AskCodeMan

Codeman,

EIFS deco band below grade, Termite Portection?

Hi Richard,

This question has an easy answer: Neither the EIFS siding nor EIFS bands are allowed below grade, and in fact they are not allowed within 6 inches of the finished grade (sod level).

From the 2004 Florida Building Code, Residential, w/2006 Revisions: (underlining and bold are mine)
- R703.9 Exterior insulation finish systems, general.
- - All Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) shall be designed or tested to meet the wind pressures specified in Table R301.2(2) and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s approved installation instructions and the requirements of this section. Decorative trim shall not be face nailed through the EIFS. The EIFS shall terminate not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the finished ground level.

And this:
R320.6 Foam plastic protection.
- Extruded and expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and other foam plastics shall not be installed on the exterior face or under interior or exterior foundation walls or slab foundations located below grade. The clearance between foam plastics installed above grade and exposed earth shall be at least 6 inches (152 mm).
- - Exceptions:
- - - 1. Buildings where the structural members of walls, floors, ceilings and roofs are entirely of noncombustible materials or pressure preservatively treated wood.
- - - 2. When in addition to the requirements of Section R320.1, an approved method of protecting the foam plastic and structure from subterranean termite damage is provided.
- - - 3. On the interior side of basement walls.

Codeman