Builders for years have used EIFS because it is cost-effective, architecturally pleasing and an excellent insulator. In commercial real estate, it has been used widely with little controversy. The product is waterproof. Critics claim, however, if water does get behind the barrier system, through windows or doors, there is no place for it to escape, and the rotting begins. Manufacturers defend their product and claim shoddy workmanship is to blame.
Lawyers say the manufacturers never properly instructed workers on how to apply the exterior finish.
Others say that the homeowner bears some responsibility, since the system needs periodic checking for cracked caulking and flashing. When this problem broke in 1995 in Wilmington, N.C., the immediate reaction from the entire EIFS industry was that this was a very localized problem. And if nothing else, we have proven over the years that that is a lot of nonsense because this is happening all over the country. But Joyce Cereto, a paralegal in Dryvit's legal office who has mediated claims, says the company and the product are not at fault. Everybody has been engaged in finger-pointing.