Eifs structures, methods of manufacturing and compositions for use in eifs cladding for reducing bird-related exterior wall damage

Abstract

An enhanced base coat for an exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) includes a bird repellent dispersed throughout a base material. A preferred bird repellent includes methyl anthranilate. EIFS claddings of the present invention include insulation boards mounted to a substrate with adhesive, the enhanced base coat applied to the exposed surface of the mounted insulation boards, a first mesh and an optional second mesh embedded in the enhanced base coat, and a finishing coat applied to the enhanced base coat in which the mesh(es) are embedded.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to techniques for reducing damage to exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) structures caused by birds. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions to be used in manufacture of EIFS structures, methods of building EIFS structures and EIFS structures to avoid substantial damage to such structures from pecking, drumming or drilling by birds.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) structures are exterior building wall cladding systems comprising an integrated system of multiple layers. EIFS is distinct from traditional stucco systems which utilize a mixture of Portland cement, sand and water, and are dense but substantially non-insulating. In contrast, EIFS creates a weather resistant, seamless, insulated finish to a residence or commercial building. In combination with windows, flashing and sealants, EIFS resists moisture penetration. The outer layer may be virtuall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an enhanced exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) cladding that includes insulation boards, an enhanced base coat, meshes, and a finish coat. The enhanced base coat includes a bird repellent dispersed in a base material. The finish coat may also include a bird repellent dispersed therein. The method of installing the EIFS cladding involves mounting insulation boards to the exterior substrate, applying the enhanced base coat to the insulation boards, embedding the meshes in the enhanced base coat, and applying the finish coat to the enhanced base coat. The technical effect of the invention is to provide an improved EIFS cladding that repels birds and other pests, which can damage the cladding and cause other issues with the structure.

Problems solved by technology

EIFS is distinct from traditional stucco systems which utilize a mixture of Portland cement, sand and water, and are dense but substantially non-insulating.

While buildings clad with EIFS and installed as described above have the substantial benefits previously mentioned, they can be vulnerable to damage from birds, in particular from woodpeckers, flickers and other birds which exhibit repetitive drilling, pecking or drumming behavior.

In particular, Northern and Red-Shafted Flickers, which inhabit the United States can cause problems in residential and commercial buildings.

However, the holes in EIFS created by these birds are not only unsightly, they create a point of entry to the building for moisture, allergens, dirt and animals.

Patching does not solve these problems, as the birds are not deterred from returning to the same location in the future or drilling elsewhere on the same building.

Accordingly, it is important to prevent flickers from creating holes for nests in buildings because once the flicker is established in the building hole, during the period from March 1 to July 1, problems created by the hole resulting from access to the building structure by moisture, insects and animals, cannot be readily solved.

However, this application technique to EIFS cladding does not always completely deter flickers from drilling holes into EIFS, it being postulated that the long beak of the flickers quickly passes through the outer facing surface of the EIFS to which the methyl anthranilate has been applied, and so is not sufficiently deterred by the irritating smell or dust of the methyl anthranilate to prevent creating of nesting holes in the insulation boards of the EIFS cladding.

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