EIFS (Dryvit)

we had a house that was eifs exterior in NC. it was impossible to sell in 1999 but luckily for us the company bought us out as we were transferred out of the country. We still see it time and again down here now in SC but usually everyone replaces it entirely before they go to sell if not before. It is an exceptionally good material if applied right but the problem is that water gets trapped inside and mold and woodrot often occur. Many banks also will not write a mortgage on a building with this exterior now. personally, i would not buy or sell anything with this material because of the public's perception of a problem whether or not it exists.

I do P&C insurance and EIFS from the 1980's and 1990's is a big red flag. However, a couple of things can be done, there are technicians who can install drainage tubes, vey thin 1/4 tubes that let the air flow through the membrane and let the humidity/water flow out. Also, you can do a moisture detection test that can determine if there is a concentration of water behind the wall. The issue with EIFS from the 1990's is doesn't breathe, so water gets between the EIFS and brick/wood of the home, and then turns into a massive mold infestation and insurance carriers don't want any part of that. Haven't seen any issues with EIFS installed post 2002, they design it as a breathable product now. Surprised to hear a city building has EIFS on the outside.

I've seen post 2002 EIFS on a house in NJ that had a giant bulge and was disintegrating. This was back in 2004 so it was practicalyl brand new.

Google EIFS lawsuits. Lots of scarry stuff. I would take it as a warning and not buy the property in question.