An exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) wraps the outside of a building in insulation boards, then covers them with a reinforced basecoat and a decorative finish. In a hot climate like Dubai and Sharjah, insulating the outside of the wall helps cut the heat that reaches the rooms inside. Terraco EIFS Alpha is the system Terraco describes as its bestseller. This guide summarises Terraco’s own product page.
Key facts at a glance
- External insulation using EPS (expanded polystyrene) or G-EPS (graphite-enhanced EPS) boards.
- Used on new buildings and renovations, residential and commercial.
- Board thickness is chosen to meet the required thermal performance.
- Terraco’s EIFS guarantee requires installation by an Approved Terraco EIFS Applicator.
The layers of the system
From the wall outwards, Terraco lists these components:
- Terraco Styrofix: adhesive that bonds the boards to the wall.
- EPS or G-EPS insulation board.
- Mechanical fasteners: plastic fixings with plastic or steel pins, which also help resist wind loads on taller buildings.
- System profiles: trims for reinforcing and finishing around openings and sills.
- Terraco Styrobond DP basecoat: reinforced with EIFS glass-fibre mesh.
- Terraco P Primer.
- Decorative finish: a wall coating such as Terracoat, sometimes with a clear or pigmented topcoat.
EPS or G-EPS?
Terraco describes standard EPS as typically the most cost-effective board. G-EPS gives about 10% better thermal efficiency, so a thinner board can reach the same performance, which suits renovations where depth around windows is limited.
Published thermal values
Terraco publishes these figures for the insulation board alone. A lower U-value means less heat passes through.
| Board thickness | EPS U-value W/(m²·K) | G-EPS U-value W/(m²·K) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mm | 0.66 | 0.60 |
| 100 mm | 0.33 | 0.30 |
| 150 mm | 0.22 | 0.20 |
| 200 mm | 0.17 | 0.15 |
Terraco gives thermal conductivity of 0.033 W/(m·K) for EPS and 0.030 W/(m·K) for G-EPS. The final U-value of a wall also depends on the masonry behind it, so a consultant should calculate the whole wall build-up against the requirements for your project.
What to check before specifying EIFS
- Applicator: Terraco’s guarantee depends on installation by an Approved Terraco EIFS Applicator.
- Fire requirements: facade systems in the UAE are subject to fire and life-safety rules. Check the current requirements with your consultant and the relevant civil defence authority before specifying any insulated facade. Terraco provides fire break details among its technical drawings.
- Details: window heads, sills, movement joints and fire breaks need proper detailing. Terraco publishes reference drawings for these.
- Architectural features: mouldings made from the same EIFS materials can be added for decorative detailing.
Frequently asked questions
Can EIFS be added to an existing building?
Yes. Terraco lists renovation projects as a typical use, and suggests G-EPS where a thinner board is needed.
What finish goes on top?
A decorative wall coating. Terracoat is listed by Terraco as the finish for its EIFS, applied over Tex Primer.
Can I install EIFS myself?
It is not a DIY system. For the Terraco guarantee, installation must be done by an approved applicator.
Terraco EIFS materials in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised Terraco distributor and can supply the full Terraco range direct from the manufacturer, alongside National Paints, Berger and Jotun. Contact us about Terraco EIFS components, Terracoat finishes and primers for your project.
Sources
Retrieved 31 October 2026. Image from Unsplash: Ted Balmer (illustrative, not a Terraco project).
Weighing EPS against mineral wool or XPS? See EIFS Alpha vs Perma vs Polar, and for the finish coat, Terol vs Terracoat.
