Face-Sealed EIFS and Sealant Joints

EIFS, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, are appropriate for nearly any location if the proper drainage measures are designed and executed. In low-drying or high-humidity locations, ones with substantial annual rainfall, moisture must be prevented from entering at joint locations. And water should also be allowed to drain via an designed cavity that prevents penetration into the interior gypsum and other insulating materials.

By limiting temperature transfer from the outside, EIFS construction layers are engineered to act as a blanket to lower energy costs substantially. However, when that blanket becomes wet and will not dry in a short ime, problems begin to arise. The issues can be in the form of mold development and deterioration of the material components.

Drainage and Seals

Two separate measures are employed to combat moisture and reduce the potential for water and high humidity damage to EIFS layers. These measures should be properly executed during the initial construction or remodel.

Drainage Plane- Creating a drainage cavity or gap between the outer EIFS surface and the interior glass-matted gypsum allows moisture that penetrates through the stucco-like surface to drain downward and out through the base of the wall. This drainable EIFS assembly process eliminates most of the moisture retention problems that plagued earlier versions of EIFS.

Sealant Joints- The other major culprit to accumulating moisture in EIFS construction are the joints that surround windows, balconies, and doors. Also, rain may flow through the roof joints into the EIFS lamina if these are not properly sealed. In areas where drying periods are longer or rain is less frequent, the materials my dry out within a reasonable time. But in rainy areas, these potential problem spots can allow moisture to enter without proper sealing.

To ensure a perfect sealing process in every potential trouble spot, Building Science recommends that the sealant must:

●       Adhere well to the lamina

●       Be ultraviolet light resistant

●       Not be stronger than the base coat bond strength

●       Be affordable

If joint sealants are applied perfectly, the building owner should not experience problems. Regular inspection to determine whether the sealants are holding should identify problems that may be developing.

Sealants can be reapplied when necessary to prevent further damage.

Contact ProCoat Systems

EIFS installation must be performed perfectly to be fully effective. In high precipitation and excessive humidity, moisture can develop anywhere.

If you have questions regarding the practicality and economy of EIFS in future construction and remodeling, be sure to seek expert advice. The cladding professionals at ProCoat Systems in Denver are available to discuss the technical aspects of EIFS construction for your building.

Call 303-322-9009 for more information.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/face-sealed-eifs-sealant-joints/

Planning a Patio with Pavers

Patios built with quality pavers offer many advantages over other types of surfaces. Available in a wide range of attractive styles and colors, a well-installed paver patio can add a delightful ambiance to outdoor living areas.

Belgard®, the world leader in paver products, offers a wide assortment of sizes, colors, and textures. Matching the patio to other elements of the home or other exterior features is far easier with pavers than with solid concrete surfaces.

Developing the Plan

In countless instances, Belgard pavers have improved the beauty and value of homes and commercial buildings. Creating just the right atmosphere in your outdoor space requires imagination and vision and, of course, a plan. Imagine the space populated with just the right colors, texture, shapes, borders and accents. Belgard, a world-class partner of ProCoat Systems in Denver, offers a complete selection of options to fit any dream.

The central considerations for choosing the best look for your patio, driveways, and walkways are:

Color: Belgard pavers are available in neutral and natural shades, similar to the various colors of natural stone. Pavers are not intended to impart a stark or overpowering look, but to provide a relaxing and compatible shade that complements the surroundings. Colors range from tans, ivory, various grays, pinks, and combinations of these to harmonize with the exterior of the home or building.

Shapes: Although rectangles and squares have been a standard for pavers for many years, paver designers at Belgard have developed several more shapes to add even more interest to the finished area. A wide spectrum of patterns and themes may be created using diverse and more interesting styles.

Texture: From smooth to tumbled, contemporary to antique, Belgard pavers come in a variety of textures to create a mood and feel that cannot be duplicated with standard paving products.

Borders and Accessories: Once the principal paving style is established, add sparkle to the design with contrasting or complementary borders and accessories. These finishing touches are important and will add drama to your final design choices.

Advantages of Quality Pavers vs Concrete Patios

Particularly in areas where winters may be severe, concrete patios tend to break up and crack eventually. Variability of climate causes expansion and contraction that will result in those unsightly breaks that we see everywhere with concrete surfaces. Pavers, because of the spacing between individual units can manage temperature extremes far better. Whenever a paver does become damaged or unsightly for any reason, individual units can be replaced easily.

Also, due of the varied colors, shapes, and textures of pavers, you can develop a much more artistic and pleasing appearance to your patio than with other materials.

Contact ProCoat for Professional Paver Support

The professionals at ProCoat of Denver are experts in the design and selection of high quality, attractive paver projects. Call ProCoat at 303.322.9009 for answers to any paver questions.

Also, visit the ProCoat website for new ideas for walls, flooring, and exterior claddings at http://www.procoatsystems.com/.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/planning-patio-pavers/

Boral Versetta Stone Veneer

A global leader in high-quality material and construction materials, Boral Limited continues to develop innovative easy-to-install solutions that create style, grandeur, and sustainability for interior and exterior surfaces. The Versetta line of manufactured stone veneers provide home and business owners a wide range of new looks for new construction or remodeling.

ProCoat Systems, a Denver-based supplier of high quality building cladding products, has chosen to partner with Boral because of the beauty and practicality of their broad range of products. One particular line, Boral Versetta Stone® revolutionizes the installation of stone veneers to achieve the appearance and elegance of natural stone products.

How Are Versetta Stone Veneer Products Installed?

Over the years, Boral has perfected the art of creating manufactured stone products to duplicate the colors, textures, and durability of natural stone. These products are designed for easy handling and installation to save substantial time and money.

Installation of Versetta Stone Veneer panels is similar to the methods used for installing other types of siding. The interlocking panels are 8” x 36” in size with 26-guage galvanized nailing strips which are guaranteed for non-corrosion for 60 years. Versetta products have with flat panels underneath, and employ universal corners, mechanical fasteners, and flashing to attach the panels to any substrate. Nail gun, hammer, drill, measuring device, and safety equipment are the essential equipment required. There is no need for mortar or natural stone cutting saws.

The lightweight, fiber-reinforced panels are rated for wind resistance up to 110 MPH and rated Class A for fire resistance. The products are guaranteed with a 50-year limited warranty.

More information and video demonstrations regarding the simplicity of installing Boral’s Versetta Stone Veneer are available on the Boral website.

What are the Style Choices?

One major advantage to choosing Versetta Stone for interior or exterior walls is the range of styles and colors from which to choose. Styles include Ledgestone and Tight-Cut, each with a wide assortment of colors, textures and compatible accessories such as light and receptacle boxes, trim stones, and wainscot caps and sills.

Ledgestone and Tight-Cut styles and colors range from nearly white Sand to very dark Graphite. In between are Mission Point, Terra Rosa, and Sterling.

And, Boral provides Stone CAD (computer aided design) that superimposes any choice of Versetta design over photographs of existing walls and exterior surfaces to determine the ideal choice of designs.

For More Information Contact ProCoat of Denver

ProCoat specializes in the world’s finest construction and cladding materials. A valued partner of Boral, ProCoat experts can advise you of the best solutions and installation procedures for Boral Versetta products.

Visit the ProCoat website or phone 303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/boral-versetta-stone-veneer/

EIFS Material – Part of the Perfect Wall

Buildings of every type are intended to provide essential shelter for everything within. Whether the structure is designed to protect people, animals, equipment, or products, roofing and walls should be able to resist rain, snow, wind, and other natural forces. And in most cases, the walls of buildings that house people and temperature or moisture-sensitive goods should have ample thermal retention and moisture resistant properties.

According to a Building Science Corporation blog, the perfect wall must incorporate layers that provide:

●       Thermal control to keep energy from escaping and maintain proper temperatures.

●       Air control and the ability to prevent unwanted exterior air to enter.

●       Vapor control to keep moisture from penetrating the interior layers of the wall.

●       Rain control to prevent saturation of the inner walls and to prevent water from entering the interior.

Similarly, a properly constructed wall should muffle exterior noise.

How EIFS Has Become the Perfect Wall Solution

Building each of these properties into a long-lasting, economical cladding system has been an engineering evolution. Properly applied EIFS, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, does provide all of the necessary thermal air, vapor, and rain control.

EIFS cladding consists of several layers of materials which, when properly applied, maintain significant energy savings while providing a comfortable interior atmosphere for the occupants. EIFS construction consists of the integration of several complementing layers working together to protect the interior of the building.

From the inside out, EIFS layers consist of:

●       Water-resistive barrier over the substrate

●       Drainage plane to eliminate the potential for accumulated moisture

●       Insulation board to minimize energy loss

●       Glass fiber mesh

●       Water-resistant base coat over the insulation applied to the mesh

●       Crack-resistant acrylic co-polymer material, similar in appearance to stucco but with superior rain repellent properties.

Flashing and drain elements are added at the base of the cladding and around windows and doors to allow water to drain downward.

EIFS and the “Perfect Wall”

EIFS was originally developed as a wall cladding to ensure that heat or energy loss would be help at a minimum, much like putting on a heavy coat on a cold day. Over time, new techniques and materials have added even greater moisture control benefits that enhance the durability and effectiveness of the system. With the proper application, EIFS will provide the utmost in comfort while saving significantly on energy costs.

Contact ProCoat Systems in Denver

For questions regarding highly efficient Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), contact ProCoat Systems, the expert in all forms of cladding materials.

Visit the ProCoat website to view their full range of construction and remodeling ideas and phone 303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/eifs-material-part-perfect-wall/