On-the-wall energy performance
One of the most important benefits of lightweight cladding is its on-the-wall energy performance. Take exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), a lightweight cladding system that provides a continuous insulated building envelope at about 0.5 kg/m2 (1.5 lb/sf). EIFS is applied in multiple layers over exterior sheathing to create an energy-efficient, fire-resistant, low-maintenance, and versatile exterior cladding.
A study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) showed that EIFS walls perform better than several other wall types for moisture and thermal performance. The 15-month ORNL study conducted in the southeastern region of the U.S. showed EIFS outperformed walls made of brick, stucco, concrete block, and cement board.3
- EIFS are sustainable, durable, and resilient.
- EIFS are among the most water-resistant
exterior surfaces. - EIFS have passed the major fire resistance tests that are required by the building codes. This includes fire resistance, ignitability, intermediate multi-story, and full scale multi-story corner tests.
EIFS is just one example of a lightweight cladding system that delivers value across residential, multi-family, and commercial construction sectors. From a visual perspective, if a design team is looking for something other than EIFS, there are other lightweight cladding options that can provide the same benefits and still achieve the true look of what they are designed to mimic.
Authentic aesthetics
Innovations in cladding technology have allowed architects and specifiers to achieve a variety of cladding looks by employing a unified, tested, and higher-performing system compared to traditional materials. For example, architects can now specify lightweight, flexible, resin-cast wood grain planks for a building’s exterior or interior that look like real wood, but without the performance downsides. This provides a durable, realistic, and low-maintenance alternative to natural or engineered wood cladding. Plus, these new products can be integrated within fully engineered wall systems that include all the control layers (air/water/vapor, moisture, thermal, and durability) for modern building performance while providing a one source solution and warranty. This allows architects to meet project demands for building exteriors that require a number of colors, textures, or materials on the same structure with seamless integration of the control layers behind each aesthetic. In this instance, the only thing that changes is the building’s exterior finish.
