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EIMA Executive Director. EIMA (the EIFS Industry Members Association) is the US trade association for the EIFS industry. EIMA has announced David Johnston as the new Executive Director of EIMA. David came to EIMA from BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) and has extensive experience in trade association operations and technical issues with buildings. He will be working from AWCI's offices in the Washington, DC area. Standards for EIFS. ASTM, is starting work to develop a specification of foam shapes. "Foam shapes" are contoured pieces of insulation that are covered with a coating system, and are used for decoration. Details of the scope and status of these in-process documents (and others) can be found on ASTM's website by looking at the activities of the Technical Committee E06.58. "The 'Mostest' EIFS Projects". Check out this article by rgTHOMAS in Walls and Ceilings magazine. It's a fascinating review of some of the most unique and unusual EIFS buildings. You'll be amazed at what can be done with EIFS. "Toxic Drywall" ("The China Syndrome").The problem involves drywall (gypsum wall board), imported from China, and emitting gases that can cause health problems and corrosion. There has recently been extensive mainstream media coverage and technical work done on this potentially big 'problem'. The US Government, various state agencies, and public/private groups are involved. ASTM is developing a document for how to inspect buildings that have this problem. Although EIFS, can be applied over walls that use such stud framing and drywall, drywall itself is not a basic part of EIFS, and the problem is unrelated to EIFS. EIFS is an exterior cladding material, and is not an interior finish material. EIFS Research: The EIFS Industry Members Association (aka "EIMA - see also directly above) has published a document that describes recent technical research undertaken in conjunction with the US Government about the performance of EIFS. In particular, it addresses thermal and moisture issues of EIFS-clad wall versus other wall types. Worth reading. Click here to read. (It's a big PDF file, so give it a chance to download). This is important research and documents what the EIFS industry has been saying for years, namely, that EIFS performs as well or better than traditional claddings in terms of thermal and moisture behavior. Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board ("MgO" Board): MgO is a high performance mineral-based sheathing. It comes in the form of sheets, like drywall. It can be used as a substrate for EIFS and stucco and more. MgO is a widely-used product overseas, and is now being used in North America. This sheathing has the potential for being the next generation of drywall-like sheet sheathing products due to its strength and water resistance. Click here to go to Walls & Ceilings magazine for an informative article (by rgTHOMAS) on this product.
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