Mesh: A True Team Player for EIFS

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson, owner of 13 NBA Championship rings–11 as a coach with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, and two as a player for the New York Knicks.

This simple phrase epitomizes the value of a united group and what it means to work together to achieve a common goal. We’re all familiar with the power that comes from teamwork, whether it’s your hometown team on the field or the numerous individuals working to provide products and services. That level of teamwork also applies to buildings and the products used to construct them – all the pieces fitting together to form a cohesive structure.

One assembly in particular, wall cladding, has a team of its own called EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish System, typically made up of several different layers. Just like any environment involving teamwork, there’s always a member that helps strengthen the team and allows them perform better. For EIFS, that additional support comes in the form of reinforcing mesh.

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Take a short time out and read on to see why mesh is a true team player helping EIFS score in performance, durability, aesthetics and more.

Impact Player

Mesh functions in much the same way as the special fibers found in bulletproof vests. Rather than allowing the projectile to pass through, the network of fibers in the vest work together to redistribute and absorb the impact. Similarly, mesh helps redistribute stress on the wall more evenly, rather than allowing it to build up at the particular point of impact. Mesh gives the system strength, and greater amounts of quality mesh provide higher levels of strength.

Equipment Check

Ensuring equipment is properly checked is a critical component of any game and untested equipment can result in defeat or worse. EIFS manufacturers extensively test and qualify all components of their systems to ensure building safety compliance and high-performing solutions.  EIFS have passed a range of third-party tests – from NFPA 285 (fire performance testing) to Miami-Dade County Hurricane Test – meeting the standards set forth by each test. So, whether high-performance in a fire or a Category 5 hurricane, mesh is the center of defense.

A Stronger Roster

Because EIFS are proprietary, and the strength of the overall system–like a team–is only as strong as its weakest link. Installers must follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and the proper products must be used to ensure design intent is met. If the mesh is improperly installed or the mesh product was not part of the tested system, you could be in for trouble. With the game on the line would you choose a substitute from the stands? You may have good intentions but it’s better to set yourself up to win from the start.

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If you’ve kept up with our basketball references this far, then hopefully you’ve been able to grasp the importance of why the mesh layer in EIFS is so important. Because like the Zen master Phil Jackson alluded to, a system is tougher together, and when the components of the system complement one another, you can build towards a stronger, more rewarding future and a better quality, longer-lasting building exterior.

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