Maintenance and Repairs

December 4, 2025 Published by South Alberta Chapter - By Eric Ararat

Protecting EIFS Cladding from Woodpecker Damage: What Condo Owners Need to Know

From the Fall 2025 issue of the CCI South Alberta CCI Review

Living in a condominium comes with its advantages, but exterior maintenance remains a crucial concern for owners and property managers. One unexpected issue that frequently arises is woodpecker damage to EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) cladding—a problem that can lead to costly repairs and long-term structural concerns.

Why Do Woodpeckers Target EIFS Cladding?

Woodpeckers peck at surfaces for a variety of reasons, including:

• Foraging for insects that may be hiding beneath the surface.
• Creating nesting sites in soft or damaged areas of EIFS.
• Marking territory with repetitive pecking behavior

Unfortunately, this activity can leave unsightly holes that compromise insulation and allow moisture intrusion, leading to increased energy costs and potential structural degradation.

Potential Solutions for Condo Owners

There are several proactive approaches condo owners can take to prevent and repair woodpecker damage to EIFS cladding.

Physical Deterrents

Installing deterrents is one effective way to discourage woodpecker activity. Options include:

• Reflective tape or deterrent discs that create movement and reflection to scare away birds.
• Netting or mesh barriers placed in problem areas to block access to vulnerable surfaces.
• Artificial predators, like owl decoys, to make the environment less inviting.

Reinforcement & Protective Coatings

Some EIFS cladding can be reinforced using protective coatings or strengthened materials that deter pecking. Solutions include:

• Additional protective layers, such as a cementitious coating, to reduce surface vulnerability.
• Alternative EIFS modifications, including stronger mesh reinforcement.
• Specialized surface treatments designed to make the material less attractive to woodpeckers.
• 10 year warranty.

Addressing Insect Infestations

Since woodpeckers often target EIFS due to insects burrowing beneath the surface, maintaining proper pest control is essential. If insect activity is detected, condo owners should consider:

• Regular inspections to identify signs of infestation early.
• Professional pest control treatments to eliminate insects that may attract woodpeckers.
• Sealing damaged areas to prevent pests from burrowing further into the cladding. 

Community-Based Prevention Strategies

For condo associations looking to minimize ongoing damage, implementing a community-wide strategy can be beneficial. This might include:

• Routine exterior inspections to catch signs of damage early.
• Encouraging residents to report woodpecker activity so action can be taken promptly.
• Exploring EIFS upgrades or alternative exterior materials that are more resistant to bird damage.

Final Thoughts

Woodpecker damage to EIFS cladding is a persistent issue for condo owners, but proactive prevention and maintenance can help protect building exteriors. By considering physical deterrents, reinforcement methods, pest control, and broader community strategies, condo associations can significantly reduce the risk of damage and lower long-term repair costs.

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Eric Ararat
Weststar