Details, Details, Details: Stucco or EIFS Below Grade

In my last entry I talked about some of the details that are associated with chimney’s.  Today I am going to discuss the proper detailing required when Stucco or EIFS terminates near grade.

Stucco or EIFS should never be installed at or below grade.  There are two main reasons for this: First, when stucco or EIFS (especially EIFS) is installed below grade, moisture can wick up the wall via the EPS foam and damage the substrate behind it.  Moisture can wick up to 10 inches or so depending how much moisture the area receives.  The second reason Stucco or EIFS should never be installed below grade is that the EPS foam can create a direct path for termites and other insects to enter the wall cavity.

If Stucco or EIFS is installed at or below grade, the landscaping should be reworked to provide at least a 4 inch clearance for Stucco and at least a 6 inch clearance for EIFS.  When it is not possible to rework the landscaping, the cladding systems should be raised by a qualified Stucco or EIFS contractor.  Once the Stucco or EIFS are raised, it may be necessary to waterproof any exposed sheathing with either flashing or other waterproof materials.