The weather has always been unpredictable. But in recent years, it’s grown even more so. It seems every month there’s another “100-year” weather event that ravages some small town. “Atmospheric rivers” drench and reshape our coastlines. Hurricanes are growing larger, faster. So much so that some scientists have proposed adding a category six classification for hurricanes with winds in excess of 192 miles per hour. Extreme heat and cold are becoming common in uncommon places.
In short, the weather is growing more extreme and, as a result, there’s an increasing demand from municipalities, insurers, and property owners for storm-ready and energy-efficient construction. Climate resilience as a design imperative is becoming a mandate. And in high-risk zones, there is a growing emphasis on building performance over cost.
With comprehensive systems for protecting buildings in extreme weather conditions and a reputation as a trusted partner to architects, building owners, and GCs, Sto is ready to help.
Extreme Weather Solutions from the Envelope Experts
Sto Corp. is the innovative world leader in building envelope solutions, including wall cladding systems, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems. We offer integrated, tested systems that support resilient design across a range of climate stressors, including wind, moisture, and temperature extremes. These systems help reduce long-term building damage, improve occupant safety, and simplify compliance with climate-driven codes and insurance standards.
A few examples of our proven systems include StoGuard® air and moisture barrier system, StoVentec® Rainscreen® Systems, and Sto’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone Systems (HVHZ). Let’s cover each system, one at a time.
StoGuard®: Airtight and Watertight Protection
The StoGuard® family of air and water-resistive barrier systems protects buildings against air leakage and moisture intrusion and is featured in all Sto wall systems.
Fully tested and compliant with the most stringent green construction codes, StoGuard® systems are an ideal choice for design professionals who wish to employ one continuous, fully compatible air and water-resistive barrier system for all exterior walls whether single cladding or multi-cladding.
Features of the StoGuard® system include:
- Fluid-applied or self-adhered air and water-resistive barrier
- A range of detail components to accommodate wall assembly penetrations like rough openings, scuppers, and dryer vents.
- Prevents moisture intrusion and uncontrolled air leakage
- Withstands wind-driven rain and pressure cycling
- May be used behind non-Sto claddings or be integrated into Sto’s fully engineered exterior wall systems to allow for complete continuity and compatibility of the air and water resistive barrier across the exterior wall.
StoVentec®: For Buildings that Look Great and Perform Even Better
StoVentec® Rainscreen® systems are complete, with all the system components – including the air and water-resistive barrier, thermal insulation, sub-construction, and façade panel – engineered to perform together. And they offer the widest variety of aesthetic options available, including colors, shapes, textures, including glass and fiber cement – in a single source system backed by a 10-year system warranty.
StoVentec® Rainscreens: Engineered for Moisture and Thermal Control
- Drained and back-ventilated system that protects wall assemblies from water and condensation
- Mineral wool continuous insulation provides thermal stability in hot or cold climates
- Adjustable sub-framing adapts to irregular substrates and supports pressure-equalized rainscreen design
- Noncombustible cladding options, including render, fiber cement, glass, and masonry veneer
- Pre-engineered options with render and fiber cement that allow for reduced engineering time and money
Explore StoVentec® Rainscreens® with our comprehensive design guides. Download our guides to discover a redefined Rainscreen® system that delivers on performance, durability, and the unique blends of glass, render, masonry veneer facades (MVF), and fiber cement from one supplier.
Sto High Velocity Hurricane (HVHZ) Systems: Impact and Pressure Tested
Sto High Velocity Hurricane Zone Systems provide a full range of exterior cladding options to protect against hurricane and tropical storm winds, water intrusion, and wind-borne debris: a leading cause of building envelope failure. All of Sto’s HVHZ Systems are fully engineered and tested, and compliant with Miami-Dade County, Florida NOA criteria for wind load, impact resistance, air leakage, and water resistance.
Features of Sto Hurricane Systems include:
- Options for Rainscreen, EIFS, Stucco HVHZ systems
- Fully tested and fire-resistance rated wall assemblies
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Field applied or prefabricated
- Wide range of aesthetic possibilities from glass, brick, wood, smooth fiber cement or plaster finish
- Tested for Miami-Dade or Florida Product Approval
Sto Support Systems: Ready to Assist
These field-tested, proven systems are ideal for a range of applications and scenarios. A few examples include:
- Coastal buildings requiring wind and water protection, like Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino and Lido Beach Towers
- Projects focused on energy efficiency and freeze-thaw durability like Bell Bank and Georgia King Village
- Healthcare or essential facilities in storm-exposed areas like UCF Lake Nona Medical Center and HCA Westside Regional Medical Center
Plus, our technical support staff is always available to ensure that you can feel confident in choosing Sto for your building envelope solutions. Sto systems and products undergo extensive and rigorous testing to confirm compliance with regulatory requirements. Our staff is happy to assist in resolving complex details, avoiding code conflicts, and identifying practical construction alternatives through a variety of services, including plan reviews, wall analysis, an extensive details library, application guides, and technical publications.
Building Smarter for a Changing Climate
Extreme weather is becoming the norm. Fortunately, Sto has developed comprehensive resilient design systems that achieve long-term value, occupant safety, and reduced climate-related risk. And that means, despite the unpredictability of the weather, your building’s performance will remain very predictable.
To learn more about Sto’s resilient design systems or request a project-specific consultation, explore our Sto Wall Selector or call 800-221-2397.
