System If all that is described above is to ultimately be realized, the system nature of EIFS cannot be ignored. This should not be applied solely to the proprietary nature of a manu- facturer’s system offering. EIFS use also benefits from a systematic approach, and so can the building as a whole. When considering EIFS, it is both important and practical to think of the Exterior Insulation and Finish System, the bal- ance of the exterior structure and the building’s use as hav- ing a relationship. Like any relationship, it’s best to think ahead and consider how the behaviour of one member of the group may affect another. In other words, take a holis- tic approach. While the benefits of this model extend to any functional element of a building’s make-up, the inher- ent and adaptable functions of EIFS can and have some- times been overlooked. To aid in this approach, the EIFS Council of Canada has developed and published the EIFS Practice Manual. It pro- vides easy to adopt design and use considerations that can be applied to all building and project types, be it new or retrofit construction. The systematic approach can also be applied to the in- stallation itself. The EIFS Quality Assurance Program was developed by the EIFS Council of Canada (ECC) and enrols all key EIFS delivery stakeholders into a system of Quality Assurance. The program is not a come one, come all en- rolment, but requires demonstration of knowledge, expe- rience and quality system adoption by EIFS mechanics, EIFS manufacturers and their representatives. Supported 54 – Winter 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report by certified, independent auditors and third-party insurers, the program is comprehensive and fits in very well with the holistic approach to project delivery. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems in 2015 EIFS today is not the same as the EIFS of the 90’s. The industry has moved well beyond the provision of an eco- nomical cladding, and is positioning itself to be the ideal twenty-first century choice, by delivering a durable and en- vironmentally responsible enclosure strategy. John M. Garbin, President/CEO of the EIFS Council of Canada, can be reached at jgarbin@eifscouncil.org. Comprehensive resources are available at the eifscouncil.org website. i ii iii iv v vi vii 2012 Ontario Building Code Sentence 5.10.3.1.(1) and Subsection 9.27.13. CAN/ULC-S716.1-12 ANNEX B - WATER ABSORPTION COEFFICIENT OF THE LA-WRB 2010 National Building Code of Canada - Sentence 5.4.1.2.(1) Building Science Insights BSI-001: “The Perfect Wall” By Joseph Lstiburek - 2008/05/20 “How to Arrive at the True Value Propositions of EIFS “ pg.1, by: Ted Kesik, Ph.D., P.Eng. The Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide – Overview Presentation, Slide 33, October 16, 2014 The Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide – Part 3 Significance, Insights and Next Steps, Section 3.2.3 “Architecture”