New High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Systems including Level E rated system for essential buildings
When building envelope air barriers fail, it is rarely in the middle of a continuous wall-sheathing panel. Flat boards or concrete walls seal easily because they have little complex geometry or joint movement. Transitions are a different story altogether. Edges,…
Building occupant safety is a critical concern in construction, and fire safety is at the top of that list. Add in the desire and need to meet modern energy codes and architects can find themselves between a rock and a…
When it comes to dense urban areas, code strictness and local cladding restrictions seem to be growing, not shrinking. So, what do you do when rules get in the way of creativity? While the knee-jerk reaction might be to play…
For architecture, urban density is a challenge of performance as much as space. Stricter energy codes, aging buildings, and the physical realities of urban environments all combine into a design balancing act for architects in “concrete jungles.” Traditional materials often…
The purpose of building envelopes is to improve building performance. They create a tighter seal around the building, effectively blocking–or at least significantly reducing–air and moisture intrusion. At least, that’s the general idea. But there are many variables at play…
Rainscreens are an integral part of modern building envelopes. These marvels of engineering science improve performance by reducing moisture and enhancing durability and energy efficiency. But not all rainscreens are created equal. You may have heard the catch-all term “pressure-equalized…
By definition, Sto is a manufacturer. We make building materials for construction, maintenance and restoration. But we are so much more than that. We are advisors. We are consultants. And for architects, we are trusted design partners. Yes, partner is…
Everyone knows that water intrusion is bad news for a building. Air leakage, the same. But for long-term performance and protection, it’s important to keep both outside, away from interior walls and spaces. Easy enough, right? Actually, it’s trickier than…
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,…
Not all air and water-resistive barriers are created equal. Nor is there one solution that’s perfect for all projects. Choosing between a fluid-applied and a self-adhered AWRB is a performance-critical decision. While budget is always a factor, your decision should…
Now more than ever before, the construction industry is looking to manufacturers to innovate products with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. We’re way ahead of them. Building with Conscience isn’t just a tagline for Sto. It’s a guiding…
The construction industry today recognizes the impact of climate science on building design and resilience. As a result, the message is clear: all new and renovation construction must protect the structure and its occupants against increasing weather-related hazards, particularly regarding…
It wasn’t so long ago that we believed insulation alone could protect a building from all the damaging elements outside. But after decades of costly repairs due to water intrusion, mold and mildew, and corroded structural component repairs, along with…
Since prehistoric times, humans have sought to protect our homes and gathering places better. Comfort was the primary driver, so our early ancestors created thermal insulation with readily available materials such as animal fur and plants. Over time, earth, mud…
The idea behind the building envelope is simple: keep what’s inside in and what’s outside out. Sounds easy enough. The challenge is getting all the layered components required to create that barrier to work as a cohesive unit. Another challenge…
Properly installed liquid-applied air and water-resistive barriers (AWRB) provide all the applicable performance and installation requirements for air and water resistance. An AWRB helps protect the building and its occupants from damaging and unhealthy mold and rot. Vapor-permeable or impermeable…
Advancements in building energy codes strive to enhance a structure's energy efficiency, with the ultimate goal of obtaining net zero energy building (NZB) status. In 2000, the International Code Council (ICC) developed the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The purpose…
Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) (with Drainage) is a non-load-bearing wall cladding system consisting of insulation board (continuous insulation) attached to the substrate, air and water-resistive barrier and drainage capability, a reinforced base coat and protective finish. The system…
Moisture control in buildings should strive to control moisture and air leaks through the building envelope. However, in the event of moisture intrusion, the system must allow the water to evaporate in order to keep the area dry and mold-free.…
Airtight buildings lessen energy consumption, save money, help protect the environment, and improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Achieving building air tightness requires commercial architects, contractors, and developers to incorporate innovative technologies and materials, like StoTherm® ci® continuous insulation (CI) wall…
A quality air and vapor barrier membrane helps create an efficient exterior wall system by preventing air, and any accompanying moisture, from infiltrating the structure's interior. Air vapor barriers come in two forms with various applications: fluid and sheet-applied air…
Designing durable, energy-efficient, comfortable, and long-lasting homes and buildings requires a clear understanding and adequate installation of the different wall control layers, including the weather barriers (air, water, and vapor). Together, weather barriers provide several vital functions to the building…
Over the past 50 years, evolving energy standards and consumer demand have made the application of continuous insulation (CI) in exterior walls a standard practice. In addition, for the past 30+ years, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning…
A high-performance cladding system deflects, drains, and evaporates moisture on the outside and inside of the wall system and protects a building envelope from rain, snow, and other outside elements. The design of the cladding system must ensure durability, sustainability,…
In this article, we will discuss the different finishing systems (siding/cladding) that can be used in Sto’s EIFS systems. Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFSs) provide an insulated, finished surface that creates exterior walls with superior moisture and temperature control performance…
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