EIFS: Skilled Installation is Key
August - September 2001
After careful study, the International Union of Bricklayers
and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) and the International Masonry
Institute (IMI) have taken the position that Exterior
Insulation Finish System (EIFS) can be a viable building
material when designed properly and installed by trained,
skilled BAC plasterers and EIFS mechanics.
This spring, representatives of BAC and IMI met in Chicago to educate new BAC
EIFS contractors interested in raising the quality standards of this building
system. Pete Marinopoulos, President of BAC Illinois District Council 1, co-sponsor
of the Chicago EIFS conference, said, “The masonry industry is expanding.
As a service to our members and our signatory contractors, we want to broaden
their work opportunities by embracing the allied crafts while maintaining the
quality standards that this Union is known for. With IMI’s help, we are
doing just that.”
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Contractors from Chicago and neighboring suburbs gathered
at the IMI Trowel Trades Training Center and BAC District
Council meeting hall for a 3-hour intensive conference
entitled “Introduction to Synthetic Stucco: Managing
a Successful EIFS Business.” The keynote speaker
was Steve Nelms, BAC Local 56 Illinois plasterer, IMI
plastering instructor, and AWCI-certified EIFS instructor.
His presentation contrasted IMI’s comprehensive
training program to the relative lack of training provided
by other international plastering associations and unions.
Nelms also gave an outdoor demonstration of all phases
of a traditional EIFS installation, from applying the
extruded polystyrene insulation, brown-coating and mesh
application, to the finish coat, addressing typical and
special conditions.
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| Mechanical rasping
of extruded polystyrene was one of many labor-saving
techniques demonstrated for contractors. |
The contractors’ reaction to the conference was
very favorable. One contractor said “as long as
there is a need for EIFS work, it may as well be my company
that provides that service. IMI has taken the first step
to educate us as to what it takes to be a successful
EIFS contractor.”
Since the introduction of EIFS, IMI has been delivering EIFS training to BAC
plasterers and other members. As the material has evolved, IMI training programs
have remained abreast of the newest techniques required to install polymer-based
and polymer-modified EIFS systems. Today, IMI conducts ongoing training programs
for BAC plasterers and EIFS mechanics, and provides them with the skills necessary
to provide good, attractive, watertight EIFS buildings.
Scott Conwell, IMI’s area director of market development, said “Whether
it’s ceramic tile, brick, or EIFS, contractor education is a large component
of IMI’s market development program.”
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| Local 56
IL plasterer Steve Nelms demonstrates steps
involved in a traditional EIFS installation
for a group of Chicago masonry contractors
and BAC officers. |
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| BAC signatory
contractors and Local Union officers are briefed
by IMI regarding recent development in the
EIFS industry. |
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