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 are available to discuss the technical aspects of EIFS construction for your building.

This article originally published at https://www.procoatsystems.com/eifs/face-sealed-eifs-sealant-joints

Sto Stucco Systems Offer More Than a Beautiful Exterior

Sto is the leading developer and producer of the highest quality cladding systems designed to protect buildings from the elements, eliminate moisture, preserve energy, and look great. And, StoPowerwall® Stucco Systems are easier to apply than standard stucco and are presented in a wide range of colors and textures for aesthetic balance.

What are Sto Stucco Systems?

When home or business owners choose Sto to clad a new or existing structure, they are targeting beauty, protection, durability, and energy efficiency. Sto Stucco Systems consist of advanced integrated components, including state-of-the-art patented layers that work in tandem to provide maximum long-term protection. These products include:

• StoGuard®- A fluid-applied air and moisture barrier
• Sto DrainScreen™- A drainage mat that prevents moisture penetration
• StoPowerwall ExtraSeal™- Extra protection for use on concrete and concrete masonry units.
• StoPowerwall®- A high-performance Portland cement-based stucco exterior finish with special components to provide the initial continuous air and moisture barrier.

How Do Sto Stucco Systems Work?

Sto products were scientifically designed over decades to work in harmony to provide maximum protection while reducing energy costs substantially. And, the colors and textures available furnish a clean and beautiful appearance that truly enhances any structure’s market value and curb appeal.

But what is the secret to StoPowerwall Stucco System’s effectiveness?

Working as a system, the Sto Systems begins on the inside with the StoGuard air and moisture barrier with the Drain Screen and Type 4 Insulation. With Sto’s outer coating of StoPowerwall stucco and Sto textured finishes, the interior of the building is fully protected from penetration by moisture and air in any season.

The Sto cladding systems meet all local and international building code requirements and are designed to perform in any climate. Sto’s primary distributor partner in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Utah is ProCoat Systems in Denver, Ft. Collins and Salt Lake City.

Contact ProCoat Systems

ProCoat Systems is a leading dealer of world class cladding products in the Rocky Mountain region. The professionals at ProCoat work closely with contractors and remodelers to devise and install the right products for interior and exterior use in construction. The experts at ProCoat are experienced in advising and collaborating on any large or small projects.  

And, to find answers to your questions about these products, contact  ProCoat the buliding supply experts. 

This article was previously published at https://www.procoatsystems.com/stucco/sto-stucco-systems-offer-beautiful-exterior

Why is Cultured Stone So Popular?

Home and business owners throughout the country are enjoying the beauty and convenience of cultured stone veneers without all the additional cost and inconvenience of natural stone products. Attractive, lighter weight, easy to install, durable, and even more environmentally sustainable, more homeowners and high-end builders are choosing cultured stone veneers for their upgraded construction. For existing homes, changing the facade from a standard wood siding to an elegant and attractive stone facing enhances the curb appeal immeasurably. For a new home, a high-quality cultured stone veneer adds significant appeal to even the simplest home design.

ProCoat Systems  offers the finest cultured stone products from the two leading brands: Boral® and Rock-It Natural Stone.

Affordability and Durability

Cultured stone veneers are more affordable and practical than natural stone products. They are lighter in weight and require less cutting and shaping than natural products need. These high quality and durable cultured stone materials are produced in a wide range of stone styles, textures, and colors to match any preference.

Reductions in freight costs, handling, waste, and the labor required to apply add up a significant reduction in cost compared to natural stone products.

Cultured stone products from ProCoat will last a lifetime and, when properly installed, will prevent moisture from accumulating between the material and the subsurface.

Beauty and Style

Cultured Stone® by Boral and Coronado Stone Products are the industry’s leading brands of manufactured stone veneers, brick, and tile products. With a broad range of styles like slate, limestone, ledgestone, brick, coral, cobblestone, fieldstone, river rock, or even stone that looks like wood, ProCoat can offer hundreds of colors and textures to make any home unique and more interesting. These materials are ideal for both interior and exterior cladding.

Durable and Weather Resistant

High-quality stone veneer products are resistant to rain, wind, snow, and cold weather. The materials require very little maintenance compared to wood siding, are easily more durable, and the colors will not fade.

Environmentally Positive

Produced with a high percentage of recycled materials, cultured stone products require less energy to produce, transport, and install than natural stone products, As a result, the net effect on the environment is far lower than with natural stone.

Call ProStone Systems Salt Lake City, Denver, or Ft. Collins

For more information regarding the significant advantages of cultured stone products, all the ProStone experts to discuss the superior qualities of cultured stone products. 

This article was previously published at https://www.procoatsystems.com/cultured-stone/why-is-cultured-stone-so-popular

Effective Waterproof Protection Will Save Money Later

Effective waterproofing systems are necessary to preserve the integrity of roofs, walls, and everything within. With any construction or remodel, anticipating the effects of potential water intrusion with proper waterproofing, drainage, and water management is absolutely essential. An investment in professional waterproofing materials and applications to ensure that roofs, foundation walls, and other areas are properly protected from moisture will save thousands of dollars later.

 ProCoat Systems Waterproofing

ProCoat Systems offers a whole range of water protection for every type of structure. Whether new construction or a major remodel, ProCoat’s menu of waterproofing membranes and materials are impervious to water and moisture and will fully protect the structure within. A careful analysis of the type of building, location, and the potential future presence of moisture will determine the type of waterproofing that should be built into a structure for maximum protection.

One size does not fit all when waterproofing is involved. Low-slope buildings, for example, require a more robust water management system than some other types of structures. Therefore, it is important that experts like ProCoat Systems evaluate the need and identify the best solutions for water management.

 ProCoat Waterproofing Systems

ProCoat Systems offers a range of waterproofing systems to protect different types and locations of structures. ProCoat offers membranes in sheet form or in liquid, plus rubber waterproofing for roofs and paver systems. Bentonite clay waterproofing is a geo-membrane that can be applied for below-grade as well as for concrete and blindside waterproofing. Elastomeric urethane deck coating is used as surface-applied waterproofing for buildings and decks.

Additionally, ProCoat has drain board and drainage composites to help below-ground membranes to keep foundations dry.

Other Types of Waterproofing Systems

For heavy traffic areas like parking decks, protecting the substrata such as concrete and reinforcing steel from deterioration will lengthen the useful life of the structure significantly. These materials also prevent the moisture from seeping below to cause further harm.

For low-sloped or flat-top structures, ProCoat offers a synthetic rubber roofing membrane, EDPM, made from ethylene and propylene. The product is durable and available in thicknesses of 45 and 60 mils. The seams of the membrane are sealed with a liquid adhesive or specialized tape.

Contact ProCoat Systems

In the Rocky Mountain region, the regular presence of moisture and ice can be extremely harmful to any structure. One key to long-lasting strength and performance for any structure is waterproof protection at any exposed component. Thorough protection today will save in the long-term.

Contact ProCoat Systems to discuss their entire line of commercial waterproofing options.


This article was previously published at https://www.procoatsystems.com/commercial-waterproofing/effective-waterproof-protection-will-save-money-later