MS-00324 General MS For Terraco EIFS Alpha Low-Mid Rise V2021

GENERAL METHOD STATEMENT FOR
INSTALLATION OF TERRACO EIFS ALPHA SYSTEM (ADHESIVELY FIXED WITH

SUPPLEMENTARY FASTENERS FOR LOW/MID RISE BUILDINGS)
AREA OF APPLICATION
TERRACO EIFS can be defined as an energy efficient non ventilated thermal wrapping
applied to the exterior surfaces of a building finished with a long-life, decorative, and
protective coating system. Terraco EIFS Alpha system uses Expanded Polystyrene as the
insulation material. TERRACO EIFS Systems can be used on new and old building and will
substantially reduce heating or cooling costs and allows for lower energy demand cooling
systems, consequently helping to reduce green-house gas emissions.
AREA OF USE:
TERRACO EIFS Alpha can be used on both old and new constructions. As it is applied as an exterior system, it is
highly suitable for upgrading older buildings to reduce cooling operating costs while giving a new attractive finish.
The building classification for the Terraco EIFS Systems are categorized as seen below:
Low Rise Buildings: 0 to 15mtr Height.

Mid Rise Buildings: 15 to 23mtr Height.
Low/Mid Rise EIFS

Terraco EIFS Alpha (EPS)
200mm high
Mineral Wool Fire Barrier
Required between Floors
Starting at 2nd Floor &
At each Floor Level Above
Terraco EIFS Alpha system - Fire barrier from 2nd floor
1/13
MS-00324 General MS for Terraco EIFS Alpha System Low / Mid Rise V2021 (TERRACO UAE LTD. CO.)
TERRACO EIFS (Alpha EPS) Mineral Wool Fire Barrier Locations in Low / Mid - Rise Building Design.
The design of Low / Medium Rise Buildings EIFS is project and location specific. Prior to completion of tender
documentation building designers and fire safety consultants should consult with Terraco UAE’s Technical
Department to confirm on tender drawings the agreed location of Mineral Wool Fire Barriers on the Elevations of the
Terraco EIFS System. (Typically, as indicated between floors from 2nd – top floor – Exact definition is project specific
– please consult with Terraco Technical Representative).
BUILDING DESIGN TEAM / EIFS SUB-CONTRACTOR / TERRACO -PRE-START-EIFS FIRE SAFETY MEETING.
-- Prior to start of project start up Terraco technical engineer to attend building consultants design team meeting with
fire safety consultant / designer in attendance.
-- Positions of fire compartmentation of Terraco EIFS (Alpha) is advised in this document and as per international EIFS
industry standards for low / mid-rise buildings- 200mm high Mineral Wool Fire breaks/Barriers between floors 2nd, 3rd,
4th up to top floor compartments.
1. SURFACE PREPARATION: The surface should be clean, dry, and sound. The treatments below MUST be
implemented should any of the below symptoms prevail.
SYSTEM SYMPTOM TREATMENT
Damp Rectify causes and allow drying out.

Brush down, pressure clean and prime with TERRACO TERRABOND A
Dusty / Dirty
(diluted 1: 5 with water).
Seal the substrate by applying TERRACO TERRABOND A (diluted 1: 5 with
High porosity (AAC / ALC Blocks)
water).
Efflorescence Brush down and prime with TERRACO SILPRIME.
Clean, sterilize with TERRACO Sterilizing Solution and prime with
Algae / Mold
TERRACO TERRABOND A (diluted 1:5 with water).
Mortar Lumps Remove mechanically.
Grease, shutter oil remains Steam clean, using detergent additives. Wash off again with water.
Remove loose render; fill holes and repair the surface where required with
Render with damaged areas TERRACO TERRAMIX MORTAR.
Brush down, clean and prime with TERRACO TERRABOND A (diluted 1: 5 with
Chalky Coatings
water).
Remove old coating, pressure clean and prime with TERRACO
Peeling Coatings TERRABOND A (diluted 1:5 with water).
2/13
METHOD OF APPLICATION
2. BEARING PROFILE INSTALLATION:
1. Inspect substrate levelness vertically and horizontally with 5m straight edge prior to base profile installation.
(Refer to Terraco Architectural submission document “Evaluation of substrate and EIFS Finishes / Acceptable
Tolerances” for guidance).
2. The exact position of the base termination needs to be agreed with Terraco Technical representative in
conjunction with main contractor and signed off by building designer prior to start by Applicator. The bearing
profile location is typically at DPC level. It should not be above the level of internal ground floor of air-
conditioned buildings. As external ground / grade level can vary the position, above external ground level
cannot be used as a reference level. If there is any doubt, Installers / Building Designers / Main Contractors
should contact Terraco for site review.
3. Below Ground Floor / DPC Terraco EIFS details (Although not mandatory) is recommended to be installed
to increase thermal performance i.e. Installation of EIFS below DPC level will prevent thermal bridging and
will increase energy conservation/ energy savings. Location of below DPC Terraco EIFS detailing will also
avoid aesthetic issues at junction of Terraco EIFS and external ground level. Consult with Terraco Technical
Representatives for details.
4. Bearing profiles should be mechanically fixed to substrate at 300mmm centers. Bearing profiles should not
overlap, they should be leveled and butt jointed / fixed. Use appropriate Terraco spacers at the rear of base
profile. The spacer thickness can be varied – For level substrates, allow for 3- 5mm spacer gap for the
thickness of the EIFS adhesive application. For very uneven walls, the spacer thickness can be adjusted to
allow for higher thickness board applications.
5. The thickness / depth of the bearing profile should correspond to the thickness of the insulation board
specified for the specific area on the project.
6. Back wrapping with reinforcing fiberglass mesh and embedding mortar (TERRACO STYROBOND DP) is
recommended for all system base terminations to reinforce the edges and prevent water ingress. All base
terminations to be provided with PVC Drip Nose Bead, additional to back-wrapping.
3/13
3. ADHESIVE FIXING OF EPS INSULATION BOARDS:
1. Recommended dimension of the Insulation board: 0.6m x 1.2m. The recommended density of EPS insulation
boards is typically between 15 - 18 kg/m3 but size of the boards can vary according to design team
specification. Thickness of board varies according to design team specification to achieve specified U-
Values. The Normal (White) Expanded Polystyrene / Graphite Enhanced (Grey) Expanded Polystyrene
insulation boards should be project approved, Type-1, fire retardant, CFC free and should comply to ASTM E-
84 class-A, ASTM C578, ASTM E-2430 standards and local regulations.
2. EPS board should be thoroughly cleaned and free from dust, dirt prior to installation.
2.1 For level & even substrate: Apply 1 coat of TERRACO STYROFIX adhesive over the entire insulation board
surface using a 10mm notched trowel.
2.2 For uneven substrates, with up to 15 mm variation in level: Apply TERRACO STYROFIX adhesive using dab
& ribbon method covering 60% of the board.
2.3 For variations above 15 mm: Main Contractor/building design team to be consulted to review and to
confirm acceptable substrate levelness tolerances for EIFS are not met and to agree on remedy (One option
is to increase the board thickness). For minor protrusions in substrate localized chipping can be undertaken
following agreement with main contractor. Cutting the rear of the specified insulation boards thickness is
not permitted as it will result in wall U- Values not being achieved. Increasing the thickness of insulation
board can be considered for uneven substrate, in this situation the back of increased thickness boards can
be cut, but it must be approved by Terraco technical representative in writing before commencement.
Adhesive
to cover
60% of
board
Level Substrate (Method 1. Notched Trowel) Uneven Substrate up to 10mm. (Method 2. Ribbon and Dab)
3. Insulation board edges should be kept adhesive free to prevent thermal bridging.
4. Fix insulation boards in staggered pattern (running bond) and ensure all outside and inside corners are
interlocked. Offset insulation board’s joints 200mm or more from the corners of openings around doors,
windows, or other similar conditions. Ensure that all opening corners are cut (L-shape) from one piece of
board. Insulation boards must not bridge expansion joints in masonry or concrete substrates. Install a
movement / expansion bead if such joints are present.
4/13
5. Affix insulation board to the substrate ensuring it is level (use plumb line / spirit level).
6. Back wrapping with reinforcing fiberglass mesh and embedding mortar (TERRACO STYROBOND DP) is
recommended for all insulation boards edges at system terminations (ends / openings) to reinforce the edges
and prevent water ingress.
7. Allow TERRACO STYROFIX board adhesive to dry for 24 hours.
8. Inspect board levels and where necessary rasp out any undulations in EPS boards.
9. Avoid gaps between EPS boards. In event of gaps > 2 mm, fill with slivers of insulation board and trim level
with board surface.
10. Co-ordinate for the approval of board levels prior to mechanical fixing.
4. MECHANICAL FIXING / FASTENERS / DOWELS OF EPS BOARD:
Note: Terraco EIFS Alpha System is designed as adhesively fixed EIFS System with supplementary fasteners. The
following instructions for FASTENER INSTALLATION are based on building heights defined as Low / Mid Rise up
to 23 meters in height.
1. Terraco Mechanical Fasteners are fixed directly through the uncoated board after a minimum of 24 hours
from adhesive fixing. See Figure A & Figure B for location of Fasteners per board. See Figures C & Figure D
for additional fasteners around openings, parapets and corners as specified in the project.
2. For Concrete, Solid Concrete and Hollow Concrete Block substrates:

- Terraco EIFS Mechanical Fasteners (PP dowel with PP/PA nail) should penetrate minimum of 4 cm to
secure anchorage.
For AAC / ALC substrates:

secure anchorage.
For Sheathing Board substrates:

- Terraco EIFS Mechanical Fasteners (PP flange with self-drilling screws) should penetrate through the
sheathing board and partially extend (minimum 15 mm) out from the other side of the board to ensure
anchorage.
For Thermal Block substrates:

secure anchorage.
3. Ensure dowel heads are level with the insulation boards to prevent bumps in the final finish.
5/13
4. For height up to 23 meters, we recommend a minimum of 4 Fasteners at the corner junctions & 1 fastener in
the center of each board (for board of size 0.6m x1.2m) according to Figure A and additional fasteners around
windows / doors / openings and corners as indicated in Figure C & D.
5. Terraco Fasteners and dowels are made of plastic to avoid thermal bridging.
6. Co-ordinate for the approval of Terraco mechanical fixing prior to patching over dowel heads.
7. All dowel heads must be patched over with TERRACO STYROBOND DP and left to dry before basecoat is
applied.
Dowel Fixing for Terraco EIFS Alpha System
Figure A
Dowel Fixing for height < 23 meters
Figure B
Terraco EIFS Alpha System – Dowel Arrangement
6/13
Figure C
Additional Fasteners “A” required at building corners
Figure D
Additional Fasteners “A” required at opening
5. ADHESIVE FIXING of 200mm HIGH MW (MINERAL WOOL) FIRE BARRIER
NOTE: MINERAL WOOL CANNOT BE RASPED LEVEL. AS A RESULT, THE CORRECT & CAREFUL SETTING OUT /
LEVELLING OF MINERAL WOOL IN CONJUNCTION WITH ADJACENT EPS NEEDS TO BE PRECISE TO AVOID
UNDULATIONS IN FINISH BETWEEN EPS AND MINERAL WOOL.
1. Recommended dimension of the mineral wool fire barrier (MW boards): 0.2 m x 1.2m (the recommended
density of fire barrier is typically between 128- 145 kg/m3. The mineral wool boards should be primed with
7/13
Terraco Terrabond-A solution (1-part Terrabond-A to 5 parts of water) on both sides & allow to dry overnight
prior to installation.
2. Locate position of horizontal band of 200mm high MW Fire Barrier (each board is 200mm high x 1200mm).
The location is at each floor level 2nd, 3rd, 4th,etc. to final Floor Slab. See Fire barrier image.
3. Apply 1 coat of TERRACO STYROFIX adhesive over the entire Fire Break Mineral Wool insulation board surface
using a 10mm notched trowel and slowly press board onto located position on substrate.
4. Ensure Mineral wool is 5mm recessed from level adjacent EPS boards. (See Mineral Wool Fire barrier details)
Use plumb line / spirit level / 2 Meter straight edge.
5. Ensure that no air gaps have formed between board and substrate.
6. MECHANICAL FIXING OF MW FIRE BARRIER
1. Terraco Mechanical Fasteners (PP dowels with metal nail) are fixed directly through the uncoated Mineral
Wool board after a minimum of 24 hours (refer fixing pattern diagram for required number of fasteners for
1200mm x 200 mm board).
2. Terraco Mechanical Fasteners (PP dowels with metal nail) should penetrate a minimum of 4 cm into concrete
substrate and a minimum of 7cm into the AAC / ALC substrates to secure anchorage. Ensure dowel heads are
level with the Mineral Wool insulation boards.
3. Co-ordinate for the approval of Terraco mechanical fixing prior to patching over dowel heads. All dowel heads
must be patched over with TERRACO STYROBOND DP and left to dry before basecoat is applied.
8/13
7. DRIP NOSE BEAD, CORNER PROFILES & DIAGONAL MESH APPLICATION:
1. For corners, columns, window / door jambs & sills, use PVC corner beads with fiberglass mesh (10cm x 10cm)
to give straight edges.
2. For all opening lintels and base terminations, use PVC drip nose beads with fiberglass mesh (10cm x 10cm) to
facilitate easy flow of water & to give a straight edge.
3. Fix diagonal stress patch mesh on all corners where the mesh of the corner beads overlaps to prevent cracks
at corners as indicated in Figure E.
Important*: It is essential to use beading to avoid cracks and leakage around windows and door reveals. Fire
rated sealant should be used in conjunction with beading as a flexible gap filler and fire rated sealant at
junctions with substrate / window door frames.
Figure E
Terraco EIFS Corner Bead and Diagonal Terramesh Stress Patches to all openings
8. BASECOAT APPLICATION:
CONTACT AREAS - For areas up to 2m height from ground level and as per project building requirements.
1. Apply 1st coat of TERRACO STYROBOND DP by trowel to an approximate thickness of 2mm and immediately
embed the 160 g/m2 fiber glass mesh (TERRAMESH STD) into the surface by troweling from the center
outwards to avoid any wrinkles. Overlap all fiber glass mesh (TERRAMESH STD) edges by 10cm. Level with a
60cm scraper without sprinkling water on the surface. Allow the first layer of TERRACO STYROBOND DP 12 –
16 hours drying time before applying the second layer.
2. After drying the 1st coat, lightly dampen the dried coat of TERRACO STYROBOND DP with water using a mist
sprayer; prior to application of second layer of TERRACO STYROBOND DP.
3. Apply 2nd coat of TERRACO STYROBOND DP by trowel to an approximate thickness of 2mm and immediately
embed the 160 g/m² fiber glass mesh TERRAMESH STD. into the surface by troweling from the center
9/13
outwards to avoid any wrinkles. Overlap fiber glass mesh TERRAMESH STD edges by 10 cm. Level with a 60cm
scraper without sprinkling water on the surface. Allow the second layer of TERRACO STYROBOND DP 12 – 16
hours drying time before applying the third layer.
4. Following drying of 2nd coat, lightly dampen the dried second coat of TERRACO STYROBOND DP with water
using a knapsack mist sprayer. Apply 3rd coat of TERRACO STYROBOND DP by trowel at 1mm to 1.5mm
thickness. Ensure the full cover of the mesh and level off with a 60cm scraper without sprinkling water on
the surface.
5. Apply 1 coat of TERRACO TERRABOND A solution (1 part of TERRACO TERRABOND A mixed with 5 parts
water) over the entire surface dry TERRACO STYROBOND DP and allow to dry for 72 hours prior to
subsequent applications.
NON - CONTACT AREAS
1. Apply 1st coat of TERRACO STYROBOND DP by trowel to an approximate thickness of 2mm and immediately
embed the 160 g/m² fiber glass mesh (TERRAMESH STD) into the surface by troweling from the center
outwards to avoid any wrinkles. Do not overlap all fiber glass mesh edges by 10cm.
Level with a 60cm scraper without sprinkling water on the surface. Allow the first layer of TERRACO
STYROBOND DP 12 – 16 hours drying time before applying the second layer.
2. Dampen the first layer of TERRACO STYROBOND DP with water using a knapsack mist sprayer. Apply 2nd and
final coat of TERRACO STYROBOND DP by trowel at 1mm - 2 mm thickness. Ensure the full cover of the mesh
and level off with a 60cm scraper without sprinkling water on the surface. Total thickness of basecoat should
be 3mm – 4mm (material consumption: 5 -7 kg/m2).
3. Allow the last layer of the TERRACO STYROBOND DP to dry overnight.
4. Co-ordinate for the approval of basecoat levels prior to TERRACO TERRABOND A solution application.
5. Apply 1 coat of TERRACO TERRABOND A solution (1 part of TERRACO TERRABOND A mixed with 5 parts
water) over the entire surface dry TERRACO STYROBOND DP and allow to dry for 72 hours prior to
subsequent applications.
10/13
P.N. It is important to prevent water ingress behind the EIF system. Therefore, special care should be taken to
treat all gaps between system & walls especially above window & door heads, beneath window & door sills, sides
of windows &doors, at roof / wall intersections, abutments of lower walls with higher walls, projecting features
& base of the walls etc. Fill in the gaps with low expansion PU foam, cut back and seal with appropriate exterior
grade fire rated sealant. A better option would be to fix suitable aluminum flashing over these gaps to direct
water to the exterior. The top of the parapet wall should be covered with suitable aluminum or GRC coping. Gaps
around flashings should be sealed with fire rated sealant. Gaps between aluminum base profile & walls should
also be foam sealed and trimmed back level prior to installation of boards.
9. DECORATIVE FINISH:
Option A. (TERRACOAT TEXTURED COATING)
1. Roller apply 1 coat of TERRACO TEX PRIMER (white or neutral) and allow to dry for 4 – 6 hours.
2. Apply coat/s of TERRACO TERRACOAT TEXTURED COATING (non-pigmented) as per approved finish using
roller, spray, or trowel to a thickness of 1.5 – 2.0 mm. Allow to dry overnight.
3. Roller apply 2 coats of TERRACO TERRACOAT STAIN (approved color) leaving 4 – 6 hours drying time
between coats. Avoid flooding of material on the surface to prevent cracking of topcoat.
4. Ensure that the application operation is continuous to avoid dry edges. Plan work accordingly.
Option B. (TERRACOAT TEXTURED COATING – LOW BUILD, CONSOLIDATE WITH STYROSKIM PUTTY)
1. Apply 1 coat of TERRACO STYROSKIM PUTTY over the entire area using stainless steel trowel to an approximate
thickness of 1 mm. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
2. Roller apply 1 coat of TERRACO TEX PRIMER (white or neutral) and allow to dry for 4 – 6 hours.
11/13
3. Apply coat/s of TERRACO TERRACOAT TEXTURED COATING (non-pigmented) as per approved finish using roller,
spray, or trowel to a thickness of approximate 1 mm. Allow to dry overnight.
4. Roller apply 2 coats of TERRACO TERRACOAT STAIN (approved color) leaving 4 – 6 hours drying time between
coats. Avoid flooding of material on the surface to prevent cracking of topcoat.
5. Ensure that application operation is continuous to avoid dry edges. Plan work accordingly.
Option C. (SMOOTH FINISH - TERRACOAT STAIN OVER STYROSKIM PUTTY)
1. Apply 2 coats of TERRACO STYROSKIM PUTTY on the entire area using trowel to an approximate thickness of 1
mm per coat. Allow overnight drying time between coats.
2. Apply additional coat if required and level smooth using 60 cm scraper. Allow final coat to dry for 24 hours.
3. Roller apply 2 coats of TERRACO TERRACOAT STAIN (approved color) leaving 4 – 6 hours drying time between
coats. Avoid flooding of material on the surface to prevent cracking of topcoat.
4. Ensure that application operation is continuous to avoid dry edges. Plan work accordingly.
Option D. (TERRALITE STONE COATING)
TERRALITE TRUSTONE
1. Apply 1st coat of TERRACO TERRALITE UNDERCOAT (color to match Terraco Terralite Trustone) using brush,
roller or spray. Allow to dry for 4 – 6 hours.
2. Apply 2nd coat of TERRACO TERRALITE UNDERCOAT (color to match Terraco Terralite Trustone) using brush,
roller, or spray. Allow to dry for 4 – 6 hours. Ensure that second coat gives uniform color to the substrate.
Application operation should be continuous to avoid dry edges.
3. Apply 2 c0ats of TERRACO TERRALITE TRUSTONE using hopper gun at total consumption rate of 2.5 – 3.5
kg/m2. Apply 1st coat of Terraco Terralite Trustone at rate of 1.5-2 kg/m2, allow to partially set and apply wet-
on-wet 2nd coat of Terraco Terralite Trustone at rate of 1-1.5 kg/m2 to provide hammer finish or lightly knocked
down with a trowel to produce a pitted look as per approved finish. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
4. Apply 2 coats of TERRACO TERRALITE GLAZE-COAT using spray equipment. Allow 3 – 4 hours drying time in
between coats. Ensure that the material is not flooded while application. Non uniform application of Terralite
Glaze-Coat results in patchiness.
Option E. (TERRALITE FINE)
1. Roller apply 1 coat of TERRACO P PRIMER HB TEXTURED using stainless steel trowel or hopper gun at a
consumption rate of appx. 0.6 kg/m2. Allow to dry for 6 – 8 hrs.
2. Apply 1 coat of TERRACO TERRALITE FINE using stainless steel trowel at a consumption rate of 2.5 – 3.0 kg/m2.
12/13
3. Allow TERRACO TERRALITE FINE to set for 2 minutes, then finish with a wet trowel to achieve smooth even
surface. Allow to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
For better dirt pickup resistance properties, apply TERRACO TERRALITE GLAZE-COAT as follows:
5. Apply 2 coats of TERRACO TERRALITE GLAZE-COAT using spray equipment. Allow 3 – 4 hours drying time in
between coats. Ensure that the material is not flooded while application. Non uniform application of Terralite
Glaze-Coat results in patchiness.
Note:
• The application of Terracoat Stain (2 coats) should be done with minimal & uniform material loading on the
surface for uniform appearance.
• Terracoat Stain should be spread evenly. Pooling / flooding of the material should be avoided as this will cause
surface cracks.
• It is recommended to induce aesthetic groove for Terracoat Stain application to minimize the visual variation
due to surface undulation.
• For better color consistency, it is recommended to apply Terracoat stain with same batch number (single batch
production) over one complete elevation.
• The surface should be clean, dry & free from dust, dirt & any foreign matter prior to application.
• Application should not be done at extremely low or high temperatures (< 5oC or > 40oC) and/or in very windy
conditions. Plan work accordingly.
• Do not apply if rain is expected over the next 24 hours. Above mentioned products are not resistant to rain until
fully dry. Work should be planned / done under dry conditions.
• Drying time depends on the climatic conditions.
• Clean all tools & equipment with water after use.
• Refer to all Technical Data Sheets and Material Safety Data Sheets prior to application.
13/13

MS-00324 General MS For Terraco EIFS Alpha Low-Mid Rise V2021

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MS-00324 General MS For Terraco EIFS Alpha Low-Mid Rise V2021

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GENERAL METHOD STATEMENT FOR

INSTALLATION OF TERRACO EIFS ALPHA SYSTEM (ADHESIVELY FIXED WITH

Low Rise Buildings: 0 to 15mtr Height.

Low/Mid Rise EIFS

Terraco EIFS Alpha system - Fire barrier from 2nd floor

SYSTEM SYMPTOM TREATMENT

Damp Rectify causes and allow drying out.

2. BEARING PROFILE INSTALLATION:

7. Allow TERRACO STYROFIX board adhesive to dry for 24 hours.

4. MECHANICAL FIXING / FASTENERS / DOWELS OF EPS BOARD:

2. For Concrete, Solid Concrete and Hollow Concrete Block substrates:

For AAC / ALC substrates:

For Sheathing Board substrates:

For Thermal Block substrates:

Dowel Fixing for Terraco EIFS Alpha System

5. ADHESIVE FIXING of 200mm HIGH MW (MINERAL WOOL) FIRE BARRIER

6. MECHANICAL FIXING OF MW FIRE BARRIER

NON - CONTACT AREAS

3. Allow the last layer of the TERRACO STYROBOND DP to dry overnight.

Option A. (TERRACOAT TEXTURED COATING)

Option C. (SMOOTH FINISH - TERRACOAT STAIN OVER STYROSKIM PUTTY)

Option D. (TERRALITE STONE COATING)

Option E. (TERRALITE FINE)

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