How to properly cut into and seal EIFS

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brantmacga

brantmacga

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Georgia
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Former Child
I didn't know what EIFS was. Here's a reference I found: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exterior_insulation_finishing_system

What is the thickness of the insulation layer? Seems like the (what appears to be a metal) box would have to rest on the masonry underneath or be shimmed to that depth so that the trim rests exactly on the exterior for it to both look right and seal correctly.

If the insulation is very thick and the box is floating, the receptacle trim may crush the insulation if a plug is inserted with some force.

If the insulation is too thin for the box/trim combo, I'm not sure how it would work unless that trim is adjustable/trimmable.
 
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Not all EIFS exteriors are on masonry, many here are wood frame. The BIG problem with EIFS is that it leaks around windows, doors and other penetrations. As a result of the law suits you don't see it around here much anymore.

You don't want to cut anything onto the EIFS. There should be a waterproof membrane behind the insulation, and if you breach that it's going to let water in from wherever it is behind the finish.

I've never had to do what you are needing to do but if it were me, I would surface mount boxes and run conduit to where ever I could enter the building without going through the EIFS.

More than likely though I wouldn't touch it. Not worth getting a call a year from now saying that your boxes leaked and the wall inside is covered with mold.

-Hal
 
This wall has osb behind it. Using the in-box would allow me to cut a hole so I could fish the wire down from the attic. I’m just nervous about cutting into this stuff. I may end up running a surface conduit down a corner somewhere and following along the concrete foundation.


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