 

' evaluation report will need to include dimensioned drawings 

' of the type of window and door frame used in the tests. 

6.10.3.2 Conditions of Acceptance: Conditions of 

acceptance are as set forth in IBC Section 1403.2, 

Exception 2. 

6.11 Drainage Test-Drainage-type EIFS: 

6.11.1 Testing must be performed in accordance with 

EIMA Standard 200.2- Standard Test Method for 

Determining the Drainage Performance of Exterior Insulation 

and Finish Systems (EIFS), Class PB (described in Annex 

1). Three samples are required. Each sample panel must be 

a minimum of 4 feet by 8 feet (1219 mm by 2438 mm) in 

size, with a slot fault measuring 2 inches by 24 inches (50


mm by 610 mm) positioned 12 inches (305 mm) from the top 

of the panel, exposing the weather-resistive barrier. The 

sample must be tested for 75 minutes. 

6.11.2 Conditions of Acceptance: The assemblies must 

be capable of draining water, and the assemblies must have 

an average minimum true drainage efficiency of 90 percent, 

except that a minimum of 75 percent may be accepted, with 

proper justification, for wall assemblies having cementitious 

backer units complying with Section 3.6, used as a 

sheathing to the exterior of the weather-resistive barriers. 

6.12 Accelerated Weathering Test (Weatherometer): 

6.12.1 Test Specimens: Five samples are prepared as 

for the freeze-thaw test (Section 6.5.2), except that sample 

size is as necessary to fit the chamber. The back and sides 

of the sample must be sealed with the appropriate 

impervious seal. 

6.12.2 Apparatus: Either Section 6.12.2.1 or Section 

6.12.2.2 is permitted. 

6.12.2.1 ASTM G 23, “Operating Light and Water 

Exposure Apparatus (Carbon-Arc Type) for Exposure of 

Nonmetallic Materials” must be used. Model D or DH, with 

the operating schedule set forth under Method 1, Section 5, 

of the referenced ASTM procedure, must be used. 

6.12.2.2 ASTM G 26, “Practice for Operating Light- 

Exposure Apparatus (Xenon Arc-Type) With and Without 

Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials,” Test Method 

A, must be used. The exposure apparatus must be Type B 

or BH as specified in ASTM G 26, Method A, with a 6,000or 

6,500-watt xenon burner tube. Exposure must be for 

2,000 hours, with each cycle consisting of 102 minutes of 

light-only exposure and 18 minutes of water-spray and light 

exposure. The water spray must be deionized water. The 

spray nozzle must be Type F-80. The apparatus must be 

operated with a light exposure of 0.35 W/m 2 at 340 nm. The 

test must be performed using a daylight filter system. The 

relative humidity for the Type BG exposure apparatus must 

be 30 ± 5 percent. Black panel temperature must be 145°F 

± 5°F (62.7°C ± 2.3°C) during the light-only portion of the 

cycle. 

6.12.3 Duration: The test must be for 2,000 hours. 

6.12.4 Conditions of Acceptance: Failure is defined as 

surface changes, as viewed by minimum 5× magnification, 

such as cracking, checking, crazing, erosion, or other 

characteristics that might affect performance as a wall 

cladding. 

7.0 APPLICATION 

Application instructions bearing the date of publication must 

be submitted. Instructions must include the information 

' noted in Sections 7.1 through 7.6. Installation details need 

' to be consistent with assemblies tested under Section 

' 6.10.3, as applicable. 

7.1 Illustrated details, with the following as a minimum: 

7.1.1 Flashing and/or sealing around heads, sills and 

jambs of windows and doors, and at the top of exposed 

walls. 

7.1.2 Closures and flashing at other terminations, such 

as eaves and sills, and at other dissimilar exterior wall 

coverings. 

9 

7.1.3 Typical conditions within the field of the wall 

covering, showing substrates and control joints. 

7.1.4 Parapet at top and termination on backside. 

7.1.5 Flashing and/or sealing at wall penetrations. 

7.1.6 Provisions to prevent retention of free water 

behind all portions of the EIFS. 

7.1.7 Installation over wood-based sheathing. 

7.1.8 Other details deemed necessary as conditions of 

an evaluation report. 

7.2 Information on any variation from recognized 

proportions or content of field-mixed components. See 

Sections 3.1 through 3.3. 

7.3 Curing instructions. 

7.4 Limitations, such as angle of installation and 

installation in interior locations, must be specified. 

Architectural treatments that can reduce resistance to water 

penetration are prohibited. 

7.5 Exposure: For water-resistive coatings and insulation 

board, the proponent must specify conditions and duration 

of exposure before covering. 

7.6 IRC: For recognition under the IRC, instructions must 

include requirements described in Section R703.9 of the 

IRC. 

8.0 QUALITY CONTROL 

8.1 All foam plastic boards must be listed and labeled as 

set forth in Section 2602.2 of the UBC or 2603.2 of the IBC. 

Compliance of foam plastic is based on a current applicable 

evaluation report, on the foam plastic; if no such report 

exists, foam plastic must comply with the ICC-ES Interim 

Criteria for Foam Plastic Insulation (AC12). The quality 

control procedures must also include special requirements 

of the EIFS, such as conditioning, dimensional tolerances, 

and strength. See Section 3.7. 

8.2 EIFS Manufacturer: The EIFS manufacturer must 

provide to ICC-ES a quality control manual that describes 

the in-house testing performed on all incoming raw 

materials, and on the base coat, finish coat, adhesive, and 

waterproof coating. At a minimum, viscosity, pH level, and 

specific gravity must be tested. 

Two quality control systems are acceptable: 

1. An in-house quality control system documented in a 

manual addressing requirements in this section and Section 

2.2 of the ICC-ES Interim Criteria for Quality Control 

Manuals (AC10); or 

2. A quality control system with inspections by an ICBO 

ES accredited quality control agency, documented in a 

manual addressing requirements in this section and the 

ICC-ES Interim Criteria for Quality Control Manuals (AC10). 

8.3 Field Inspections and Reporting: 

8.3.1 Installation must be by a contractor recognized by 

the proponent as being trained to perform such installations. 

A list of the names and addresses of recognized contractors 

must be maintained by the proponent, and must be available 

to the building official or ICC-ES upon request.


8.3.2 An installation card, having the format shown in 

Exhibit A, must be completed by the EIFS contractor and 

must be presented to the building official, with the sealant 

installer declaration (such as shown in Exhibit B), at the 

completion of each project. 

8.3.3 IBC: For recognition under the IBC, special 

inspections are required in accordance with Section 1704.1 

TABLE 1—CROSS REFERENCE OF STANDARDS EDITIONS 

STANDARD 1997 Uniform Building Code 2000 International Building Code ® 

10 

and 1704.12 of the IBC. Duties of the inspector include 

verifying field preparation of materials, expiration dates, 

installation of components, curing of components, 

installation of joints and sealants.# 

2000 International Residential Code ® 

ASTM C 79 1992 1997 1997 

ASTM C 150 1994 1997a — 

FIGURE 1—CONFIGURATION FOR TESTING WATER PENETRATION RESISTANCE OF OPENING FLASHING SYSTEM


Completion Date: _______________________________ 

EXHIBIT A 

[SEALANT INSTALLER NAME] 

THE SEALANT INSTALLED IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEM (EIFS) INSTALLED 

ON THE STRUCTURE LOCATED AT THE ADDRESS INDICATED BELOW: 

CONFORMS_____ 

TO [EIFS MANUFACTURER NAME] AND [SEALANT MANUFACTURER'S NAME] RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION 

PRACTICES AND SECTION(S) __________ OF ICC-ES, INC., EVALUATION REPORT ER-_______. 

Address of Structure: Product Component Names: 

______________________________ Primer(s) __________________________________ 

______________________________ Sealers ___________________________________ 

______________________________ Bond Breakers _____________________________ 

______________________________ Sealant Materials____________________________ 

INSTALLATION CONFORMS 

A. Designer's requirements, details and instructions ___________ 

B. Sealant manufacturer's details and requirements ___________ 

C. Exterior insulation manufacturer's requirements ___________ 

D. The information entered above is offered in testimony that the Sealant installation conforms with the sealant manufacturer's 

installation methods and procedures, and the EIFS manufacturer's evaluation report. 

Sealant Installer Company Name and Address: 

___________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________ 

Signature of Responsible Officer: _____________________________________ 

Typed Name and Title of Officer: _____________________________________ 

Telephone Number: (____) _______________________ 

cc: Original: Building Department (Must be submitted with EIFS 

Copies: EIFS Manufacturer contractor declaration.) 

EIFS Contractor 

Sealant Manufacturer 

11


Completion Date: _______________________________ 

EXHIBIT B 

[EIFS CONTRACTOR NAME] 

THE EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEM (EIFS) INSTALLED ON THE STRUCTURE LOCATED AT THE ADDRESS 

INDICATED BELOW: 

_____ CONFORMS 

TO [EIFS MANUFACTURER NAME] RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION PRACTICES AND SECTION (S) _______ OF ICC-ES, 

INC., EVALUATION REPORT ER-_______. 

Address of Structure: Product Component Names: 

________________________________ Adhesive(s) ________________________________ 

________________________________ Fasteners (mech) ____________________________ 

________________________________ Base Coat __________________________________ 

________________________________ Reinforcing Fabric ____________________________ 

Finish Coat(s) _______________________________ 

INSTALLATION CONFORMS 

A. Substrate Type and Tolerance _______________ 

B. Weather-resistive Barrier _______________ 

C. EIFS 

1. Adhesive and/or Fasteners _______________ 

2. Insulation _______________ 

3. Reinforcing Fabric _______________ 

4. Base Coat _______________ 

5. Finish _______________ 

D. The information entered above is offered in testimony that the EIFS installation conforms with the EIFS manufacturer's 

installation methods and procedures, and the EIFS manufacturer's ES report. 

NOTE: An installation card must be received from the Sealant Installer indicating that the sealant installation conforms with the 

EIFS evaluation report and sealant manufacturer's installation methods and procedures must accompany this declaration. EIFS 

Contractor Company Name and Address: 

________________________________ 

________________________________ 

________________________________ 

________________________________ 

Signature of Responsible Officer: _____________________________________ 

Typed Name and Title of Officer: _____________________________________ 

Telephone Number: (____) _______________________ 

cc: Original: Building Department (Must be submitted with sealant 

Copy: EIFS Manufacturer installer declaration.) 

12


1.0 Scope: 

ANNEX 1 

Standard Test Method for Determining the Drainage Performance of 

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), Class PB 

1.1 This test method determines the drainage performance of EIFS when subjected to water spray. 

1.2 The values stated in SI units in this annex are to be regarded as the standards. The values given in parenthesis are for 

information only. 

1.3 This annex does not purport to address all safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user 

of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and to determine the applicability of regulatory 

limitations prior to use. 

2.0 References: 

ASTM E 331—Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure 

Difference. 

3.0 Definitions: 

3.1 Specimen B: The entire assembled unit submitted for testing as described in Section 7. 

3.2 Water Drainage: The ability of the specimen to drain water at the interface of the drainage plane and the weather-resistive 

barrier. 

3.3 Drainage Efficiency: A percentage value based on the amount of water sprayed into the test specimen versus the amount 

of water that passed through the test specimen and was collected. 

3.4 Test Specimen Slot Fault: A cut-out in the test specimen, into which water spray is directed. 

4.0 Summary of Test Method: 

This test method consists of sealing the test specimen into or against one face of a test chamber, and concentrating a water 

spray into the fault of the test specimen. 

5.0 Significance and Use: 

This test method is a standard procedure for determining the performance and the drainage efficiency of an EIFS clad wall 

system. 

6.0 Apparatus: 

6.1 Test Chamber: See Figures 1 and 2. A test chamber or box with an opening, a removable mounting panel, or one open side 

in which or against which the specimen is installed and sealed. 

6.2 Water-spray System: The water spray system must deliver water spray directly into the slot fault at a minimum rate of 3.4 

L/m 2 � min (5.0 U.S. gal./ft. 2 h). This rate is based on the area of the slot fault, based on net dimensions. 

6.2.1 Conversion of Volume Flow Rate to Weight of Water Delivered: 

6.2.1.1 Calibrate the water spray system to be within the specified rate. 

6.2.1.2 Collect the water from the calibrated water-spray system in a tared container for a period of 15 minutes. Weigh the 

collected water. Multiply the weight of the collected water by 5.0. The result is defined as the water delivered to the 

test specimen. 

13


7.0 Test Specimen: 

ANNEX 1—(Continued) 

7.1 The EIFS clad wall test specimen must be a minimum of 1220 mm (width) by 2440 mm (height) (4 feet by 8 feet) 

7.2 The test specimen must be prepared as follows: 

7.2.1 EIFS Drainage Test Specimen: 

7.2.1.1 The EIFS drainage specimen must consist of wood or steel framing with a sheathing substrate, a weather-resistive 

barrier, and the EIFS manufacturer's drainage system. The test specimen must be prepared using the same materials, 

details, and methods of anchoring as used in actual construction. 

7.2.1.2 A 51-millimeter-high-by-610-millimeter-wide (2 inches by 24 inches) slot fault must be cut out of the insulation board 

and the lamina at a distance of 304 mm (1 foot) from the top of the test specimen, so that the weather-resistive barrier 

is exposed. The slot fault must be centered on the panel. 

7.2.1.3 The EIFS coatings must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days prior to testing. 

8.0 Test Procedure: 

8.1 Photograph the test setup. 

8.2 Mount a clear acrylic plastic spray box measuring 622 mm by 241 mm by 184 mm (24 1 / 2 inches by 9 1 / 2 inches by 7 1 / 4 inches) 

flush over the 50.8-millimeter-high-by-610-millimeter-wide (2 inches by 24 inches) slot fault. The spray box is mounted at 

an angle to ensure that all water is directed into the slot fault. 

8.3 Two spray nozzles must be installed in the spray box. The nozzles must be located 12.7 mm ( 1 / 2 inch) from the front edge 

of the spray box, and 127 mm (5 inches) to the right and to the left of center. 

8.4 A pressure regulator, a flow meter, and an inline water filter attached to the spray box nozzles must control the volume of 

water sprayed into the slot fault. This distribution of water must provide a water spray equivalent to 3.4 L/m 2 �min. (5.0 U.S. 

gal./ft. 2 �h) or 1.44 L/75 minutes (2.12 gal./75 minutes), +10% - 0%. Determination of the total amount of water applied to 

the test specimen during the test duration must be accurate to within 1%. 

8.5 Mount and seal the test specimen to the test chamber with the slot fault level. 

8.6 Collect the drained water in a tared container. The empty container must be weighed to the nearest 10 g (0.35 oz.). The 

container must be placed at the base of the test specimen in order to weigh the drained water at various intervals as 

described in Section 8.8. 

8.7 Begin water spray, and time for 75 minutes. 

8.8 Weigh the collected water at 15-minute intervals (five times during the test period). 

8.9 Terminate the water spray. 

8.10 Allow the test specimen to drain for 60 minutes, then weigh the collected water. 

9.0 Report: 

9.1 Report the following information: 

9.1.1 Date of test and date of report. 

14


ANNEX 1—(Continued) 

9.1.2 Identification of test specimen (manufacturer, materials, construction, dimensions, and other pertinent information). 

9.1.3 Detailed drawings of the test specimen that provide a description of the EIFS being tested. 

9.1.4 A statement that describes the rate of water spray. 

9.1.5 The weight of water, collected at 15-minute intervals. 

9.1.6 The total weight of the water sprayed into the slot fault. 

9.1.7 The drainage efficiency of the test specimen. 

9.1.8 Note any leakage through the back of the test specimen. 

EIFS Specimen Drainage Efficiency = × 100% 

15


Figures 1 and 2 detail typical schematic diagrams of the test equipment used in the test. 

WINDOWS 

CHAMBER 

SPRAY BOX 

PRESSURE 

RELIEF 

VALVE 

TO 

SPRAY 

BOX 

WASTE 

GATE 

FIGURE 1—RIGHT SIDE VIEW 

SHUT-OFF 

VALVE 

FIGURE 2—REAR VIEW 

16 

MANOMETER 

WATER 

PRESSURE 

GAUGE 

PANEL 

T · HANDLE 

WATER TANK 

DRAIN BASIN 

PRESSURE 

REGULATOR 

BLOWER

AC24 -- Interim Criteria for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

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