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/

Are You Confused by the Difference Between Stucco and EIFS?

Many people view two entirely different cladding systems, stucco and EIFS, as the same.  It is true that on the surface, these appear to be similar. But what is going on beneath the outer layer is the difference.

Stucco is a durable and attractive exterior coating for buildings and homes. The material may be applied over wood, steel, or masonry subsurfaces to provide an distinct and beautiful appearance. Stucco offers a truly classic look and requires very little maintenance.

EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) is a far more involved technology than a pure cladding. It is a technologically advanced and improved system to minimize energy costs while providing attractiveness with durability. EIFS consists of integrated composite layers that start with the interior subsurface and build out to a textured finished coating that may look like a stucco application.

More About Stucco

Stucco has withstood the test of time for centuries. Classic examples of the incomparable beauty and charming style of stucco remain throughout Europe and North America today.  The popular Italian Style (1890-1935) of architecture promoted stucco as the essential cladding for buildings constructed in this mode.

The development of Portland cement as the binder in stucco in the mid-1800s ignited the spread of stucco coverings throughout Europe, North America, and South America during the twentieth century. In the United States, it is rare to drive through an upscale neighborhood without seeing several homes with stucco cladding.

How is EIFS Constructed?

Starting with the interior substrate, the first component is the foam insulation board that is attached to the inner subsurface with an adhesive. Next, an acrylic or polymer-based material is applied over the insulation board as a base coat. A heavy-duty reinforcement mesh is then applied to the adhesive-covered insulation. The mesh is intended to create a uniform support within the walls, spreading any outside forces evenly throughout the structure.

A moisture drainage gap is created by inserting building paper between layers that will crinkle and disappear over time. This cavity allows any penetrating moisture to drain and escape though flashing systems or weep screed below.

The final step is the application of a textured finish coat of crack-resistant acrylic copolymer material. While the coating looks much like stucco, it is less brittle and can withstand building shifts and settling better than other claddings.

Contact ProCoat Systems in Denver

For information regarding, stucco, EIFS, or any other cladding system, contact the experts at ProCoat Systems. With much experience handling all high-quality interior and exterior surface materials, the representatives will be glad to answer any questions.

Phone ProCoat at 303.322.9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/confused-difference-stucco-eifs/

Why the Mesh in an EIFS System?

EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) have been around for decades. This building method is intended to create a cladding system that provides the highest level of energy conservation while offering an attractive, low maintenance option for home and business owners.

In recent years, significant improvements have enhanced the performance of EIFS and eliminated all issues pertaining to moisture retention and durability. Advances have come from new techniques and the use of new technologies and materials.

Why is Mesh Used for EIFS?

As with any system, the effectiveness of the building cladding is defined by the combination of strength and compatibility of each component. Every element of EIFS has a specific function and, in tandem, the entire system should provide the desired effect by restricting energy use and keeping moisture and harsh weather outside.

EIFS consists of several layers of specialized materials, each with a specific role in preserving energy and reducing the effects of moisture and other potentially harmful elements. One of the key players in the EIFS combination is the reinforcing mesh that helps the entire group to hold in place to deliver the results.

Reinforcing mesh spans the entire surface of an EIFS installation. In each case, the mesh acts to distribute forces evenly throughout the system to keep problems from accumulating in any single location. The mesh strengthens the entire system Additional, higher-rated mesh will further enhance the structure’s durability and longevity.

Durability of EIFS

Within the several layers and materials required for an efficient EIFS cladding is a durable mesh material. The Exterior Design Institute recommends a high-impact, reinforcing mesh that is double-strand, interwoven glass fiber. The mesh should have an alkaline resistant coating to be compatible with most base coats. The material should be at least 15 oz./square yard, though 20 oz./square yard provides an even more durable surface.

According to EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA), EIFS has been tested and certified by NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) for fire and by the Miami/Dade County (FL) hurricane testing.

Ask ProCoat Systems of Denver about EIFS Mesh

Mesh material is the heart of all high-quality EIFS construction. For any questions regarding cladding systems, contact the ProCoat experts at 303.322.9009.

ProCoat Systems of Denver is a leading distributor of the world’s best quality interior and exterior cladding materials. ProCoat’s range of products and construction knowledge is among the best in the industry.

Check out their website at http://www.procoatsystems.com/ today.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/mesh-eifs-system/

Traditional Stucco Claddings and Water Management

Stucco buildings have been around for centuries. Many scientists believe that even the pyramids of Egypt were coated in a white stucco substance made from volcanic ash in the beginning. Though some material has endured over 1000 years, attractive and durable stucco gained substantial prominence in Europe and North America with the development of Portland cement as a binding ingredient in 1843. After that time, stucco coatings gained significant popularity and became a cladding of choice during the first part of the twentieth century.

In addition to stucco’s timeless, attractive appearance, the cladding offers excellent durability with very limited upkeep. Builders of correctly applied stucco surfaces employ both drainage and storage strategies to eliminate the accumulation of moisture. Minimizing moisture absorption while providing adequate storage beneath to drain or dry is the key to a long-lasting cladding.

How Does Stucco Keep the Building from Experiencing Moisture Problems?

In some climates, where moisture levels are minimal and low humidity is the norm, builders do not worry much about moisture accumulation. However, in many parts of the country, precipitation levels can be high, particularly during certain seasons, and special precautions are necessary to prevent moisture damage within any construction.

For masonry walls, a Portland cement-based stucco incorporates vapor permeable paints to resist penetration of rainwater and allow the moisture to dry externally. When water does penetrate the surface, the moisture that enters will reach the interior masonry surfaces and be stored there until it eventually dries.

With wood-framed or steel stud walls sheathed in gypsum or plywood boards, the stucco exterior surface can be separated from the sheathing with a gap or cavity. To accomplish this, building paper and metal lath is placed over the gypsum or plywood subsurface before the stucco is applied. In a short time, the building papers absorb moisture, crinkle, and shrink, thereby creating a perfect drainage gap between the stucco exterior and the interior surface. As a result, moisture that does penetrate the stucco surface reaches the space and eventually drains out of the wall through weep screeds or flashing system. Adequately installed weep screeds also prevent moisture from wicking up into the outside walls while providing continuous drainage. 

Contact ProCoat Systems in Denver

ProCoat Systems specialists are experts in the installation, design, and management of all types of claddings. To understand more about the elimination of moisture problems in stucco and other claddings, contact ProCoat for more information at 303-322-9009.

Visit ProCoat System’s website to view the many attractive, functional, and durable options for any home or building. 

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/traditional-stucco-claddings-water-management/