When constructing or attaching items to a wall system, it is important to understand how the system protects the structure from water infiltration. For example, brick systems are normally considered rain screens. If water gets past the brick, it is intended to work its ways back out of the wall through weep holes. Unlike brick, a newer wall system called EIFS, or synthetic stucco, is considered to be a barrier system. In a barrier system, there is no mechanism to protect the wall from water damage if the water gets through the outer membrane. When working with barrier systems, it is especially critical that no holes or penetrations are created unless they are properly sealed because there is no way for the water to get back out. If water gets in, building damage is the likely result.
TSA was retained to investigate a damaged EIFS storefront. A contractor was doing repairs and became concerned that the facade didn't appear stable. TSA performed a review of the facade using a man lift and determined that the facade had not been properly waterproofed. There was extensive evidence of long-term damage to the facade, including rust behind the EIFS barrier and delamination of the EIFS from the substrate. Close review of the wall penetrations showed that signage installed on the building was not properly installed, causing the observed distress.
