New High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Systems including Level E rated system for essential buildings
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…
When the scaffolds come down on a project, the building looks perfect! If only it could stay that way. Unfortunately, environmental factors begin attacking day one. In commercial architecture, fading is not just an eyesore, it’s a money pit. Premature…
Time moves ever forward, and so must we. In facade restoration, the key lies in balancing preservation of the architectural character of the past and the modern performance demands the future brings. Restoration is most successful when preservation and performance…
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…
Over-engineering. It happens more than you might believe. Often, it’s driven by good intentions, such as ensuring structural integrity and wind load resistance. Unfortunately, it’s all too common in traditional fiber-cement cladding systems. That’s because these older systems typically require…
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…
Architects and designers often face time constraints and complex project requirements that make material selection challenging. Inconsistent technical documentation and unclear comparisons between various systems only exacerbate the problem. At Sto, technology is at the core of virtually everything we…
Even the best-laid expansion and renovation plans are riddled with logistical challenges, as they can disrupt ongoing operations, increase safety risks and extend project timelines. This is especially true for hospitals, office buildings and multifamily properties because there are so…
All across America, there’s a growing stock of aging mid-century and late 20th-century buildings. They’re old. Some are ugly, and most are inefficient. They’re dinosaurs, really. What to do about all these dinosaurs from a different era is the question.…
Fiber cement has been a common cladding material on job sites for decades. It has won over building owners with its innate ruggedness and architects with its design flexibility. However, a question has been lurking about fiber cement for quite…
A crack is rarely just a crack. Often, it’s a warning. A red flag, signaling that there may be more going on underneath. There are two general types of cracking: structural and surface. Surface cracking, also known as hairline cracks,…
Color selection in commercial applications is growing more strategic. In a recent blog post, we talked about the rise of dark colors, which add depth and dimension, creating a sense of sophistication and luxury. But if you want to ensure…
Today’s building owners have high expectations for the performance of their buildings. They’re tired of high energy costs, unnecessary maintenance, and inefficiencies resulting from poor design and planning. They expect their buildings to be optimized from the inside out. Fortunately,…
As the innovative world leader in building envelope solutions, including wall cladding systems, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems, Sto is committed to delivering superior value to customers by offering systems that improve building resilience, reduce maintenance costs, and provide…
Colors are powerful. They shape our perceptions and affect our mood. That’s why the selection of colors in architecture is so important. Traditionally, lighter colors have been preferred for use on exteriors in commercial buildings. They convey a bright and…
Light and color play fundamental roles in architecture. They increase the aesthetic value and shape how we experience a space. In fact, light is probably the most important consideration when choosing a color because light affects how we perceive color.…
Throughout Sto’s history, a focus on sustainability has always been one of our driving principles. Our mission, Building with Conscience, is more than just a tagline. It has been stitched into our daily activities, influencing our behavior and decision-making as…
As far back as Greco-Roman times and even earlier, color has played a significant role in shaping the experience and perception of a space or structure. The late, great British architect Michael Wilford was quoted as saying, "The reason for…
As the innovative world leader in building envelope solutions, including wall cladding systems, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems, Sto is committed to delivering superior value to customers by offering systems that improve building resilience, reduce maintenance costs, and provide…
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…
Natural stone has been used in construction forever. Its organic beauty provides undeniable warmth, texture, and protection to commercial and residential buildings. But working with stone has its drawbacks. It’s bulky and heavy, which makes it expensive to transport and…
Excellent patient care doesn’t happen by accident. It occurs as a result of attentiveness, precision, and expertise. No one is surprised they would expect the same from their construction projects. Unfortunately, the construction industry must be more flexible, as…
Many still think of EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems) as synthetic stucco. But that EIFS is so last century. Over the years, significant improvements have made it an excellent choice for a durable, energy-efficient cladding system. Today’s EIFS with drainage…
Real wood has an unparalleled natural beauty. The warmth. The texture. The grain. But it does come with its own set of challenges. Natural wood can warp, chip, and even rot. Plus, for large commercial projects, transporting a load of…
A renovation can be triggered by a wide range of factors: new building owner/tenant, water intrusion issues, delaminating exterior finishes, cold walls, and new fire and energy performance regulations. Often, a range of problems happening with increasing frequency make it…
Choosing sheen used to be as simple as deciding between a dull or glossy finish. Today, we have three standard sheens–many with additional functionality built-in–and coatings are more advanced than ever. The combination of the two can bring an architect’s…
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…
A crack in any exterior finish is a vulnerability in your first line of defense. While larger cracks are most likely an indication of structural issues, hairline and surface cracks create a literal opening for dirt, moisture, critters, and everything…
Municipalities nationwide are scrutinizing fire regulations, especially for combustible exterior wall assemblies. In 2022, New York City introduced the NYC Building Code (BC), section BC 718.2.6, for constructing exterior wall assemblies containing combustible components. New York City authorities enacted these…
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…
StoVentec Render is an innovative rainscreen cladding solution that improves building performance with economical construction. This system features a ventilated cavity for effective drainage, continuous insulation for energy efficiency and sound dampening, and a unique carrier board that enables the…
Buildings are imperfect. Whether it's new construction or an existing building, they have crooked exterior walls/substrates or are smothered in layers of coating from previous renovations. While new buildings have the potential to have straight exterior walls, the requirements of…
At Sto Corp., we admit we are a little obsessed with impact-resistant building materials. After all, the world can be a tough place—heat domes, drought, flash flooding, and woodpeckers. These persistent birds often cause unnecessary damage by pecking at the…
At Sto Corp., sustainable construction is ingrained in our company’s DNA. This commitment guides us in our decision-making and product development. Our GPS insulation is the perfect example of our continuous pursuit of greener products, representing the future of insulation.…
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…
The Climate Mobilization Act - Local Law 97 (LL97) was passed by the New York City Council and went into effect on November 15, 2019 as part of New York City's Green New Deal. This legislation sets limits on greenhouse…
Traditional Facade options such as stucco, brick, fiber cement, and stucco have been used for exterior insulation and finishing for years. Although they present diverse design capabilities, the weight of these materials either takes a toll on the building structures…
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…
High-performing, drainable EIFS provides the building industry with a complete wall cladding system and a simple-to-use solution toward compliance with the current energy code. Drainable EIFS wall systems, like StoTherm® ci Wall Systems, include five control layers (vapor, air, water,…
High-performing, elastomeric, one-part hybrid StoSeal STPE™ Sealant combines polyurethane's strength and silicone's weather resistance to provide an all-in-one solution for above-grade, vertical building restoration (and new opaque wall) applications. StoSeal STPE™ Sealant will contribute significantly to the long-term weather resistance…
StoCast Brick creates a beautiful natural brick appearance to meet nearly any facade’s aesthetic goals to enhance a building’s curb appeal and value. In addition to the collection of 30 standard colors, (StoCast Brick Color Collection) StoCast Brick is also…
Modern drainable EIFS wall systems furnish the composition and versatility of a complete wall cladding system with continuous insulation (ci), air and water-resistive barrier, drainage and finish, that provides the building industry with a single-source and simple-to-use solution toward compliance…
A building’s performance and longevity depend significantly on the proper application of insulation. Sufficient insulation will slow heat transfer into and out of the building, save energy and money, and create a comfortable indoor environment. Builders can choose from several…
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…
Sealants are used to seal, block or close gaps between building materials to prevent fluids, air and other substances from passing through. The use of a high-quality sealant assists in creating a tight building envelope which improves energy-efficiency and occupant…
Indoor swimming pool rooms, or natatoriums, provide year-round recreational and therapeutic opportunities to benefit hotels, sports clubs, schools, wellness centers, homes, and more. However, the design and products you use for interior pool room construction must meet particular technical requirements…
Modern exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS with drainage) offers architects and designers the extensive design freedom to meet most building owners' aesthetic needs for new construction and renovations while also serving as an energy-efficient building envelope solution. Drainable EIFS…
Applying a fast-cure sealant for joint sealant applications will accelerate construction timelines and increase productivity. Accelerating construction can help contractors and developers save money, avoid problematic weather delays, and even realize contract bonuses. Therefore, contractors should select time-saving methods and…
Durable and robust, tempered or toughened glass can enhance a building's safety and functionality. Fabricators form tempered and toughened glass by heat and chemical treatments, which induces compressive stresses on the glass's surface to increase the glass's strength and safety.…
The increasing demand for new and renovation hospitality construction in the U.S. offers builders a significant opportunity. In a recent U.S. Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics, analysts report that hotel construction pipeline projects in the U.S. rose nine…
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…
The aesthetics of a facade can set the building's style, from an ultramodern facade with glass cladding and asymmetrical windows to a traditional facing with warm brick, expansive windows, and a spacious porch. An aesthetically pleasing, well-designed building facade also…
Fully integrated prefabricated facade panels with factory-installed windows can create air-tight building envelopes that contribute significantly to sustainable, energy-efficient, durable, and safe buildings. Furthermore, StoPanel® Technology branded, tested, and warranted prefabricated, finished wall panel designs with pre-installed windows can maximize…
Throughout its 40+ year history, Sto Corp.’s energy-efficient and easy-to-apply building envelope solutions have provided building professionals with the widest range of aesthetic possibilities on the most complete collection of building envelope solutions. Allowing designers and architects to design sustainable…
Silyl Terminated Polyether (STPE) sealants combine the weather resistance of silicone and the strength of polyurethane to create a long-lasting sealant with superior strength, flexibility, and adhesion. STPE sealant bonds to most construction materials (masonry, stone, concrete, wood, fiber cement,…
Today's designers, architects, contractors, and building owners demand high-performing complete wall systems that combine multiple aesthetics with a high-performing building envelope, typically achieved with various control layers, like those offered by Sto Masonry Veneer Engineered Systems (MVES). Durable and aesthetically…
Intensifying weather conditions, labor shortages, and supply chain issues make planning and completing construction projects on time and budget increasingly challenging. In addition, builders and architects must also strive to accommodate today's demands for more sustainable construction (e.g., energy-efficient, durable,…
Today's building industry must contend with increasing extreme weather events, like tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, high and low temperature, and wildfires. All of these situations can significantly slow production time and cut the net profits of a building envelope construction project.…
Insulated facade cladding reduces a building's heating and cooling loads, protects the environment, saves money, and makes your building more comfortable. Building professionals typically choose between two types of insulated facade cladding: insulated metal wall panels (IMPs) and exterior insulation…
Innovative, hydrophobic acrylic coatings and finishes enhance an exterior wall's weather resistance and more effectively repel water than traditional paints and coatings by mimicking the waterproofing properties of lotus flowers - by providing the ultimate solution for water damage prevention.…
The construction industry today recognizes the impact of climate science on building design and resilience, regardless of the project's location - hot, cold, moist, dry, marine, etc. conditions. All new and renovation construction must protect the structure and its occupants…
A deep energy retrofit significantly reduces energy use, improves indoor environmental quality, lowers global-warming greenhouse gas emissions, reduces utility and maintenance bills, and increases resale value. However, energy retrofit involves much more than simple weatherization. Deep energy retrofits focus on…
Preserving architectural history by restoring old buildings provides cultural, sustainable, and economic benefits to building owners, the community, and future generations. The restoration of old buildings also protects the environment by reusing existing buildings, lessening landfill waste, and reducing the…
Preserving architecture through facade restoration preserves a region's history, legacy, and culture. Facade restoration also protects the environment by reusing existing structures, lessening landfill waste, and using natural resources. However, while facade restoration encourages the preservation of original materials, building…
The global construction market (including new construction, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs) grew from $14503.87 billion in 2022 to $15461.84 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6 percent. In addition, analysts predict the construction market…
For over 50 years, builders have used exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) on structures ranging from hi-rise commercial to multi-family buildings. EIFS cladding provides: Fully engineered wall system that includes air and water-resistive barrier and continuous insulation Energy efficiency Fire-resistance…
Sto Corp's high-performance finishes and architectural coatings applied to Sto continuous insulation (CI) wall systems (StoTherm® ci, StoVentec®, StoPowerwall® ci, and StoPanel®) allow architects and builders to create endless-beautiful-unique aesthetics facades on energy-efficient, durable, and safe buildings. Modern-Sustainable Buildings Need…
Longer wildfire seasons as well as stricter standards are prompting builders and architects to use non-combustible construction methods and materials, like mineral wool continuous insulation (CI). The National Interagency Fire Center reported 68,988 wildfires in 2022 (consuming 7,577,183 acres), compared…
Today's building owners and code requirements demand sustainable, healthy, and durable structures. To meet these demands, all layers of the building envelope must work to control moisture infiltration and accumulation, including the finish surface layer. The building products industry is…
Rendered facades give a building a sophisticated and sleek look in a wide range of finishes, textures, and colors that will suit any budget and building style. Typically, render cladding systems refer to a coat of cement on a building's…
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.…
Sto Panel® Technology's fully engineered, tested, and warranted prefabricated finished exterior wall panels provide commercial architects, contractors, design consultants, and owners with a less labor-intensive solution that reduces building envelope installation time without sacrificing quality and allowing building professionals to…
Initially, industrial building facades functioned only to support the roof or floor, with a simple hole to allow for light or entrance. Typically these structures included a monochromatic, single-material commercial building facade. However, the evolution of building science incited the…
Glass cladding covers a structure's exterior in order to protect its external surface and frame and enhance its aesthetic appeal. Manufacturers typically offer builders and architects two glass cladding types: rainscreen or curtain wall. Both eco-friendly glass cladding systems offer…
Building envelope consultants provide the expertise and creative solutions to create sustainable building enclosures for new construction and retrofit. Building envelope engineers apply structural engineering, materials science, physics, construction, and architecture principles to solve building envelope problems. Building envelope consultants…
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…
Glass facade building, or glass facade elevation, gives architects and designers aesthetic versatility with beautiful colors and endless glass facade designs, and glass face textures and shapes to produce unique and eye-catching looks for any building. High-performing glass facade buildings,…
Modular facade panels, like StoPanel® Technology modular panels for building, provide architects and builders with a superior (and fast) solution to many construction challenges. Modular facade panels help ensure a construction project meets its timelines and stays within budget while…
Minimizing construction risks with prefab construction can help builders stay on time and budget by limiting workday losses and job site injuries that are associated more often with more dangerous building methods, like wood-frame construction. Quick and simple-to-install Sto Panel®…
StoVentec® Glass Cladding offers designers and architects aesthetic versatility with exciting colors and endless shapes, textures, and designs to create distinctive and unique looks for any building. StoVentec® high-performing glass cladding provides the following: Thermal insulation for improved building energy…
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…
Net-zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) create as much energy as they use, which can be an environmental, financial, and quality of life win for everyone. A ten-fold increase in NZEB shows no signs of slowing, which expands opportunities for green builders, architects,…
Prefabricated mega wall panel systems, like StoPanel® Technology prefabricated wall panels, provide builders and architects with a superior and quick solution to many of the challenges of student housing construction. Prefabricated wall panels help ensure the projects meet their timelines…
Ventilated rainscreens, like StoVentec® Rainscreen®, help custom builders and architects build high-performance structures, especially in colder climates. StoVentec® ventilated rainscreen claddings create comfortable, sustainable, energy-efficient, and healthy indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for commercial, institutional, and residential exterior and interior wall…
Building restoration of the exterior cladding can maximize a structure's health with improved sustainability and indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Building rehab can enhance sustainability and IEQ, and provide several significant environmental, occupant, and financial benefits. Healthy, sustainable construction protects the…
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…
Commercial building remodeling can improve a building's safety, durability, comfort, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. It can also take your business to the next level. Commercial building renovation will help attract customers, improve the building's resale value and longevity, and save…
Prefabricated wall panels, like Sto Panel Technology® prefabricated wall panels, offer architects and builders a superior solution to many of the challenges of healthcare construction, ensuring the projects stay on time and within budget while meeting safety and code requirements.…
StoTherm® ci® continuous insulation (CI) wall systems (EIFS) create sustainable, net zero, and aesthetically attractive homes, like the Conner family house in Fairfax, Virginia - the city's first net-zero energy (NZE) home and winner of the 2019 EIMA Hero Award…
Resin cast shapes like Sto Corp's lightweight, flexible, and easy-to-apply StoCast Brick and StoCast Wood create the attractive, classic look of brick and wood facades. The resin cast shapes also offer long-term durability, superior sustainability, ease of application, and code-compliant…
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…
Adaptive reuse architecture (adaptive reuse buildings) offers communities a way to breathe new life into old, abandoned structures by converting them into usable and needed spaces, like low-income housing, community centers, or mixed-use venues. Adaptive reuse architecture projects can cost…
Stucco finishes, traditional or synthetic, can create a unique facade by adding a pop of color and intrigue to a building's exterior. Stucco offers long-term durability, fire resistance, and minimal maintenance when professionally applied. In addition, timeless and versatile stucco…
Historic building restoration helps preserve a region's history, culture, and legacy. Historic restoration also protects the environment by reusing existing buildings, which diminishes landfill waste and the use of natural resources. However, while historic building restoration encourages preserving original materials,…
StoVentec® Rainscreen systems help create comfortable, energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthy indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for residential, commercial, and institutional wall construction (exterior and interior). They offer a complete, fully-tested, and code-approved, back ventilated system that provides an excellent air and…
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) closed-cell, rigid XPS insulation significantly improves the energy efficiency of unfinished exterior and interior walls for remodeling and new construction. In addition, the XPS boards provide thermal resistance with an R-value of 4.6 to 5.0, depending on…
Architectural paints include interior and exterior paints, primers, sealers, varnishes, and stains. These products are applied onsite to residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings and are typically sold in five-gallon containers. Architecture paint does not include industrial maintenance (IM) coatings,…
Traditional hard coat stucco systems come in a variety of textures and colors, offering builders and architects the design flexibility to create eye-catching aesthetic finishes. In addition, durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance hard coat stucco systems save money over time on…
Building enclosure systems include below-grade and above-grade portions of a structure that physically separates the interior from the exterior environment. The components of a building enclosure system include the: Base floor systems Foundation wall systems Above-grade wall systems Doors and…
The use of brick veneer (brick cladding) took off in the 1990s in response to the needs and demands to enhance a wall system's thermal efficiency. Brick veneer wall construction created a cavity to place insulation, to eliminate thermal bridging…
To ensure a building project's long- and short-term success, today's architects must balance aesthetics, economics, function, building science, and sustainability in designing new buildings. The growing demand for sustainable construction, like that achieved with EIFS architecture, has increased the profitability…
Building an insulated concrete form (ICF) house or building allows you to apply many ICF exterior finishes: fiber cement boards, stucco, masonry veneers, panel siding, and wood or vinyl siding. If you can apply the finish on a wood-frame structure,…
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…
The best EIFS brick solutions, like StoCast Brick, StoTherm ci MVES, and StoSignature® Brick, provide an economical and quick way to create realistic brick masonry aesthetics on an exterior of insulation and finish systems (EIFSs), like StoTherm® ci. StoCast Brick…
A complete masonry veneer wall system with tested and code compliant components that effectively work together provides design professionals and builders with many advantages. The benefits of engineered and tested masonry veneer systems compared to specifying individual components include quicker…
Prefab wall panel manufacturers custom build panelized wall systems in an off-site fabrication shop using advanced machine technology and following specific standards.The prefab wall panels include exterior cladding (like wood, stone, stucco or other material), fenestration, water/air/vapor barrier control systems,…
The facade of a building sets its aesthetic style and character. It also acts as the structure's primary barrier against rain, wind, ice, snow, sun, etc. Fortunately, today's architects and builders can choose from multiple building facades, in order to…
Durable brick rainscreen & brick cladding systems help create energy-efficient, sustainable, comfortable, and healthy indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for residential, commercial, and institutional wall construction (interior and exterior). Simple-to-install, StoVentec® drained and back ventilated, fully engineered Rainscreen® brick cladding wall…
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