EIFS Panels vs. GFRC Panels
6.1 Problem Statement
The original design of the Women’s Center and Inpatient Tower included Glass-Fiber Reinforced
Concrete (GFRC) Panels for the majority of the façade. During the value engineering process, these GFRC
panels were replaced with Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) Panels. As the EIFS was being
installed, there were some issues with the termination of EIFS around the windows. This issue is very
important because if the EIFS is not properly installed and sealed, water is able to seep into the building. These
issues with the EIFS will most likely delay the project schedule, which may also have an impact on the project
cost. Another concern with installation of EIFS is that it is labor intensive. EIFS is composed of many layers,
and each of the layers is installed separately on site. The only layer of the EIFS Panel that can be prefabricated
offsite is the EPS Insulation. This insulation board can be cut to size before it reaches the construction site.
Because the EIFS Panels are not prefabricated, the process of installing each layer is very tedious. A third issue
with EIFS involves the quality of the system. If EIFS is not properly installed, there is the potential that water
will seep into the building, and there will be mold issues. Because this building is a hospital, it is crucial that the
building is of the highest quality; therefore, any health issues such as mold need to be avoided at all costs.