Repair Systems — 03 — Facade & External Envelope
EIFS render systems
Technical product reference for EIFS (External Insulation and Finish Systems) used in facade remediation and replacement on Australian buildings. Covers EPS system selection, mesh specification, NCC fire performance requirements, applicator qualification, and brand comparisons.
What are EIFS render systems?
EIFS (External Insulation and Finish Systems) are composite facade systems consisting of EPS (expanded polystyrene) insulation board mechanically fixed and/or adhesively bonded to the facade substrate, a polymer-modified render base coat applied over embedded alkali-resistant fibreglass reinforcing mesh, and a finish coat. They are used in Australian remediation works where the existing EIFS has failed, or where a new insulated render system is being installed over an existing substrate.
Product Reference
4 products — 4 brands — EIFS render systems — scroll to view all
Rockcote EPS Render System
EIFS — EPS insulation board + mesh-reinforced render — exterior facade
System Description
Rockcote (Saint-Gobain Weber) EIFS system consists of EPS insulation board mechanically fixed or adhesively bonded to the facade substrate, followed by a polymer-modified render base coat applied over embedded fibreglass reinforcing mesh, and a fine finish coat. The system is used for remediation of EIFS facades where sections of EPS and render have failed or delaminated, and for full replacement of failed lightweight cladding systems. Confirm the specific Rockcote EIFS system, system guide, approved EPS type, mesh specification, adhesive, and render products with Saint-Gobain Weber / Rockcote technical before specifying. TODO: owner confirm — Rockcote EIFS system guide, approved products, and TDS.
Technical Properties
- EPS insulation board — mechanically fixed and/or adhesively bonded
- Fibreglass mesh embedded in base coat render
- Polymer-modified base coat render over mesh
Limitations
- EIFS requires strict system compliance — do not mix components from different manufacturers without written approval
- EPS board must be compatible specified type — confirm with Rockcote
- Fibreglass mesh must be compatible with base coat render — confirm specification
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Mapei EIFS Remediation System
EIFS — EPS + mesh-reinforced render — exterior facade remediation
System Description
Mapei supplies adhesives, base coat renders, and finish coat products compatible with EIFS remediation and replacement. Confirm specific Mapei products for the EIFS substrate adhesive, base coat over mesh, and finish coat with Mapei Australia technical. Mapei products used in EIFS systems include Mapetherm range (EPS adhesive mortars) and Planitop system for base coat application. TODO: owner confirm — Mapei EIFS system guide, approved products and TDS for Australian EIFS remediation.
Technical Properties
- Mapei Mapetherm or equivalent adhesive mortar for EPS bonding
- Fibreglass reinforcing mesh embedded in Mapei base coat
- Fine finish coat over cured base
Limitations
- TODO: owner confirm — complete Mapei EIFS system, approved EPS, mesh, adhesive, base coat and finish coat with Mapei Australia technical
- System compliance — do not mix Mapei components with other manufacturers without written approval
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Sika EIFS System (SikaCeram / Sika Facade)
EIFS — EPS + fibreglass mesh + Sika render — exterior facade
System Description
Sika supplies EIFS systems including adhesive mortars, base coat renders, reinforcing mesh, and finish coat products. Confirm the specific Sika EIFS system guide, approved EPS type, fibreglass mesh specification, adhesive, base coat and finish coat with Sika Australia technical before specifying. TODO: owner confirm — Sika EIFS system guide and approved products for Australian EIFS facade remediation.
Technical Properties
- Sika adhesive mortar for EPS bonding
- Fibreglass mesh embedded in Sika base coat
- Sika finish coat
Limitations
- TODO: owner confirm — complete Sika EIFS system and approved products with Sika Australia technical
- System compliance required
- Requires trained applicator
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Sto EIFS System (StoTherm / StoLevell)
EIFS — Sto EPS + mesh + base coat + finish — exterior facade
System Description
Sto is a specialist EIFS manufacturer whose StoTherm system is commonly specified in Australian EIFS remediation and new installation projects. The StoTherm system includes EPS insulation board, Sto adhesive mortar, StoArmat base coat render applied over embedded Sto fibreglass reinforcing mesh, and Sto finish coats including StoSilco (silicone render) or StoTex. The Sto system is supported by technical representatives in Australia who can confirm system selection, EPS specification, and application guides. TODO: owner confirm — confirm Sto StoTherm system TDS, approved components, and applicator requirements with Sto Australia.
Technical Properties
- StoTherm — EPS + StoArmat base coat + fibreglass mesh + Sto finish coat
- Complete EIFS system with full technical support
- Sto fibreglass mesh included in system specification
Limitations
- Sto system must be installed by trained and Sto-approved applicator
- TODO: owner confirm — complete StoTherm system specification, EPS type, mechanical fixing, and mesh specification with Sto Australia
- Do not substitute Sto components with other manufacturers without written approval
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
System Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of EIFS render systems. Confirm all product selections against the current manufacturer TDS before specifying. Fire face ratings must be confirmed with the EIFS manufacturer.
| Product system | Brand | EPS adhesive | Mesh type | Base coat | Finish coat | Fire face rating | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockcote EPS Render System | Rockcote / Saint-Gobain Weber | Confirm with Rockcote technical | Fibreglass mesh (confirm spec with Rockcote) | Rockcote polymer-modified base coat | Rockcote fine finish coat | TODO: confirm fire rating with manufacturer | EIFS remediation and replacement on exterior masonry and concrete facades |
| Mapei EIFS Remediation System | Mapei | Mapei Mapetherm (confirm current product) | Fibreglass mesh (confirm spec with Mapei) | Mapei Planitop system (confirm with Mapei) | Mapei fine finish coat (confirm with Mapei) | TODO: confirm fire rating with manufacturer | EIFS facade remediation — exterior masonry and concrete |
| Sika EIFS System | Sika | Sika adhesive mortar (confirm with Sika) | Fibreglass mesh (confirm spec with Sika) | Sika base coat (confirm with Sika) | Sika finish coat (confirm with Sika) | TODO: confirm fire rating with manufacturer | EIFS facade remediation and new installation — exterior |
| Sto StoTherm System | Sto Australia | Sto adhesive mortar | Sto fibreglass reinforcing mesh | StoArmat base coat | StoSilco or StoTex | TODO: confirm fire rating with manufacturer | EIFS remediation and new installation — exterior masonry, concrete, steel stud framing |
Do not confuse EIFS render systems with:
- Standard PM render (no insulation board) — polymer-modified cementitious render applied directly to a masonry or concrete substrate without any EPS insulation layer — listed on the two-coat polymer-modified render page
- Conventional render on masonry (no EIFS insulation layer) — traditional render applied direct to masonry without any insulation substrate — not an EIFS system
- Cladding panels (factory manufactured — not EIFS) — pre-manufactured facade cladding panels such as aluminium composite panels, fibre cement sheeting, or glass-reinforced concrete panels — different facade system
- Spray-applied render (no insulation layer) — acrylic or polymer-modified renders applied by machine spray directly over masonry or AAC without an EPS insulation layer — listed on the acrylic spray-applied render page
Disclaimer
This page provides general technical information only. Final product selection must be confirmed against the current manufacturer technical data sheet, project specification, substrate condition, exposure classification, AS 3700, NCC requirements, and applicator warranty conditions. Products marked TODO: owner confirm require verification before specifying. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional engineering or facade consultant advice.