Repair Systems — 03 — Facade & External Envelope
EIFS systems — full installation
External insulation and finish systems (EIFS) combine an EPS insulation board adhered to the substrate with a reinforced base coat, alkali-resistant fibreglass mesh and a decorative finish coat. They provide both insulation and a finished render surface. EIFS installation on Class 2 strata buildings must comply with NCC fire resistance requirements for the building's rise in storeys.
What are EIFS full installation systems?
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) full installation systems comprise an EPS or mineral wool insulation board bonded to the structural substrate, a polymer-modified cementitious base coat with embedded AR glass mesh over the board, and a decorative finish coat. They are installed as new cladding systems on new buildings or as full replacement systems where failed EIFS is removed and reinstalled.
Product Reference
3 products — 3 brands — Mapei / Sto / Dulux Acratex
System Description
Mapei's Mapetherm system provides a complete EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) installation range — adhesive mortar for bonding EPS insulation boards to the substrate, EPS insulation boards (25–100mm), polymer-modified base coat embedded with AR glass mesh, and Silexcolor decorative finish coat. All components are Mapei products designed for system compatibility. In Australian Class 2 strata new EIFS installation, the Mapetherm system is specified by facade engineers and remedial builders who require a documented, engineered EIFS system with system-level compliance documentation including NCC Spec C1.1 fire performance. The insulation layer reduces thermal bridging and improves thermal performance of the facade, which is increasingly specified in energy-efficient strata developments. Confirm current product names, EPS board thickness, and NCC C1.1 fire compliance status with Mapei Australia before specifying.
Technical Properties
- Full system from single manufacturer — EPS adhesive through to finish coat — system compatibility assured
- EPS board thickness 25–100mm — specified by thermal engineer for energy compliance
- 160g/m² AR glass mesh embedded in base coat — primary tensile reinforcement
Limitations
- EIFS installation requires specialist applicators — standard rendering contractors may not have EIFS experience
- NCC fire compliance is system-specific — confirm current documentation with Mapei before specifying on fire-rated walls
- EPS boards must be protected from solvent-based products — confirm primer and adhesive compatibility
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
System Description
Sto's StoTherm EIFS system is a proprietary full-system EIFS for new installation on concrete, masonry, and framed wall substrates. The system uses StoLevell (adhesive mortar), Sto EPS or mineral wool insulation board, Sto Armat Classic (polymer-modified base coat), Sto AR glass mesh, and StoSilco Colour (silicone resin finish coat). Sto has system-level fire testing documentation for StoTherm under NCC Spec C1.1 — one of the most important compliance credentials for EIFS on Class 2 and higher buildings. In Australian strata EIFS new installation, Sto is specified on projects where NCC fire compliance documentation is required and the builder or developer requires an applicator-approved, warranted EIFS system. Sto maintains an applicator approval programme ensuring installation quality. Confirm current NCC C1.1 compliance status, applicable building classes, and Sto applicator availability with Sto Australia before specifying.
Technical Properties
- NCC Spec C1.1 fire compliance documentation available — critical for Class 2+ buildings
- Sto applicator approval programme — quality-controlled installation
- Silicone resin finish coat — superior water repellency and UV durability
Limitations
- Must be installed by Sto-approved applicators to access warranty — confirm applicator status before engagement
- Fire compliance is system-specific and building-class specific — confirm current NCC documentation with Sto Australia
- Higher cost than non-warranty EIFS systems — justified where compliance documentation and warranty are required
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Dulux Acratex EIFS-Compatible System
Acrylic render system — EIFS compatible
System Description
Dulux Acratex provides polymer-modified render and texture systems that are compatible with EIFS substrates (EPS boards) when used with appropriate Acratex primers and adhesives. The Acratex system does not provide the same system-level EIFS fire compliance documentation as specialist EIFS manufacturers (Sto, Mapei Mapetherm), but is widely used by rendering and painting contractors for EIFS render coat replacement and new EIFS installation where fire compliance documentation is not the primary specification requirement. For non-fire-rated EIFS applications or where fire compliance is managed through other means, the Dulux Acratex system provides a cost-effective, widely available EIFS render option. For fire-rated applications, confirm with Dulux Technical whether current Acratex products have any applicable NCC C1.1 fire testing. Confirm current product names, EPS compatibility, and fire compliance status with Dulux Trade Technical before specifying.
Technical Properties
- Widely available through Dulux Trade stores — consistent supply nationally
- Polymer-modified render base coat compatible with EPS boards with appropriate primer
- Range of finish coat textures available — match existing facade
Limitations
- Not a full EIFS manufacturer system — limited system-level fire compliance documentation
- For fire-rated facades: confirm NCC C1.1 compliance with Dulux Technical before specifying
- EPS board adhesion requires specific Acratex EPS adhesive — confirm with Dulux before specifying over EPS
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
EIFS full system comparison
For Class 2+ buildings confirm NCC C1.1 fire compliance before specifying EIFS. System must be installed as complete unit — do not mix components from different manufacturers.
| System | Brand | Fire compliance | Applicator approval | EPS/mineral wool | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapetherm System | Mapei | NCC C1.1 — confirm current | No | Yes | Full Mapei system — Silexcolor finish |
| StoTherm System | Sto | NCC C1.1 documented | Yes — mandatory | EPS + mineral wool | Best fire compliance documentation — warranty |
| Acratex System | Dulux | Confirm with Dulux Technical | No | With appropriate primer | Most widely available — lower cost |
Disclaimer
EIFS on Class 2 buildings must comply with NCC fire resistance requirements — confirm fire group rating for the EPS product and system FRL with the manufacturer and a fire consultant before specifying. Do not mix EIFS components from different manufacturers. Confirm from current manufacturer TDS. Not a substitute for professional advice.