Page 210 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

ABOVE-GRADE WATERPROOFING 3.97

FIGURE 3.96 Interior steam room waterproofing detailing.
(Courtesy of Nobel Company)

approximately one inch of water and letting it stand for 24 hours to ensure that the membrane
holds water.

EXTERIOR INSULATED FINISH SYSTEMS

While an exterior insulated finish system (EIFS) is not exclusively a waterproofing product,
it is sold as a cladding material that is waterproof. It is EIFS’s checkered past involving water
infiltration and related envelope damage that requires a section devoted to these systems.
EIFS systems were first commercially used in Germany as a means to add insulation to
existing concrete buildings that were originally constructed without any insulation. The sys-
tems combined excellent insulating ratings and a decorative finish at minimal costs and need-
ing little craft capability to install. They were not used or installed for their waterproofing
capability. The EIFS products were introduced in the United States in the late 1960s and dur-
ing the energy crisis of the 70s became a popular choice to add energy efficiency to building
envelopes. (EFIS is also referred to as synthetic stucco systems, particularly for residential
applications.)