Page 212 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

ABOVE-GRADE WATERPROOFING 3.99
out to the exterior. In addition this drainage permits the release of entrapped moisture
vapor, eliminating the possibility of wood rot and other damage to envelope structural
components. These systems are referred to as water-managed or drainable EIFS systems.
Some local building codes are now adopting the requirement to use these diverter systems
and prohibiting the use of barrier systems.

EIFS waterproof installations
The intent of this section is not to provide general installation practices for EIFS systems,
but to highlight the application techniques and proper detailing for terminations and tran-
sitions that provide a quality watertight finished product. Since each system is unique, con-
sulting with EIFS manufacturers and reviewing their specifications and details before
completing any installation is necessary to verify that these suggestions are the most
appropriate to ensure watertight applications.
The waterproofing recommendations provided here are all based on the use of water-man-
aged or diverter systems. No attempt is made to review the barrier systems, and caution should
be applied whenever a barrier system is selected for installation. While the barrier systems
may function properly in dry climates such as Nevada, areas with wet and humid conditions
such as Florida should include the additional protection provided by a drainage system.

Terminations
All terminations of any EIFS installation should never have the system touching any hor-
izontal envelope component such as roofs, sidewalks, and balconies. The finished mate-
rial is not designed to function under standing water and therefore all terminations,
particular those near wet areas such as sidewalks and roofs, must terminate sufficiently
above the horizontal transition. Never should an EIFS system be used in a below-grade
application.
Manufacturer requirements vary, but a minimum of 2 in above the horizontal plane
should be used as a guideline for termination detailing. Figure 3.97 shows a typical termi-
nation detailing at a roof parapet, with the manufacturer requiring an 8-in minimum spacing
from the roof surface. Note the cant strip used at the roof-to-wall transition to ensure that
no standing water is permitted near the EIFS system.
At any termination the system must be backwrapped or protected by some means to
eliminate any exposed edges of insulation that would permit moisture or water to enter the
system and bypass the drainage protection. The backwrapping can be the reinforcing mesh
and base coats, flashing, or some type of edge trim supplied by the manufacturer. In addi-
tion, the termination detailing requires a weep or drainage capability for completing the
water diverter capability.
Figure 3.98 details the use of backwrapping with the mesh and base coat, with the flash-
ing portion of the water diverter components completing the termination detail. Fig. 3.99
details a termination onto an adjacent concrete substrate; the manufacturer requires only a
3 4-in distance off the horizontal plane but with an added self-adhering flashing membrane
material behind the system completed with a sealant joint for additional protection. Note
that the weep base system is on top and in front of these other termination protections. In
this detail, the manufacturer does not require an edge wrap for the material adjacent to the
weep flashing.