This website is designed to provide ideas to the architect, owner and EIFS contractor of the many styles of shapes available in foam only or base coated.

This brochure is intended as a general guide to show the proper use and installation of EIFS manufactured EPS shapes and pre-coated shapes in typical applications.

Drew Foam Companies, Inc accepts no liability on the architecture, engineering or workmanship on any job. Any specific design requirements should be prepared by a design professional.



Design Responsibility is the responsibility of both the specifier and the purchaser. The designer is responsible for all decisions pertaining to design, detail capability, attachments, shop drawings, etc. Drew Foam is not liable for any errors in these areas.

All materials used must be compatible with the EIFS manufacturer component. All insulation board, base coat and reinforcing meshes must meet EIFS manufacturer specs.

The Substrate for the shapes should be inspected before attachment.

1. It should be of an acceptable Type.
2. It is flat (within ¼ inch in a 4ft radius).
3. Substrate is sound, dry, has no surface voids or other projections.
4. Prior to installation, all flashing and water proofing details have been complete, where applicable.
5. The substrate must be free of any materials that would inhibit adhesion.

Drew Foam Companies, Inc. Pre-coated EPS EIFS Shapes consists of adhesive, EPS foam, base coat with reinforcing mesh. Shapes can be either mechanically or adhesively attached.

1. Field Applied: The EPS shapes or pre-coated shapes are applied to the substrate system on job.
2. Panelized: Shapes are shop applied to prefabricated panels.
3. Acceptable Substrates: for the EPS shapes or pre-coated shapes are:
   • EFIS system base coat.
   • Unglazed brick, concrete, masonry, cement plaster and stucco.
   • Exterior grade gypsum sheathing meeting ASTM c 79 requirements for water resistance core Type X core at the time application of the EPS shape.
   • Silicone treated gypsum sheathing surfaced with inorganic fiberglass mats meeting ASTM c 1177
   • Exterior fiber reinforced cement board and calcium silicate boards.
   • APA Exterior and exposure 1 rated Plywood, grade C-D or better, nominal 13mm (1/2”), minimum 4 poly.
   • APA Exposure 1 rated Oriented Strand Board (OSB), nominal 13mm (1/2”) installed over solid substrate.
4. Expansion Joints:
   • Design and location of expansion joints in the EPS Shapes and EPS pre-coated shapes is the responsibility of the project designer and shall be noted on the projected drawings. As a minimum, expansion joints shall be placed at the following locations:
     1. Where expansion joints occur in the substrate system.
     2. Where building expansion joints occur.
     3. Where prefabricated panels abut one another.
     4. At floor lines in wood frame construction.
     5. Where the EIFS system abuts dissimilar materials.
     6. Where the substrate changes.
     7. In continuous elevations at intervals not exceeding 23m (75ft.)
     8. Where significant structural movement occurs such as changes in roofline, building shapes or structural system.
5. Terminations:
   • The EPS Shapes or Pre-coated EPS Shapes shall be held back form adjoining materials a minimum of 19 mm (3/4”) for sealant application.
   • Sealants:
     1. Shall be manufactured by other and approved by EIFS manufacturer
6. Samples of EPS and pre-coated EPS are available upon request.

1. All surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of any debris before installation.
2. Apply the approved adhesive with a 3/8” notch trowel to back side of detail.
3. Detail must be attached while adhesive is still wet. If mechanical fasteners are used to hold in place, they can be removed or base-coasted over, before putting on finish coating.
4. Mesh and base-coat should be applied at all connecting joints of details. All excess material should be sanded for a smooth even look at joint.

All materials meet EIFS manufacturer and Exterior Insulations Manufacturer (EIMA) standards. Drew Foam Companies, Inc. warranties the base-coated products it produces for one (1) year against defects in material or workmanship that may affect job-site performance. However, proper application and installation is the responsibility of the EIFS manufacturers and the subcontractors.

1. System Manufacturer: Drew Foam Companies, Inc.
   All materials shall be purchased or sold by Drew Foam and/or the authorized distributors.
2. Contractor: Should be a licensed EIFS applicator competent in the installation of and EIFS system.
3. Insulation Board: Shall be produced by Drew Foam. An EIMA member in accordance with EIFS system manufacturer specifications.
4. Regulatory Requirements: EPS must be separated from the interior of the building by a minimum 15 minute thermal barrier. All EPS uses shall be in accordance with applicable building codes.
5. Delivery-Storage Handling: All Drew foam materials will be delivered to the distributor of job-site with labels intact. Upon receipt, material should be examined for physical damage. Do not use any questionable material.
   Materials should be protected from extreme weather and out of direct sunlight.