Deck-house joints. Some builders attach decks after the house is nearly complete and after the EIFS is installed. Often, the deck crew anchors the deck to the frame of the house by drilling holes through the EIFS. Large bolts are installed through the band board and through the deck. Then the bolts are tightened pulling the deck to the house. In many cases, this process leaves either cracks or holes in the EIFS where water enters the wall, thus creating damage. Special flashing can prevent this problem. However, many builders do not install it.
Lack of caulk at dissimilar junctions and penetrations. A dissimilar junction is any place where a non-EIFS material, such as wood, touches the EIFS. Penetrations of the EIFS occur at areas such as window openings and light fixtures. When such junctions and penetrations are not properly caulked, a gap allows water behind the EIFS. Temperature fluctuations exacerbate the problem, as dissimilar materials contract and expand at varying rates.
EIFS extending to the ground. Historically, extending EIFS all the way to the ground was a generally accepted building practice. However, Georgia building codes were changed in 1997. The new codes require the builder to leave a 6-inch gap between the EIFS or other foam insulation board and the ground. The gap is intended to prevent termites from finding an easy pathway into the home and to allow for easy inspection for termite companies. Currently, some termite companies will not put an EIFS-clad home under contract unless it has the 6-inch gap. Stucco repair contractors can terminate EIFS extending below the acceptable grade. The EIFS is cut and trimmed, then sealed to the foundation.
