While performing home inspections in NJ, I come across EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish System) exterior siding quite often. usually this type of exterior siding is found on homes in more upscale areas however it can be found just about anywhere because the builders love it because it is easy to install (almost\u00a0always installed incorrectly) and relatively inexpensive to apply. EIFS is basically a type of Styrofoam. The problem is that water or moisture can get behind the EIFS and once there it can not get out. The trapped water can cause wood rot, and is very conducive to mold growth. As a New Jersey home inspector it is imperative for me to identify this type of siding to my clients. When inspecting a home if I come across EIFS, I always recommend further testing by an EIFS specialist because if water is trapped behind the EIFS it is very expensive to remove all the exterior siding on the home. One of the very important things that we will be looking for as we perform your New Jersey home inspection is EIFS. In the future I plan to write an more in depth article about the use of EIFS and what defects are common. It is imperative that your New Jersey Home inspector\u00a0is familiar with EIFS, its installation and defects in order to provide you with the proper information regarding the EIFS exterior. This can be a very expensive fix, please be careful.<\/p>\n