EIFS Inspection Procedures & Quality Control 4

Question 1

What inspection technique is used to locate hollow or delaminated areas in an EIFS lamina without removing material?

Accepted Answer

Sounding (tapping) the surface with a hard mallet

Answer

Sounding or 'tap testing' produces a hollow sound where the lamina has delaminated from the EPS board, identifying problem areas without destructive investigation.

Question 2

According to EIFS industry guidelines, how far above finished grade should the bottom termination of an EIFS system be located?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of 8 inches above finished grade

Answer

EIFS should terminate a minimum of 8 inches above finished grade to prevent wicking, soil contact, and moisture intrusion at the base of the system.

Question 3

During quality control inspection, an inspector finds that a second layer of reinforcing mesh was not installed in the impact zone as specified. What is the consequence?

Accepted Answer

Reduced impact resistance that could allow penetration of the lamina

Answer

A double-layer mesh in the impact zone (typically the bottom 6–8 feet) is required for enhanced impact resistance; omitting it leaves the system vulnerable to damage.

Question 4

What does an EIFS inspector look for when evaluating expansion joint placement on a large wall?

Accepted Answer

Joints aligned with structural building joints and at specified intervals to accommodate movement

Answer

Expansion joints must align with structural building movement joints and be placed at specified intervals (typically every 70–100 linear feet) to prevent cracking from thermal and structural movement.

Question 5

An inspector reviewing EIFS mock-up test results sees that the water penetration test (ASTM E331) failed at 6.24 psf. What does this mean for the project?

Accepted Answer

The mock-up assembly allowed water penetration and must be corrected before full installation proceeds

Answer

A failure at ASTM E331 means water penetrated the assembly at the test pressure, requiring investigation and correction of the assembly before full-scale installation.

(EIFS) Certified Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems Inspector Practice Test

(EIFS) Certified Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems Inspector Practice Test

EIFS Inspection Procedures & Quality Control 4