INTERIM CRITERIA FOR EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS PREFACE

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 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 Conference of Building Officials. 1.2.12 1997 UBC Standard 26-3, Room Fire Test Standard for Interior of Foam Plastic Systems, International Conference of Building Officials. 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 Evaluation of Flammability Characteristics of Exterior, Nonload-bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components Using the Intermediate-scale, Multistory Test Apparatus, International Conference of Building Officials. 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, 1.2.17 ASTM C 150, Standard Specification for Portland Cement, 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, 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. 2

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 Evaluation of Flammability Characteristics of Exterior, 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. 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: 3.2.1.1 Cement: Type and description must comply with ASTM C 150. 3.2.1.2 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. 3.2.1.3 Admixtures: Description and purpose are needed for each product. 3.2.1.4 Preparation: Mixing instructions are needed. 3.2.2 Factory-blended: A description of the factoryblended materials is needed. 3.3 Base Coat Components: 3.3.1 Field-blended: 3.3.1.1 Cement: Type and description must comply with ASTM C 150. 3.3.1.2 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. 3.3.1.3 Admixtures: Description and purpose are needed for each product. 3.3.2 Factory-blended: A description of the factoryblended materials is needed. 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 3

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 proponents 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. 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 manufacturers 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. 3. Freeze-thaw tests as set forth in Section 6.5.2. 4. Water-resistance tests as set forth in Section 6.6.2. 5. Optional fire tests as set forth in Section 6.7. 6. Structural testing as set forth in Section 6.9. 7. Water-penetration tests as set forth in Section 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): 4

1. Salt-spray-resistance tests as set forth in Section 6.3. 2. Tensile-bond tests as set forth in Section 6.4.2. 3. Freeze-thaw tests as set forth in Section 6.5.2. 4. Water-resistance tests as set forth in Section 6.6.2. 5. Optional fire tests as set forth in Section 6.7. 6. Structural testing as set forth in Section 6.9. 7. Water-penetration tests as set forth in Section 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 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

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 manufacturers 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. 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 manufacturers 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 Water-resistive Coatings: 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 6

in half, and the water-resistive coating is applied to the substrate surface in accordance with the manufacturers 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 assemblys 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 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 proponents 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 7

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 Water-resistive Coatings: 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 manufacturers 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 8

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 6,000- or 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. 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. 9

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 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.# TABLE 1 CROSS REFERENCE OF STANDARDS EDITIONS STANDARD 1997 Uniform Building Code 2000 International Building Code 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 10