Today’s buildings are subjected to so much more than buildings erected just twenty or thirty years ago. Extreme heat and cold. Intense storms. Vandalism. Heavy use. It’s brutal out there. As such, owners and architects are expected to deliver structures that last longer, cost less to maintain and meet higher standards. But new building codes, such as ASTM D2794, set a minimum standard that is often surpassed by Mother Nature. Something needs to change. And durability is the key.
Durability as a Path to Sustainability
With the unpredictability of today’s weather, all buildings are exposed to risk. But there are some buildings that face very specific challenges every day. Known as high-risk buildings, schools, hospitals, multifamily housing and civic facilities are prone to everyday wear, accidental impacts and vandalism.
For all these at-risk structures, durability and impact resistance are critical factors in resilient, sustainable and future-ready building design. Here are just a few reasons why:
- Long-lasting materials reduce replacement cycles, cutting embodied carbon and construction waste
- Durable facades directly support ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals by lowering lifecycle emissions
- Impact-resistant envelopes reduce repair costs, operational downtime and insurance risks
- Impact resistance is now an integral part of an owner’s risk management strategy
But how can we increase the durability and impact resistance of our buildings without significantly driving up the cost? Is this future technology we’re talking about? Or are there proven solutions already in use? Let’s find out.
The Future of Durability is Here
There are some individual products that can help address specific risks. At Sto, we take a system approach to problems to ensure that all components work cohesively, optimizing the building’s performance. StoTherm® ci is one of those systems that delivers outstanding durability while addressing multiple industry challenges.
An EIFS with Drainage continuous insulation wall system, StoTherm® ci is a high-performance, energy-efficient wall cladding that integrates StoGuard® air and water-resistive barrier, EPS insulation and drainage.
StoTherm® ci systems combine energy efficiency (continuous insulation) with high impact resistance for a dual sustainability benefit. In fact, StoTherm ci can be as durable and impact resistant as you want it to be. The standard basecoat and mesh can be exchanged for more flexible or resilient components, depending on the specific building requirements.
These incredible systems have been tested far beyond the 150 inch-lb. ASTM maximum, achieving over 300 inch-lb. They have demonstrated resilience, ensuring compliance today and future-readiness for tomorrow’s climate and regulatory standards.
Design Freedom with Performance Assurance
Architects want creative control. Unfortunately, performance requirements often limit material options. That’s not the case with StoTherm® ci systems.
Sto offers a wide selection of finishes in a variety of textures and an extensive range of color options to enhance your design and harmonize with the surrounding environment. You can choose from Sto textured finishes, Sto Specialty finishes or StoCast Prefabricated resin cast shapes. All these options are durable, resist dirt and water and are manufactured to high-quality standards. They serve to protect the building in addition to providing outstanding curb appeal.
That’s the beauty of a system, literally.
The Ultimate Real-Word Test of Durability: Kids
How durable are StoTherm® ci systems? Durable enough to stand up to hundreds of kids being kids, as you’ll see in the highlighted case study below.
Location: Bronx, NY
Building Type: Education
Construction Type: New
LUBRANO CIAVARRA Architects (LCA) faced two significant challenges when designing Grand Concourse Academy Charter School. One, they needed to make the school stand out amidst the sea of red brick that pervades the Bronx neighborhood. And two, they had to design a building that would stand up to the elements – wind, rain, snow and, of course, kids being kids.
Sto was tapped to help. After reviewing the challenges, the company recommended ultra-high impact, double-strand, open-weave glass-fiber mesh embedded in the EIFS basecoat as a fortification layer to resist frequent abuse. (Give it your best try, kids!)
This super impact-resistant layer would be hidden beneath a beautiful design – inspired by a box of crayons – that incorporated vertical bands of contrasting colors. To create this signature, multi-hued, multi-panel look, Masucci Construction used a trowel, a roller, the complete StoTherm ci Lotusan system and a little creativity.
The completed installation featured one of the most durable facades with a vibrant, textured finish, all backed by a single full-system warranty.
To read the full case study, click here.
Impact Resistance as a Long-Term Value Strategy
Impact resistance is not a niche specification; it is a cornerstone of sustainable, resilient and cost-effective construction. And StoTherm® ci systems demonstrate that durability, energy efficiency and design freedom can align in one complete envelope solution. It’s more than a technical solution. It’s a long-term value strategy for owners, architects and communities.
Discover a whole new level of durability and impact resistance that’s proven to stand up to the elements, heavy use and kids. Learn more about StoTherm ci systems today. Visit our StoTherm ci system page or download the StoTherm ci brochure or Contact Us for assistance with your project.
