What is EIFS?
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a multi-layer exterior wall cladding system: insulation board, a reinforced base coat, and a textured finish coat, applied over the building's structural wall. It provides continuous insulation and a weather-resistant, customizable exterior finish. It's used on both new construction and re-cladding/restoration work on NYC multifamily and commercial buildings.
Why EIFS fails, and what the repair looks like
EIFS is a thin, layered system, so most problems start small: impact damage near grade or at balconies, cracks in the base and finish coats, and sealant joints at windows and penetrations that have dried out. The risk is water getting behind the system. Older barrier-style EIFS has no drainage plane, so water that gets in can stay in and damage the insulation and sheathing.
- Patch: cut out damaged areas and rebuild base coat, mesh and finish.
- Reseal: replace failed joints at windows, penetrations and expansion joints.
- Local tear-out: remove wet sections, repair the substrate, then re-install.
- Re-clad: full replacement, typically with a drainage EIFS, where the damage is widespread.
EIFS and Local Law 11
On buildings taller than six stories, an EIFS wall is part of the exterior wall that FISP covers. The QEWI examines it, classifies it Safe, SWARMP or Unsafe and files the report; we help architects and engineers conduct inspections, then repair what the report finds. Seehow to read a FISP reportand our facade repair service.
How an EIFS job runs
- Assess. Map the damage with the owner's architect or engineer and decide patch, reseal, tear-out or re-clad.
- Access. Suspended scaffolds or outriggers so crews can reach every elevation; 1166 Fox Street ran six outriggers at once.
- Openings first. Window and penetration joints are resealed as part of the same scope, not left to another trade.
- Install and finish. Insulation board, reinforced base coat and finish coat, matched to the existing texture and color where it's a repair.
EIFS FAQ
What is EIFS and why is it used on NYC buildings?
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a multi-layer exterior wall cladding system combining insulation board, a reinforced base coat, and a textured finish coat. It provides continuous insulation and a weather-resistant exterior finish, and is commonly used on both new construction and re-cladding/restoration projects on multifamily and commercial buildings in NYC.
How much EIFS work has Altius CM completed?
36,500+ square feet of documented EIFS installation across 5 completed NYC-area projects, ranging from roof-recovery-scale jobs to full building envelope work.
Can damaged EIFS be repaired instead of replaced?
Often. Localized impact damage and cracks can be cut out and patched with new base coat, mesh and finish, and failed sealant joints can be replaced. Where water has got behind the system and damaged the insulation or sheathing, that section has to come off so the substrate can be repaired before new EIFS goes back on.
Is EIFS covered by Local Law 11 / FISP?
Yes. FISP applies to the exterior walls of NYC buildings taller than six stories, whatever the cladding. A QEWI (a licensed architect or engineer) inspects the wall and files the report. Altius CM helps architects and engineers conduct inspections, then carries out the repairs the report calls for.
Why do the joints around windows matter so much on EIFS?
Sealant joints where EIFS meets windows and other penetrations are a common path for water. At 1166 Fox Street, Altius CM replaced 3,000 linear feet of window caulking alongside 10,000 sq ft of new EIFS, so the windows seal into the new wall.
Our EIFS projects
1166 Fox Street
Bronx, NY 10459
▸ 10,000 Sq Ft of EIFS
234 East 203rd Street
Bronx, NY 10458
▸ 4,000 Sq Ft of EIFS
311 Franklin Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
▸ 10,000 Sq Ft of EIFS
870 New York Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11203
▸ 10,000 Sq Ft of EIFS
96 North 1st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249
▸ 2,500 Sq Ft of EIFS