North American Energy Codes Push Continuous Insulation Requirements in EIFS Industry

Energy codes across North America are requiring continuous insulation solutions for certain exterior wall assemblies, according to the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA). This push is driven by the latest International Energy Conservation Code. For assemblies built with legacy cladding materials, meeting the code now requires adding a separate continuous-insulation layer, introducing new detailing requirements, additional trades, and added cost.

The shift means that while EIFS systems have always included continuous insulation and remain unaffected by this specific code change, legacy projects face new compliance hurdles. The availability of a searchable database of over 200 completed projects assists specifiers in evaluating these exterior insulation systems against current building requirements.