N.C. Court Denies Coverage in Lawsuit Against EIFS Installer

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina's Court of Appeals on Sept. 7 affirmed summary judgment for an insurer that disputed whether its policy covered long-term water intrusion through an Exterior Insulation Finish System ('EIFS'). Miller v. Owens, et al., No. COA03-1101, (N.C. App.).

Liliane Miller purchased a home from Royce L. Owens Construction Inc. in February 1994. In July 1996, Miller discovered rotting wood on outdoor trim and a bulge in the synthetic stucco exterior (Exterior Insulation Finish System, or 'EIFS').

Miller sued Royce L. Owens and Bruce B. Blackmon (d/b/a Royce L. and Bruce B. Blackmon Owens) in …