Different cladding systems have inherently different hygrothermal performance characteristics. This paper looks at comparative test evaluation methods and tools applicable for various claddings and climatic loads. The hygrothermal performance of an EIF system is evaluated to demonstrate the methodology for total hygrothermal performance characterization and subsystem performance, such as drainage and ventilation drying. A series of laboratory tests have been performed to develop system characteristic performance data by employing a moisture engineering framework. Results were developed to characterize the drainage of EIFS clad wall systems under realistic loading. The drying performance of these walls was then investigated as a function of exterior loading employing advanced hygrothermal modeling. Results of the tests also provided validation data to computer modeling. Hygrothermal modeling was employed to develop the criteria required for moisture design and to perform relative performance ranking of various wall claddings in a wall cladding selection program as a function of both interior and exterior environmental loading.