Masterwall warn unlicenced installation of polystyrene cladding builds in risk

A multilayered exterior wall cladding system, Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) offer superior energy efficiency, design flexibility and ease of installation to many alternative products. However, many builders and owner builders don't realise is that in Victoria installation of an EIFS by a tradesperson - or anyone else - who does not have the appropriate Registered Builder Practitioner's licence can affect the insurance cover.

One of Australia's leading manufacturers, suppliers and installers of EIFS, Masterwall has ensured that they comply with the appropriate regulations. The Managing Director, Andrew "Sandy" McPherson is both a registered Building Practitioner (RBP) Builder - Domestic - Limited and RBP Builder - Manager.

Installation of EIFS by a Registered Building Practitioner will not only ensure insurance cover, but will give you the peace of mind of knowing that the system has been correctly installed.

A typical EIFS system such as Masterwall comprises a range of components:

• Polystyrene insulation panels which are secured to the exterior wall surface with a mechanical fixing system and/or a specially formulated adhesive.
• A durable, water-resistant exterior base coat, applied to the panels. This usually includes fibreglass mesh reinforcing for added strength and longevity.
• A durable, crack-resistant render system, typically an acrylic co-polymer product.
• Other components include special sealing tape for the panel joints and builder's paper or similar backing material.

Incorrect installation can have expensive and far-reaching consequences. The well-known 'leaky house' syndrome in New Zealand occurred largely because of incorrect installation of cladding. This led to water ingress and subsequent structural damage to a significant number of buildings. Correct installation of EIFS will ensure optimum performance and that all building regulations are met.

Current practice in Australia relies on the rendering process to seal the face of the building and the openings to the wall system. This is totally contrary to established best practice in more experienced markets. There, it is accepted that a correctly installed EIFS system includes sealants to all joins and the use of flashing tape and sealants to seal and flash all openings, prior to the application of the acrylic render system.

Comprehensive specification and installation instructions for Masterwall's EIFS are available for download from this website. In easy to follow steps they demonstrate best practice procedures for both designing with EIFS and installation.

So what's the bottom line? EIFS have a lot to offer which is why they are becoming increasingly popular in residential construction - but the onus is on builders and owner builders to ensure that the installation is performed by an appropriately licenced person.