As a longtime leader in innovative solutions for the restoration of building facades, Sto Corp. serves as a partner by emphasizing preservation-driven systems that integrate modern performance upgrades without compromising architectural character.

Preservation with Purpose

Facade restoration is a great opportunity to replicate historical aesthetics and optimize long-term performance. Visible deterioration on a structure such as cracking, spalling, or fading can be a symptom of underlying issues related to the building envelope. Retaining architectural character in restoration projects is essential. But historical integrity and modern wall science are not mutually exclusive. Facade restoration best practices require respecting the building’s original proportions, materials, and detailing while upgrading the science behind the wall.

Understanding the Condition Before Choosing the Solution

Jumping to a solution without a diagnosis leads to cycles of patching and failing. That’s why a comprehensive evaluation of a restoration project by a skilled, experienced consultant or contractor is a critical first step to success.

Diagnosing existing conditions before restoration involves aspects such as:

• Evaluating Substrate Integrity: Determining if the substrate (concrete, CMU, wood or steel frame) is compromised and needs repair, or if it can support a new cladding if that is being considered.
• Identifying Moisture Intrusion: Pinpointing where moisture intrusion occurred, the impact of the moisture intrusion, and assessing the impact of hydrostatic pressure.
• Defining Scope: Using a data-driven “decision matrix” to choose between surface repair, partial replacement, or high-performance overclad or recladding.

To support this phase, Sto provides more than just materials; we act as a technical partner. Sto maintains an expert support team that can assist in providing project specific solutions and guidance from the early stages of a project through completion. Support may include plan reviews or onsite visits to help evaluate the current state of a building envelope and troubleshoot issues.

Once the initial condition is understood, Sto offers a suite of design tools – such as StoStudio^® or StoInspire^® for color rendering as well as texture and finish samples – to help visualize how a completed restoration project will look, ensuring that the technical solution also meets the aesthetic requirements.

Sto also offers the Sto Wall Selector, System Finder and Documentation Center, which allow professionals to match their diagnostic findings with a fully engineered system rather than just a patch fix.

Strategic Decision-Making in Restoration Projects

The value proposition of facade restoration hinges on a delicate balance: honoring the architectural legacy of the past while complying with modern demands. A building’s heritage value makes it worth saving, but that value is lost if the structure continues to deteriorate.

Moving from patch-and-paint repair to system-based restoration avoids the pitfalls of increased maintenance cycles. By utilizing Sto solutions, project teams ensure long-term effectiveness by mitigating future risk and extending a building’s service life.

A “cheap” repair often becomes more expensive than a full recladding when labor, structural reinforcement, and logistics are factored in. Heavy traditional materials often require the building’s frame to be reinforced which can be an immense hidden cost. Lightweight solutions like StoTherm^® ci EIFS systems, StoCast^® finishes, and pre-fabricated StoPanel^® systems address these needs by reducing structural dead load and minimizing disruption to occupants through faster installation. Choosing integrated systems also ensures compatibility across all materials.

StoCast products are flexible, prefabricated resin cast shapes that can replicate historic textures like brick or wood while offering significant functional advantages. For example, StoCast Wood provides a warm, UV-resistant aesthetic without the downsides (like potential to rot) or maintenance associated with natural wood. Similarly, StoCast Brick is ideal for matching historic masonry without adding massive structural loads; remarkably, one truck of StoCast Brick replaces 15 trucks of traditional masonry. Because these systems are applied with adhesive, they eliminate fasteners that could create thermal bridges or points for moisture entry.

StoPanel systems reduce dead load by using light-weight components – eliminating the need for structural reinforcements, and circumventing fastener stress (since they are a fully adhered system). Because StoPanel is manufactured off-site, it also minimizes disruption to occupied buildings via faster speed of installation, reduced scaffolding and staging, and producing less noise and debris.

Incorporating Future-Ready Performance

Oftentimes, major facade restorations trigger requirements to meet updated energy codes and safety standards. Instead of viewing these as hurdles, restoration best practices suggest using them as opportunities to improve a building’s long-term resiliency and durability.

A good strategic decision is the addition of continuous insulation during the recladding process. High-performance systems, such as StoTherm ci, eliminate the thermal bridges that drain energy and compromise indoor comfort. Pair this with a seamless air and water-resistive barrier like Sto Gold Coat^®, and the restored facade will provide superior air and moisture management, protecting the structural integrity of the building for decades to come.

Enhancing durability after a restoration does not have to compromise architectural expression. Modern wall science, backed by system-based solutions like the kind that Sto offers, allows for both standards to be met and exceeded.

Restoration is a unique process that requires a specialized partner. Reach out by clicking here to speak with a Sto representative today to discuss your project’s requirements and discover how our integrated wall systems can help you bridge the gap between historic character and 21st-century performance.

The post Restoring the Future: Best Practices for Facade Restoration appeared first on Sto Corp..

The Secret to Minimizing Disruption: Prefabrication

The problem with traditional construction is the banging, and the sawing, and the cutting, and the mess from it all. With prefabrication, panels are manufactured off-site in climate-controlled facilities, resulting in a more consistent, higher-quality product. Panels arrive ready to install, reducing installation time and allowing facilities to remain operational during the expansion or renovation, reducing disruption to operations.

The benefits of prefabrication include:

• Controlled environment results in more consistent quality
• Less work on the jobsite means less disruption to operations
• Reduced weather-related delays ensure more predictable schedules and tighter budgets

But not all prefabricated panel solutions are created equal. One solution delivers performance, safety and sustainability, while offering virtually unlimited design freedom. That solution is Sto Panel Technology.

Sto Panel Technology – A Trusted Solution from a Trusted Partner

Sto Panel Technology provides the construction industry with a smarter form of wall design and construction through partnerships forged between leading contractors, fabricators and Sto Corp. – the world’s number one manufacturer of building envelope solutions.

By creating branded, tested, proven and warranted prefabricated, finished wall panel designs, Sto Panel Technology provides customized, project-specific constructability solutions that are not available anywhere else. Our broad offering of fully engineered and tested StoPanel prefabricated wall panels are manufactured in quality-controlled factories. Design assist services and support allow for development of unique solutions to project-specific challenges, effectively managing cost, labor and schedule requirements while reducing risk and improving project outcomes.

Sto Panel Technology benefits include:

• The ideal solution for expansion and renovation projects that demand speed, quality and minimal disruption
• Reduces jobsite congestion and safety risks, an important factor in occupied building environments and projects with tight space constraints
• Meets or exceeds code requirements for fire, moisture and impact resistance
• Off-site fabrication reduces material waste and supports ESG goals by minimizing construction-related emissions
• Prefabrication limits operational downtime, reducing revenue loss during construction phases

Sto Panel Technology: Case Studies

Sto Panel Technology sounds too good to be true, right? But it is true! And we have the real-world stories to prove it. These are just a couple of recent examples of how Sto Panel Technology can make a huge impact on new builds, renovations and expansions.

Banner Desert Medical Center

Location: Mesa, Arizona
Building Type: Healthcare
Construction Type: New

Banner Health’s Desert Mesa Campus established the need for a 58,550 sq ft expansion of the Women’s Tower and provided an opportunity for a multi-level addition. As the project required the construction of a new hospital wing above and adjacent to the existing hospital, with minimal disruption to the day-to-day operations of the existing facility, the need for prefabrication was obvious, and the entire project team adopted a panelized approach from day one.

MKB Construction used a wide variety of prefabricated exterior wall panels to achieve the multi-aesthetic facade, including StoPanel Classic NExT ci, StoPanel Metal ci and StoPanel Back-up with a masonry veneer. Composed of just over 135 panels, the facade for this project was installed in 4 weeks’ time.

Read the full case study here.

Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center

Location: Las Vegas, NV
Building Type: Healthcare
Construction Type: New

Like most projects, the Centennial Hills Medical Center project originally called for panels to be built onsite. However, an aggressive 40-day installation and the hospital’s location in a residential neighborhood, which made debris containment especially concerning, forced the construction team to reconsider that option.

To address these challenges, they moved fabrication of the 57,092 sq. ft. of StoPanel^® Classic ci panels from the jobsite to their facility, shortening the field schedule by 3 months. By moving to their facility, they were also better able to contain construction debris.

Read the full case study here.

HCA Westside Regional Medical Center

Location: Plantation, FL
Building Type: Healthcare
Construction Type: Expansion

Due to the frequency and threat of extreme weather in the area, South Florida has strict building
code requirements for High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) areas and for essential structures such as healthcare facilities. This new addition to the HCA Westside Regional Center had to adhere to the strict Florida Building Code and Notice of Acceptance (NOA) standards, especially for wind-load design and impact resistance requirements. As with most healthcare facilities, meeting or beating the schedule was also of utmost importance.

The StoPanel^® Impact ci assembly allowed FLC Off-Site Construction to incorporate design
requirements and specifications meeting the Florida Building Code and Notice of Acceptance
(NOA) criteria directly into the design and fabrication process. Plus, they were able to install 22,000 square feet of panels in just 14 days.

Read the full case study here.

One Bala Place

Location: Bala Cynwyd, PA
Building Type: Office
Construction Type: Renovation

Built in 1965, One Bala Plaza was an aging, poorly insulated office building. Its restoration included 40,000 sq. ft. of custom-engineered StoPanel^® Classic NExT ci panels installed over the existing facade, delivering a fresh look and vastly improved thermal performance.

The team decided to build a completely new exterior facade right over the existing structure.
Steel angles were bolted along the entire perimeter of the building, then the StoPanel^® system and the new double-glazed ribbon windows were mounted in between. To avoid disturbing tenants, Jersey Panel limited installation to third shift and Saturdays. And by fabricating at Jersey Panel’s offsite facility, installation was complete in only 3 months, further minimizing disruptions.

Read the full case study here.

The Secret to Less Disruptive, More Predictable Expansions and Renovations: Sto Panel Technology

Expansions and renovations pose a host of challenges, especially in occupied buildings. Prefabrication is smarter, faster and less disruptive. And Sto Panel Technology delivers proven energy performance combined with unlimited design possibilities, enabling owners to go up while keeping their businesses running.

To learn more about Sto Panel Technology, visit our website or Sto Panel Technology Support.

The post The Challenges with Expansions and Renovations appeared first on Sto Corp..

Maybe not.

While most of these buildings have outlived their useful lives and underperform in virtually every area – energy efficiency, aesthetically, building codes – the bones are usually solid. And that presents the opportunity for another solution: recladding.

The Benefits of Recladding

When you have an older structure, there are pressures from all sides to renovate. The regulatory bodies want it to be brought up to current code. Management wants higher energy standards. Tenants and the community want a more modern aesthetic. Fortunately, recladding can modernize even the oldest dinosaur, enhancing sustainability, lowering costs, and improving performance. Let’s explore each of these benefits a little further.

Sustainability

Obviously, sustainability is a priority whether it’s a renovation or a rebuild. And believe it or not, it is possible to turn an antiquated structure into a sustainable one. In fact, that is one of recladding’s strengths. Here are a few other sustainability benefits of recladding:

• Extends the life of existing building stock
• Avoids embodied carbon from demolition debris and new materials
• Supports climate goals with improved envelope performance

Cost Efficiency

Cost is always an important factor and can, at times, be the determining factor. The cost to demolish and rebuild is not cheap. By choosing to reclad, you can realize there is the potential for some significant cost efficiencies, including:

• Lower upfront costs compared to full rebuild
• Faster schedules minimize revenue loss for occupied buildings
• Reduced permitting and disruption

Design and Performance

One might believe that only rebuilding gives architects and designers the freedom to create a one-of-a-kind marvel of modern science. But you don’t have to rebuild to achieve design freedom. Recladding delivers the ability to:

• Completely transform aesthetics
• Upgrade thermal and moisture performance with modern rainscreen and ci systems
• Improve tenant comfort, acoustic control, and property value

As you can see, recladding offers several benefits and may even prove cost-effective in the long term. Let’s talk recladding specifics by reviewing Sto’s proven recladding solutions.

Sto Recladding Solutions: Proof Positive

Sto is the innovative world leader in building envelope solutions, including wall cladding systems, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems. Among these innovative solutions are many that can you transform those dinosaurs we’ve been talking about. Let’s begin with StoVentec^® Rainscreen Systems.

StoVentec^® Rainscreen Systems – Ideal for overclad retrofits, these advanced systems are complete, with all the system components – including the air and water-resistive barrier, thermal insulation, sub-construction, and facade panel – engineered to perform together. The StoVentro sub-construction is an integral component of the StoVentec systems. It’s adjustable to accommodate uneven substrates and absorbs both the wind load and dead loads present on the facade. The StoVentec Rainscreen Systems are available in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and materials, including glass and fiber cement, all in a single-source system backed by a 10-year system warranty.

The StoTherm^® ci Mineral system is the first decorative and protective exterior wall cladding in the U.S. designed around the performance and advantages of mineral wool. Not only does mineral wool provide advanced acoustic dampening and limits thermal conductivity, but it can also withstand temperatures of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit while still resisting fire.

StoTherm^® ci Systems – For energy upgrades, Sto offers StoTherm^® ci Systems, an EIFS with Drainage continuous insulation wall system. These systems are comprised of a high-performance, energy-efficient wall cladding that integrates StoGuard^® air and water-resistive barrier, GPS, EPS, XPS or mineral wool insulation, and drainage. The nearly limitless aesthetic appearances that can be achieved using Sto textured finishes, Sto Specialty Finishes, or StoCast Brick or Wood custom prefabricated shapes allow for complete design freedom.

Sto offers a few other solutions to aid in your reclad project as well. These include:

• Cladding versatility – Sto’s systemized approach allows for you to select the system most appropriate for your project. Choices of cladding include StoTherm ci systems, StoVentec Rainscreen systems or one of Sto’s other engineered and tested systems.
• Variety of aesthetic options – The vast range of materials, finishes, and design options, include fiber cement, glass, traditional textured finishes, finishes that mimic stone, concrete, metal, masonry veneer, or Sto’s lightweight, custom resin-cast shapes, StoCast Brick and StoCast Wood.
• StoPanel^® Systems – Offering a wide range of aesthetics and finishes to meet your design vision without compromise, StoPanel^® Systems save time with pre-assembled panels ready to install on-site, reducing labor, material waste, and weather-related delays.
• The A.R.T. of reStore^® – For complete facade renewal strategies (aesthetics, repair, transformation), Sto’s reStore program has a program level specific to your restoration needs, offering a single source for materials and services to meet all your maintenance and restoration requirements.

You’ve heard the benefits. You’ve learned a little about our recladding solutions. Now, it’s time to show you what these systems are truly capable of by sharing some of our most recent case studies.

Sounds Compelling, Looks Incredible: Recladding Transformations

The two featured projects below could have easily been total rebuilds. But the owners discovered that they could achieve all their sustainability, performance and design goals with the help of Sto.

Cafesjian Art Trust

Location: Shoreview, MN
Building Type: Entertainment and Cultural
Construction Type: Renovation

A renowned Minnesota businessman and philanthropist, Gerald Cafesjian established the Cafesjian Art Trust to share his collection of modern art with the public. When the trust prepared for a change of address, they realized that the building was well past its prime. Instead of a total rebuild, they opted to reclad and upgrade the facade to better reflect the museum’s mission and artwork.

StoVentec Glass enabled architects to create a customized, visually compelling building facade that could be installed over the existing ribbed concrete and brick exterior walls. The non-combustible continuous exterior insulation and continuous air and water-resistive barrier with StoVentro sub-construction produces an advanced high-performance wall assembly. Additionally, the architect’s vision of a brilliant, colorful building exterior was brought to life with varying shades of blue StoVentec Glass.

To read the entire case study and see project photos, visit https://www.stocorp.com/sto_project_gallery/cafesjian-art-trust/.

The Heritage

Location: New York, NY
Building Type: Multi-Family
Construction Type: Renovation

Rising 35 stories above Fifth Avenue and overlooking Central Park, The Heritage is part of the Empire Building Challenge, an innovative partnership between the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the private sector, setting out to demonstrate the feasibility of retrofitting tall buildings to comply with low-carbon standards.

To answer the Empire Building Challenge and bring these iconic residential towers into the age of efficiency, the architectural firm employed StoTherm ci, the benefits of which went beyond the great looks and exceptional efficiency. According to King Contracting president Brett Steinberg. “StoTherm ci was the most cost-efficient option for the developer, as metal panels would be almost double the cost, and to rip the facade off and redo it with a brick veneer would be almost triple.”

The result has been a success for everyone involved. The building owner was able to retrofit its aging property, bringing it up to and beyond modern efficiency standards, and the residents now enjoy lower utility costs and a more comfortable living environment.

To read the entire case study and see project photos, visit https://www.stocorp.com/sto_project_gallery/the-heritage/.

Decision Point: Reclad or Demolish?

So, when should you reclad versus demolish and rebuild? It’s the million-dollar question. There are certain scenarios where recladding provides clear advantages. A few examples of these scenarios are:

• Structurally sound buildings needing envelope performance upgrades
• Projects constrained by budget or schedule
• Sites with historic or community value worth preserving
• Desire to minimize disruption to building occupants (tenants, patients, etc.)

Recladding: A Sustainable Path Forward

It may seem easier to just wipe out an old building and start over. But a complete rebuild is expensive and can lead to an extended out-of-use time. Our innovative recladding solutions can transform those old dinosaurs into a modern structure in virtually every sense of the term. Increased sustainability. Lower long-term cost. And enhanced energy-efficiency and performance. Recladding offers all these benefits and more. And Sto is the perfect partner with proven reclad solutions that align with climate goals, code compliance, and design aspirations.

On that next renovation project, consider Sto recladding solutions instead of a full demo and rebuild. To learn more about Sto’s recladding solutions or to discuss your project with our specialists, contact us at 800-221-2397 or via the website.

The post Why Recladding is the Smarter Path to Sustainable Renewal appeared first on Sto Corp..

But that is the wrong question.

The right question is: How can we strategically design this retrofit so that not only is it brought up to current building standards, but it’s also equipped to meet climate, code, and performance demands well into the future?

Because that is what a retrofit is. It is an opportunity. But it’s only an opportunity if you are familiar with and have access to the right tools.

Retrofit Rainscreens and Futureproofing

Current retrofit initiatives are driven by the desire for a new, modern look, updated code requirements, environmental goals, and increased awareness of occupant health and building resilience. Influential factors include:

• Energy codes such as IECC, Title 24, and New York Local Law 97
• ESG expectations from investors and tenants
• Insurance pressures related to weather durability and fire safety

These drivers set the baseline for expectations. But we can do better. Much better.

Retrofit rainscreens are strategic infrastructure upgrades that help property owners meet evolving energy codes, climate goals, and durability standards. According to Performance Validation, a company that offers services to help clients meet cGMP and FDA regulations, these performance-enhancing systems have been proven to reduce heating and cooling energy usage by up to 40%! Plus, they reduce mechanical loads and lower condensation risk, resulting in a longer envelope lifespan and a more stable indoor environment.

Rainscreens contribute to higher-performing envelopes by providing:

• Continuous insulation that helps limit thermal bridging
• Improved control of air leakage and bulk water intrusion
• Better thermal comfort and interior humidity regulation

In other words, retrofit rainscreens can transform a relic of the past into a paragon of future performance. Especially if you specify the most advanced, most trusted rainscreen system on the market today: StoVentec^® Rainscreen Systems.

StoVentec^®: A Complete Retrofit System

By definition, A StoVentec^® Rainscreen System is a comprehensive rainscreen solution that offers aesthetic and energy upgrades. But it’s much more than that. It’s a strategic solution for retrofit applications where performance, compliance, and future readiness are top priorities.

• StoVentec^® includes all major wall components engineered to work together:
• Air and water-resistive barrier
• Noncombustible mineral wool insulation
• StoVentro adjustable sub-framing
• Cladding options including fiber cement, glass, render, and masonry veneer

Plus, StoVentec^® has been subjected to rigorous testing, complying with even the most stringent codes, including:

• ICC ESR 1233
• NYC 2022 fireblocking requirements
• Structural wind load, ventilation, and water penetration ratings
• Miami-Dade and Florida Product Approval

StoVentec^® is so advanced and comprehensive that it supports retrofit strategies aligned with Passive House and net-zero energy goals, deep energy retrofits in urban or climate-sensitive zones, and code compliance upgrades for affordable housing, hospitals, and schools.

Below are highlights from a couple of retrofit projects where StoVentec^® transformed the property.

Projects that Leveraged Rainscreens to Futureproof

Cafesjian Art Trust

A renowned Minnesota businessman and philanthropist, Gerald Cafesjian established the Cafesjian Art Trust in greater Minneapolis to share his collection of modern art with the public. When the trust prepared for a change of address, they realized that the building’s facade needed a substantial upgrade.

Mohagen Hansen Architectural Group had a vision for a brilliant, colorful building exterior. StoVentec^® made it possible to achieve both the architect’s vision and create an envelope that is future-ready. The StoVentro subconstruction attached to the existing substrate with bracket connections, enabling the 1,700 square feet of StoVentec^® glass panels to deliver a customized, visually compelling building facade while optimizing envelope performance.

Read the full Cafesjian Art Trust case study.

Innovation Outpost

Built on the former site of Amarillo High School, Innovation Outpost is a new hub for innovation on the campus of Amarillo College. With an eye toward creating a building that would define innovation, Parkhill, the architectural firm, and the college turned to Sto Corp. for the precise aesthetic they sought, which centered around the idea of a mirrored facade that would allow passersby to see the rich history surrounding the building by looking at the structure itself.

Ultimately, Parkhill specified StoVentec^® Glass with mirrored Stopsol finish to eliminate window openings and deliver a continuous, high-performance facade system. This allowed them to flawlessly execute on their design vision, while simultaneously providing ease of installation and long-term performance, all in a single integrated system.

Read the full Innovation Outpost case study.

A Trusted Partner for Full-System Rainscreen Solutions in Retrofit Applications

Sto Corp. is the innovative world leader in building envelope solutions, including wall cladding systems, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems. And they’ve proven time and again that they are a trusted partner for full system rainscreen solutions in retrofit applications. Sto Corp. is committed to creating solutions that enable architects to execute their vision while providing building owners with the long-term performance they expect.

One reason for the reputation as a trusted partner is that Sto also provides a range of support tools and data to facilitate the design and construction process. This support includes:

• RIB Speclink specification sections
• Fully tested system assemblies
• Technical support for design development and system integration

No matter what the challenge, Sto is a partner you can depend on.

Elevating Retrofit Outcomes with Complete Systems

Retrofits are a fact of life in our business. Without question, there are challenges when working with an existing structure. But there are also opportunities. StoVentec^® systems help you to seize that opportunity, providing a clear path for modernizing aging buildings while meeting today’s code and performance standards. The system approach improves efficiency, simplifies project delivery, and supports long-term building value.

To learn more about StoVentec Rainscreen Systems, visit our website or contact a rainscreen specialist to discuss your next project.

The post A Retrofit Isn’t About Patching the Past, It’s About Preparing for the Future appeared first on Sto Corp..

There are two general types of cracking: structural and surface. Surface cracking, also known as hairline cracks, are generally 1/16” wide or less; structural cracking is typically wider and deeper. What are some of the causes of cracking and what can be done to prevent them? This blog post is going to crack this topic wide open and provide answers to these questions and more. Let’s begin by looking at the root causes of cracks in commercial buildings.

Common Causes of Facade Cracking

Cracks in a facade can be caused by a wide range of things. The source of the crack can be rooted in environmental impacts. Cracks can also stem from problems inside a building. Here is a short list of the most common causes of facade cracking.

Environmental stressors may include:

• Thermal expansion and contraction – As a building heats and cools, its exterior components expand and shrink, creating stress.
• Freeze/thaw cycles – In colder climates, winter can exact a heavy toll on a building with repeated freeze/thaw events.
• Wind-driven rain and UV degradation – Environmental elements are the most frequent stressors, pounding the exterior of buildings day in and day out.

Structural and substrate-related causes may include:

• Building movement or settlement – Buildings settle over time creating stress points that lead to cracks and while buildings are designed for movement, years of movement or extreme movement outside of normal parameters can increase stress.
• Inadequate substrate preparation – Surface level protection offers one level of defense; if the substrate is left unprotected, surface cracks can penetrate deeper, faster.
• Incompatibility between facade materials – Different materials from different manufacturers don’t always work well together, sometimes leaving weak spots in a building’s envelope.

But how much damage can a crack cause? It can’t be that bad, can it? The consequences of these problems can be very real and very damaging.

The Short- and Long-Term Consequences of Cracks

Surface cracks are more than just cosmetic flaws. They can lead to serious performance issues and costly repairs. Obviously, cracks create an opportunity for moisture intrusion, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Air leakage into the walls can compromise energy efficiency.

Long-term consequences may include material degradation. The constant intrusion of both water and air can damage components found within the wall cavity. The degradation of these systems can lead to more significant water intrusion and compromised climate control for the occupants. In worst-case scenarios, these failures can lead to liability and warranty issues.

But there are ways to address hairline cracks in stucco claddings that help prevent future breaches, extend the facade life, reduce lifecycle costs, and preserve aesthetics. One solution proven to proactively prevent cracks is Sto Crack Defense.

Sto Crack Defense: Engineered for Performance

Sto’s crack prevention technologies protect your investment from the start. Sto Crack Defense, in particular, enhances the durability and longevity of stucco and other facade systems. This fortification layer consists of woven glass fiber mesh embedded in a polymer-reinforced basecoat. The technical advantages of using a crack prevention system like this include:

• Reinforcement resists cracking from stresses and movement
• Distributes load across a broader surface area
• Flexible and durable under real-world building dynamics

Sto Crack Defense is designed to work with any stucco cladding system, including our own StoPowerwall^® Stucco, a stucco wall assembly with a continuous air and water-resistive barrier that combines the strength and durability of traditional stucco.

This system can be used in new builds and retrofits. For new construction, it’s an integral solution for architects and builders focused on long-term durability and aesthetics that enhance the performance of exterior wall systems from day one. In restorations and retrofits, Sto Crack Defense is ideal for preserving historic facades or repairing cracked stucco, helping to meet updated performance codes without a full tear-off.

Proactive Measures Pay Off

It’s been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That certainly holds true when it comes to proactively integrating crack control measures. Here are just a few of the benefits of using crack prevention technology like Sto Crack Defense:

Reduced maintenance and repair costs:

• Fewer callbacks for cracking
• Longer service intervals before refinishing

Improved visual continuity:

• Preserves clean facade lines over time
• Avoids the “patched” look that undermines curb appeal

Sustainability bonus:

• Contributes to longevity and durability metrics in green building programs (LEED, etc.)

Crack Prevention is Value Engineering

Investing in Sto Crack Defense is a long-term strategy for a high-performance facade. Specifying Sto Crack Defense is value engineering. It saves the building owner from expensive and unnecessary repairs down the road. Stop cracks before they happen with Sto Crack Defense.

For more information about Sto Crack Defense or Sto Corp., please visit www.stocorp.com or call (800) 221-2397. To find the perfect Sto system for your project, check out the Sto System Finder.

The post Maximize Building Longevity with Sto’s Crack Prevention Solutions appeared first on Sto Corp..

Building with Conscience isn’t just a tagline for Sto. It’s a guiding principle for the company that serves as a basis for our strategy to pursue products and solutions that are responsible, sustainable and innovative. In other words, our existing products align with modern energy performance standards and set new standards in the industry for better buildings.

Why Energy-Efficiency Matters

There are a range of reasons why we as an industry need to pursue energy efficiency relentlessly. The first and most obvious reason is the more energy efficient the building, the lower the cost to maintain it. Every owner wants that. In addition to reducing operating costs, energy efficiency maximizes occupant comfort and safety.

Not only does Sto strive to create energy-efficient buildings but also buildings that are more durable, require less maintenance, and have longer life cycles while still allowing for design freedom. Sto high-performance wall systems provide superior air and weather tightness and excellent long-lasting thermal performance, thus helping lower energy costs and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.

So, what are these energy-efficient solutions, and how are they different? Let’s get to it.

A Holistic Approach

Sto takes a holistic approach to energy-efficient and sustainable design. What we mean by that is our products are designed to seamlessly work together, maximizing energy savings while enhancing durability and sustainability. Our comprehensive lineup of energy-efficient solutions includes systems that incorporate Sto GPS Board, Sto Lamellas and our iQ Technology products–StoColor^® Lotusan^®, StoLit^® Lotusan^®, and StoColor^® Dryonic^®.

Sto Intelligent Technology + Design (iQ Technology) interweaves innovation with design to offer high-performance finish and coatings with unique attributes based on biomimicry principles that allow facades to stay clean longer than conventional paints and coatings, reducing maintenance and the operational carbon footprint of the building. The functionality behind each of these coatings is inspired by nature and designed to address the true needs of a building, not just the standards. Because these coatings deliver improved function through optimized product attributes, property owners will realize greater durability and lower lifecycle costs.

But our advanced coatings and finishes are only the beginning. Sto offers a number of other solutions that support energy efficiency, including:

Sto GPS Board

A graphite-enhanced, expanded polystyrene (GPS) insulation board that is recyclable, fluorocarbon-free, boasting a 4.7 R-value and allowing for thinner walls. It is intended for use in StoTherm^® ci, StoPowerwall^® ci, and StoPanel^® GPS systems.

StoTherm^® ci Systems

StoTherm^® ci Systems integrate the following key elements – continuous insulation (ci), air and water-resistive barrier, drainage and a variety of finish options to create a superior, sustainable wall cladding. As proven in the EIMA Exterior Wall Cladding Performance Study, this high-performing, lightweight, and eye-catching system saves energy and stays attractive for years. StoTherm^® ci improves indoor comfort and air quality while maintaining maximum curb appeal and lowering overall lifecycle costs. Sto also offers advanced stucco wall systems that include continuous insulation and StoGuard, an air and water-resistive barrier system that protects buildings against air leakage and moisture intrusion.

StoGuard^® Air and Water-Resistive Barriers

Fully tested and compliant with the most stringent green construction codes, StoGuard^® systems protect buildings against air leakage and moisture intrusion and 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 on multi-cladding buildings.

StoGuard Detail Components are a set of fully compatible accessories designed for use with Sto products that provide continuous air and water-resistive barriers for all exterior walls. StoGuard Detail Components are typically installed first, then overcoated with the fluid-applied membrane, adding extra protection at critical areas such as movement joints, substrate transitions, penetrations, and rough openings, ensuring a durable barrier.

Sto Fireblocking

Sto Fireblocking is a unique, patent-pending solution designed to meet the stringent 2022 New York City Building Code for exterior wall assemblies. Built on technology trusted in Europe for over twenty years, Sto Fireblocking features the use of Sto Lamellas, a non-combustible fireblocking product, and is engineered and tested for use with Sto EIFS, stucco and rainscreen systems.

Energy Efficiency and Aesthetic Brilliance. See for Yourself.

Not only do our energy-efficient solutions deliver outstanding performance, but they also look incredible, and the versatility allows you to achieve virtually any look. But don’t take our word for it. Check out our project gallery to see for yourself. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite projects below if you want to take a quick peek.

Bell Bank

Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Building Type: Commercial
Construction Type: Renovation

See how Sto’s energy-efficient solutions converted an old slip-form concrete structure into a modern work of art that is capable of withstanding Fargo’s brutal winter weather.

The Heritage

Location: New York, New York
Building Type: Multi-Family
Construction Type: Renovation

See how StoTherm^® ci helped transport these iconic residential towers that overlook Central Park into the age of efficiency.

Georgia King Village

Location: Newark, New Jersey
Building Type: Multi-Family
Construction Type: Renovation

Discover how StoTherm^® helped modernize this affordable housing development project that included eight facades, multiple drops and a difficult design pattern to follow.

The Atrium at Sumner

Location: Brooklyn, New York
Building Type: Multi-Family
Construction Type: New

Learn how the StoTherm^® ci system aided the New York City Housing Authority in incorporating Passive House energy efficiency standards into this new senior housing building.

Edgewater Condominiums

Location: North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Building Type: Multi-Family
Construction Type: Renovation

Read how all the old stucco was replaced with 250,000 SF of StoTherm^® ci Lotusan^® continuous insulation wall system, which led to more energy-efficient and newer-looking buildings.

White Castle

Location: Orlando, Florida
Building Type: Retail
Construction Type: New

To build their largest restaurant to date, White Castle used a combination of StoTherm^® systems to increase energy efficiency and provide protection against Florida’s frequent tropical.

Innovative Energy-Efficient Solutions from an Industry Leader

At Sto, we’re building smarter so you can too. It’s part of our mission and it’s our commitment to you. Our energy-efficient solutions are helping building owners create high-performance building envelopes that will reduce maintenance, lower operational costs, and increase longevity. And because Sto designs the products to work together seamlessly, you don’t have to piecemeal a system together. Sto can be your single-source provider, with everything falling under one warranty.

To learn more about Sto’s energy-efficient solutions, visit www.stocorp.com or call (800) 221-2397.

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Give That Building a Jacket

This may be stating the obvious but older buildings often lack the thermal efficiency of newer buildings. So, chances are, your retrofit could use a new jacket. Humans adapt their clothing to environmental conditions. Our personal attire is dynamic, or at least that’s a good reason for a diverse wardrobe. Windbreakers, rain jackets, wool overcoats, and insulated, puffy jackets perform different roles for us, providing performance for certain conditions. Some jackets are multipurpose, keeping us warm and dry yet ventilated in adverse weather conditions. Exterior wall assemblies are much like these multi-tasking performance jackets, enduring longer lifespans while protecting against changing weather conditions, safeguarding interior environments, and promoting occupant health and well-being.

But sometimes, a building needs a new jacket, and retrofitting for an aesthetic refresh also provides an opportunity to enhance the wall assembly’s performance. Critical components include proper continuous air sealing and water-resistive barriers, thermal insulation, and a rainscreen ventilation cavity. As we’ll cover in greater detail in this article, these elements collectively form a high-performance exterior wall assembly.

A Modern Rainscreen System: The Perfect Jacket

When retrofitting an old building with a new jacket, air sealing is essential. A continuous air seal is best achieved with careful detailing of the air barrier, particularly at openings and corners and transitions to the roof and foundation. The addition of a rainscreen system then protects inner walls from weather exposure and prevents water and moisture from penetrating the building envelope. The benefits of a modern rainscreen system include:

• Energy efficiency: Rainscreen cladding improves thermal performance, reducing heating and air conditioning costs by up to 40% annually.
• Insulation: When done correctly, an added insulation layer enhances thermal efficiency and limits condensation.
• Protection: The cladding protects the building’s exterior from wind, rain, and snow, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
• Structural stability: The air cavity in the rainscreen mitigates temperature variations, reducing structural movements and the risk of cracks.
• Acoustic insulation: An additional insulation layer helps block outside noise, which is beneficial in urban environments.
• Design freedom: With a rainscreen system, you get an exoskeletal system that supports a variety of architectural finishes, such as Sto’s StoCast resin cast shapes that replicate textures found in nature, and StoVentec Glass, a glass-faced composite panel that can be used in StoVentec Glass Rainscreen systems, as well as other beautiful finishes that allow you to create a smooth, textured, or patterned surface.

Components of a Modern Rainscreen System

A rainscreen is made up of several key structural components that work together to manage airflow and moisture effectively; these components usually include:

• Outer cladding material: The cladding is your building’s first line of defense. Depending on the climate zone and local environment of the building, you’ll want to choose the cladding type–fiber cement, metal panel, HPL, specialized render systems, etc.–based on the desired aesthetic, hazards present, and the level of protection that is needed.
• Air gap or cavity: A ventilated space behind the cladding that helps manage moisture. A modern rainscreen system incorporates a more significant air gap than traditional drainscreens to promote drainage and drying of wall assemblies.
• Air and water-resistive barrier (AWRB): This is attached directly to the building’s frame and is the last line of defense against air leakage and moisture intrusion. The AWRB may be permeable or impermeable to water vapor, depending on the climate.
• Exterior Insulation (a building’s overcoat): This outer insulation layer can handle moisture and drying without degrading or reducing its R-value. Depending on the building owner’s thermal requirements and targets, this layer may be supplemented. Also, energy codes require different degrees of exterior wall thermal performance.
• Venting Profiles: Several ventilation options are available to help direct moisture away from the wall surfaces and keep out pests.

Beware the Frankenstein System

As noted above, the fewer manufacturers you have to deal with, the better. Ideally, you’ll have one manufacturer that offers all the components required for your rainscreen system. It is a system, after all. A Frankenstein system is the total opposite. Often, one manufacturer is hired for the aesthetics, another for the air and moisture barrier, and another for sub-construction. A Frankenstein system sets you up for failure in the long term. If something goes wrong, all the manufacturers will point at each other, and you’ll be stuck in the middle. Keep it simple. Find one manufacturer that can provide you with a total solution from the sheathing out because that way, there’s no question about who to contact for questions during design, installation, or after completion of the project.

Seeing is Believing

When sourced and installed correctly, a rainscreen system can be transformative. It functions beautifully, saving you money starting on day one. But what does a modern rainscreen system look like? Something that functional must be ugly, right? Quite the opposite. The right rainscreen system gives your architect the freedom to achieve virtually any look. But don’t take our word for it; see for yourself. Here are a few real-world examples of the possibilities. Keep in mind every one of these examples is a retrofit. It makes the finished product even more incredible.

Cafesjian Art Trust

A renowned Minnesota businessman and philanthropist, Gerald Cafesjian established the Cafesjian Art Trust in greater Minneapolis to share his collection of modern art with the public. Cafesjian had a particular passion for the medium of glass, inspiring him to assemble an extensive collection of contemporary glass sculptures from artists such as Victor Vasarely, Georges Braque, Joan Miro, Arshile Gorky, and more. When the trust prepared for a change of address, they realized that the building’s facade needed a substantial upgrade to reflect the museum’s mission and artwork better. Mohagen Hansen Architectural Group envisioned a brilliant, colorful building exterior brought to life with varying shades of blue StoVentec Glass.

In three shades of blue–Dienes Sari, Lemanus Blue, and Sapphire Splash–StoVentec Glass allowed architects to deliver a customized, visually compelling building facade that could be installed over the previous exterior walls, which comprised ribbed concrete and brick. StoVentec Glass is an open-joint drained, back-ventilated rainscreen wall system that combines superior air and weather tightness with thermal performance. The non-combustible continuous exterior insulation and continuous air and water-resistive barrier with StoVentro sub-construction produces an advanced high-performance wall assembly. StoVentec Glass panels are manufactured by fusing colors directly into the glass before toughening to create a permanent color that will not wear, scratch, fade, or incur water damage.

As a retrofit project, the StoVentro subconstruction is attached to the existing sound substrate with bracket connections, enabling the 1,700 square feet of StoVentec Glass panels to connect to a flat plate.

StoVentro sub-construction is an adjustable, thermally efficient structural system of brackets, rails, fasteners, and accessories for rainscreen wall cladding assemblies. The sub-construction absorbs wind and dead loads on the facade and incorporates corrosion resistance.

“The solutions from Sto enabled us to keep the exterior envelope intact, so we avoided energy and water intrusion concerns. We were able to dress up the exterior without being invasive or labor-intensive. The grid system allowed the freedom to choose sizes and colors to create our vision with a unique pattern.”

Neil Missling | Mohagen Hansen Architecture Associate

To read the entire case study and see project photos, visit https://www.stocorp.com/sto_project_gallery/cafesjian-art-trust/.

Innovation Outpost

Innovation drives progress. And in Amarillo, TX, there is a new hub for innovation on the campus of Amarillo College. It is called Innovation Outpost, and the building’s renovation nods to the past with an eye on the future. The structure, which was the former site of Amarillo High School, holds significant meaning in the community, and it has now been rehabbed with innovative, high-performance, industry-leading products that illustrate the purpose of the new space.

The project needed to be a “large box” with no windows, tailored initially to meet the needs of the proposed first tenants that would utilize the space as a visual effects studio with 360° cameras. Natural light from window openings would have disrupted such an atmosphere. There was also interest from local film studios, but the building ultimately served as a performance space, similar to a Ted Talk environment.

The architect specified a StoVentec^® Glass Rainscreen facade with a Stopsol mirrored glass finish. This allowed them to flawlessly execute their design vision–priority number one–while providing ease of installation and long-term performance. The result is an advanced, high-performance wall assembly incorporating all the necessary control layers, sub-construction, insulation, and exterior cladding from a single source: Sto. For the project team and installers, this means one supplier, warranty, and point of contact for the exterior facade. This translates to time, labor, cost savings, and valuable peace of mind.

Innovation Outpost mirrors what Amarillo College wanted in a building representative of innovation. With the help of Sto, the structure is a campus standout, catching the eye of onlookers while reflecting Amarillo’s surrounding built environment, including the Sante Fe Building and the vivid neon sign bearing its name.

To read the entire case study and see project photos, visit https://www.stocorp.com/sto_project_gallery/innovation-outpost/.

Learn More About Rainscreens in Retrofits

On your next retrofit, consider proposing a modern, proven rainscreen system. As you’ve heard and seen, the right one can transform even the oldest building into a modern, thermally efficient work of art. Plus, it will perform and save money for the building owner well into the future.

To learn more about rainscreens in general or to receive information on StoVentec^® Rainscreen^® Systems, visit www.stocorp.com/rainscreen/.

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Sheen: A Closer Look

The appearance of a coating’s sheen is influenced by several key factors: light interaction, surface texture, material composition, and environmental conditions. The fundamental principle behind the sheen is the reflection and absorption of light. When light hits a surface, some is reflected while some is absorbed, which determines the appearance of the sheen. Glossy surfaces reflect more light, creating a shiny appearance, whereas matte surfaces absorb more light, resulting in a subdued finish.

Surface roughness and texture also play a crucial role in the perception of sheen. Smooth surfaces tend to reflect light more uniformly, enhancing the gloss effect, while rough or textured surfaces scatter light in multiple directions, reducing the gloss and creating a matte appearance. The formulation of the coating itself is another vital factor. The coating’s composition of binders, pigments, and additives affects how light interacts with the surface. Higher binder content typically produces a glossier finish, while higher pigment concentration can create a more matte effect by scattering light.

The angle of incidence, or the angle at which light strikes the surface, can change the perceived sheen. For instance, a surface may appear glossier when viewed from a certain angle compared to when viewed head-on. Environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, can also impact the final appearance of the sheen. These conditions can affect the coating’s drying process and final texture, influencing its reflective properties.

The Different Sheen Levels

Finishes may go by different names depending on the coating, but there are essentially three standard types: flat/matte, eggshell/satin, and semigloss/high-gloss. Here’s a recap of the pros and cons of each:

• Flat/Matte – Provides a smooth appearance that doesn’t reflect light directly, making imperfections less noticeable.
• Eggshell/Satin – Offers more durability and a slightly higher reflection than matte.
• Semigloss/High-Gloss – Resistant to mildew, dirt, and stains, semigloss is bright and shiny and, as a result, reveals imperfections.

Balancing these factors with aesthetics goals, the building’s location and surface type helps ensure a beautiful finish.

The Importance of the Coating

Sheen is important–it’s the finishing detail! But the right coating will help you tell the story. Sto’s high-performance architectural coatings not only enhance the beauty of your building but also provide superior protection against the elements. Our architectural coating solutions include products that offer fade resistance, protection against mold and mildew, crack bridging, and even self-cleaning properties. All Sto coatings are vapor permeable and low in VOCs. They are engineered to be used in vertical applications, come in various textures and sheens, and can be tinted in an endless array of colors to suit your design needs.

Our architectural coatings include:

• Sto iQ Technology – Coatings inspired by nature that provide superior functionality and durability are designed to keep the facade clean, dry, and bright with less maintenance.
• Specialty Coatings – Coatings that offer the ability to create unique aesthetics to enhance the design of your building.
• Traditional – Coatings that preserve the value of buildings by serving as a breathable, durable, attractive layer of protection.
• Elastomeric – Coatings that bridge hairline cracks and increase weather resistance.
• Primers – A variety of primers designed to improve finish coat coverage and promote uniform substrate absorption.
• Sealers – Topcoat sealers that protect and enhance color and fade resistance of Sto coatings and finishes.

Unique Customized Effects that Enhance Curb Appeal

For unique, customized aesthetics combined with performance characteristics, you’ll want to consider Sto Specialty Coatings. Offering a wide range of creative options, Sto Specialty Aesthetic Coatings enhance curb appeal and protect the building. Our Specialty Coatings include:

• StoColor^® Metallic – offers the ability to achieve a metallic panel look with various color and texture options. All 15 standard colors can be applied over smooth or textured surfaces, offering versatility and creating a custom look while utilizing standard finishes.
• StoColor^® Wood Stain – an acrylic-based stain for use as a topcoat over StoCast Wood and StoSignature^® Wood. It provides superior UV protection for long-lasting colors and is available in gloss or matte sheen.
• StoTique^® – an exterior and interior coating that achieves an “antique” mottled effect or other custom decorative effects. Use it over existing EIFS, stucco, previously painted wall surfaces, or any Sto textured or smooth finish coating.
• StoColor^® Texture – an acrylic-based textured coating used over prepared vertical concrete, stucco, existing EIFS, tilt-up, or masonry surfaces.

Projects that Showcase the Impact of the Right Coating and the Right Sheen

The right architectural coating with the right sheen makes all the difference. Here are a couple of case studies that prove the point.

Sheen in Action: Houston House

Project: Houston House
Location: East Village, New York
Construction Type: New
Systems and Products: StoTherm^® ci, Stolit^® Milano

Houston House, located in New York City’s East Village, is an excellent example of how sheen can achieve a modern, stylish look while maintaining practicality. The project utilized innovative techniques to replicate the appearance of sleek metal panels, driven by the need for a high-end, contemporary aesthetic that resonates with the vibrant neighborhood.

The building’s finish is designed to mimic the sheen and texture of metal panels. This finish provides a smooth, reflective surface that captures light beautifully, creating an eye-catching facade. The ability to reflect light in a controlled manner gives the building a polished, upscale look, enhancing its visual appeal in the bustling urban environment.

The application process was crucial in achieving the desired metal-like sheen. Skilled applicators meticulously applied the finish in multiple coats, sanding each layer to perfection. The final coat was troweled to create deep grooves, imitating the joints of metal panels. This attention to detail ensured a uniform, glossy finish that convincingly replicates the look of metal.

One of the significant advantages of using a specialized finish over actual metal panels is its superior thermal performance. The system provides continuous insulation, which helps regulate the building’s temperature and reduces energy consumption. Additionally, the finish offers excellent durability and weather resistance, crucial for withstanding New York City’s harsh winters and hot summers.

Moreover, this innovative finish is more cost-effective than traditional metal panels. It delivers the same high-end appearance without the associated expenses, making it a practical choice for developers looking to balance aesthetics and budget. This approach enhances the building’s exterior and contributes to its sustainability and energy efficiency.

In conclusion, the Houston House project demonstrates how modern coating technologies can effectively use sheen to achieve a sophisticated, metal-like appearance. The finish provides a durable, energy-efficient solution that meets aesthetic and practical requirements, setting a new standard for urban residential design.

Coating Can-Do: Steamboat Grande

Project: Steamboat Grande
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Construction Type: Renovation
Systems and Products: StoColor^® Lotusan^®

Located a few steps from the base of the Steamboat Ski area, the Steamboat Grand Resort is a popular luxury resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. At an altitude of 6,900 feet, the exterior facade is exposed to 300+ days of sunshine per year and some of the highest snowfall totals in the state. The exterior of this 12-year-old ski resort hotel needed a facelift, and the owners were looking for a solution that would help retain the resort’s curb appeal. It was the perfect project for StoColor^® Lotusan^®, the super hydrophobic exterior coating that produces a finish with self-cleaning properties using Sto’s Lotus-Effect^® technology.

StoColor Lotusan is a flat exterior wall coating modeled on the microstructure of the lotus leaf. The lotus-effect technology, engineered by Sto, imparts super-hydrophobic properties to the coating, which, along with superior self-cleaning properties, resists soiling, mold, mildew, and algae. It also has excellent weather and UV fade resistance.

Michael Lomas, vice president and general manager of The Steamboat Grand, was pleased with the outcome. “Sto did an excellent job matching the paint colors, and the StoColor Lotusan looks excellent.”

Closing

Sheen is the finishing touch to your vision. It’s no longer an afterthought. In addition to showcasing your design and letting it be all it can be, sheen can contribute to a building’s long-term performance and maintenance. And the right architectural coating with the desired look and functionality combined with the right sheen can be an absolute game changer. Explore the possibilities and get creative using the tools available at stocorp.com.

The post Choosing the Right Sheen for your Architectural Coatings appeared first on Sto Corp..

An Affordable Way to Fight Surface Cracks

Sto Crack Defense is an innovative solution that enhances the durability and aesthetic appeal of stucco wall systems. It consists of Sto Mesh embedded in Sto polymer-reinforced basecoat. Recommended when a fine texture finish is specified, this fortification layer is ideal for preventing hairline and surface cracking and could save thousands of dollars if repairs are ever needed.

Sto RFP–a one-component, ready-mixed, reinforced basecoat with high tensile strength and flexibility–is the recommended basecoat option. It does not contain or require cement and will help reduce the occurrence of efflorescence. To see Sto Crack Defense options, specifications, and a full list of allowable components, visit our stucco systems page.

Enhanced Durability for Long-Term Savings

The beauty of Sto Crack Defense is that it helps prevent issues before they happen while adding minimal cost to the wall system itself. Reinforcing your first line of defense means fewer callbacks, so you’ll save money on long-term maintenance and repair costs. The benefits of Sto Crack Defense include:

• Enhances strength and flexibility of stucco
• Cost-effective solution with long-term savings
• Suitable for both new constructions and renovation projects
• Maintains aesthetic options without compromising durability

Sto Crack Defense can be added to any of Sto’s engineered stucco systems that include an acrylic finish, which may extend your system’s warranty by up to 3 years.

A Smart Solution Deserves A Beautiful Finish

After building in that extra layer of protection, finish the system with any of Sto’s beautiful finishes. Our goal is to give you unmatched creative freedom and the ability to establish the design aesthetic that best illustrates and illuminates your creative vision. Available in a variety of textures and an extensive range of color options, Sto Traditional Finishes feature pure white marble aggregate and acrylic polymers. These finishes provide the basis for StoSignature looks, allowing endless design possibilities with the performance confidence of Sto finishes.

StoCast Brick and StoCast Wood can also be used to capture the essence of real brick and wood, respectively. These resin-cast shapes are more lightweight and durable than their traditional counterparts, minimizing time and energy in transportation and installation and allowing for greater conservation of natural material resources.

To see all of the aesthetic possibilities, visit our aesthetic product selector.

Restore Existing Stucco Buildings, Too

While Sto Crack Defense is ideal for new construction, it is also easily incorporated into reStore Level 2 projects when repairing and refinishing existing stucco buildings. Resurfacing the building with Sto Crack Defense will extend the life of the cladding while allowing for a wide variety of aesthetics.

Intelligent Solutions from an Industry Leader

Sto Corp. is the world’s leading innovator in claddings, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems. So, it’s no surprise that we are developing innovative solutions like Sto Crack Defense that help to improve building performance by reducing repairs and maintenance costs. But our portfolio includes so much more, like special wall assemblies engineered to meet the building enclosure’s very particular design and performance requirements and the ability to achieve a wide variety of aesthetic appearances.

For more information about Sto Crack Defense or Sto Corp., please visit www.stocorp.com or call (800) 221-2397. To find the perfect Sto system for your project, check out the Sto System Finder.

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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 changes because of the density of high-rise structures in the city and their belief that current NFPA 285 testing did not address all concerns regarding the spread of fire where foam plastic and other combustible materials are used in exterior wall assemblies. Additional municipalities are likely to follow the New York Code, which requires non-combustible fireblocking to be incorporated into EIFS, MCM, HPL, FRP, and any other cladding with foam plastic insulation.

A Fireblocking Breakthrough Engineered by Sto

Driven by a commitment to innovation and safety, Sto Corp. developed a fireblocking solution to meet the latest rigorous fireblocking requirements for combustible exterior wall assemblies.

Sto Fireblocking is a unique, patent-pending solution that incorporates the use of Sto Lamellas, a non-combustible mineral wool product. Sto Lamellas are 48 inches long and 4 inches tall, precision cut and available in various thicknesses to accommodate R-value requirements. The product is adhered and, therefore, does not create any thermal bridging. It seamlessly integrates into StoTherm ci GPS/EPS, StoPowerwall ci, and StoVentec Rainscreen systems, offering a complete fireblocking solution for a wide range of applications.

Sto’s fireblocking solution is fully compliant with the new 2022 New York City Building Code (BC), section BC 718.2.6).

Fully Tested and Trusted Technology

To develop this innovative fireblocking solution, Sto leveraged over two decades of proven technology already utilized overseas. Lamellas have been fully tested and trusted across Europe for over two decades. Sto Lamella allows architects to design an energy-efficient building with lightweight cladding that is adhered to the substrate and, therefore, penetration-free. Plus, with Sto’s innovative solutions, virtually any aesthetic can be achieved, and as always with Sto, the systems include a complete air and water-resistive barrier.

Wall Systems that Meet the Most Stringent Fireblocking Requirements

These new building codes impact all exterior wall assemblies with wall coverings or claddings composed of other combustible materials, such as Metal Composite Materials (MCM), High-Pressure Laminates (HPL), Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP). When incorporated into StoTherm ci systems, StoPowerwall ci, or StoVentec Rainscreen systems, Sto Lamella provides a 2022 NYC BC code-compliant building envelope, tested in accordance with NFPA 285. Sto Fireblocking gives architects, contractors, and owners the confidence and ability to use wall systems that offer innovative design, are highly efficient, and meet the most rigorous building codes for fireblocking.

Engineered by Sto Corp. Approved by NYC.

The way in which the fireblocking layer in Sto Lamella is engineered using lamellas represents a significant advancement in fire safety technology. It is, quite literally, where safety meets innovation.

While it was engineered by Sto, the innovative world leader in claddings, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems, this fireblocking breakthrough has been approved by New York City, the city with the most stringent building codes in the world.

For more information on Sto Lamella, please visit Stocorp.com or call (800) 221-2397.

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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 exterior of buildings.

Introducing Sto Strike Defense, an ultra-high impact resistance solution designed to protect EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) from blunt or sharp objects and mitigate damage caused by woodpeckers. We tapped (get it?) deep into our industry-leading innovation to develop a solution that’s easy to install and lives up to the promise of advanced protection. Sorry, woodpeckers.

Deterring Woodpeckers is Just the Beginning

Woodpeckers aren’t the only cause of blunt-force impacts. Punctures from vandalism and blunt and sharp objects are also a problem. Entryways, staircases, and lower sections are most susceptible to accidental impacts and punctures. Such damages can lead to water infiltration and system failures. Sto Strike Defense provides an additional layer of defense, preserving the look of the building and protecting the systems behind the cladding.

The Technology Behind the Product

Sto Strike Defense is a fortification option specifically engineered to offer outstanding impact and puncture resistance to new and existing EIFS. The key component of Sto Strike Defense is StoArmat Classic Plus, a patent-pending, organic, high-build acrylic plaster. This cement-free product means additional benefits of no efflorescence, less maintenance, and a smaller carbon footprint.

In restoration applications, fortification is achieved by embedding Sto Mesh in StoArmat Classic Plus over the existing EIFS. For new construction, the StoArmor Mat must be embedded in the basecoat along with the fortification layer.

Intelligent Solutions from an Industry Leader

Sto Corp. is the world’s leading innovator in claddings, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems. So, it’s no surprise that we are developing impact-resistant solutions like Sto Strike Defense that help to improve building performance by reducing repairs and maintenance costs. But impact-resistant systems are only the beginning. Our portfolio includes special wall assemblies engineered to meet very particular design and performance requirements of the building enclosure and the ability to achieve a wide variety of aesthetic appearances using Sto textured finishes, Sto Specialty finishes, or StoCast prefabricated resin cast shapes.

For more information about Sto Strike Defense or Sto Corp., please visit www.stocorp.com or call (800) 221-2397. To find the perfect Sto system for your project, check out the Sto System Finder.

The post Introducing Sto^® Strike Defense appeared first on Sto Corp..

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 gas (GHG) emissions for nearly 50,000 of New York City’s largest buildings. At the same time, the Department of Buildings created the Office of Building Energy and Emissions Performance (OBEEP) to oversee the implementation and compliance of the NYC Local Law 97.

Building Emission Limits

In December 2022, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) set building emissions limits (carbon ft2) based on property type, size, and compliance year. Beginning in 2024, the law assigns emissions limits that reflect the variation in energy use between 60 different property types from the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. The limits take effect over four compliance periods, from 2024 to 2049, with stricter requirements as time goes by and allows for a gradual reduction in a building’s carbon emissions.

Why NYC Adopted Local Law 97

Buildings generate over two-thirds of New York’s greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing greenhouse emissions will improve air quality, benefit human health and prevent economic losses due to lower agricultural yields, reduced labor productivity, and decreased industrial output.

By focusing LL97 on the city’s most prominent buildings, the Climate Mobilization Act predicts the following outcomes in New York City by 2030:

• Reduction in New York City’s overall emissions by 10 percent
• Lessening of the city’s dependency on fossil fuels
• Saving building owners money by reducing energy bills
• Removal of 6 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions is equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road yearly
• Creation of 26,700 green jobs
• Lessening of the community’s exposure to harmful air pollution that causes respiratory illnesses
• Preventing 50 to 130 premature deaths annually
• Eliminating 150 hospital visits annually

Which Buildings Must Comply with Local Law 97?

Local Law 97 aims to reduce emissions produced by New York City’s buildings by 40 percent by 2030, and 80 percent by 2050. Local Law 97 applies to the following covered buildings, with some exceptions:

• Buildings with more than 25,000 gross ft2
• Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together surpass 50,000 ft2
• Two or more buildings governed by the same condo association board of managers and together exceed 50,000 ft2. 

Buildings Exempt from NYC’s LL97

Local law exempts the following buildings from carbon emission limits:

• Industrial facility primarily used to generate electric power or steam
• Multi-family dwellings of 3 stories or lower, with no central HVAC or hot water system
• City buildings
• Non-profit hospitals and healthcare facilities
• New York Housing Authority’s housing developments or land
• Buildings classified as a group A-3 religious house of worship
• Rent regulated housing
• Real estate owned by a housing development fund company and organized by Article 11 of the private housing finance law and the business corporation law 
• Properties that participate in a project-based federal housing program

Affordable Housing Pathways

LL97 mandates that covered buildings with rent-regulated and/or affordable units should follow one of three pathways. The pathway depends on several factors, primarily based on the percentage of units in the building subject to rent regulation and if the units participate in a federal project-based housing program:

1. Prescriptive Pathway (Article 321): The pathway for buildings with 35 percent or more rent-regulated units or one or more units participating in a federal project-based housing program.

The Prescriptive Pathway (Article 321) mandates that by 2024, the buildings must achieve emissions below the applicable 2030 limits or prove full implementation of relevant Prescriptive Energy Conservation Measures. In addition, building owners must file a one-time report by May 2025.

2. 2026 Compliance Pathway: The pathway for buildings with between one and 35 percent rent-regulated units.

The 2026 Compliance Pathway mandates that by 2026, buildings must meet emission limits or face penalties. In addition, building owners must file annual reports starting May 2027.

3. 2035 Compliance Pathway: The pathway for Mitchell-Lama buildings with no federal project-based housing program or rent-regulated units. The building can have one plus income-restricted units through certain loans, grants, and real property tax benefits.

The 2035 Compliance Pathway mandates that buildings must meet emission limits starting in 2035 or face penalties. Building owners must file annual reports beginning May 2036.

Impact of LL97

The cost to upgrade a building’s energy efficiency in compliance with LL97 may challenge some building owners. However, the law will improve energy management and provide many long-lasting advantages for businesses, properties, and tenants:

• Enhances tenant satisfaction and lessens turnover by improving comfort and keeping rents affordable
• Increases the marketability and value of properties by installing high-performance equipment
• Lowers the building’s carbon footprint and contributes to a healthier, cleaner community
• Improves the building’s bottom line by lessening operating expenses

When Does Compliance to LL97 Start?

Starting January 1, 2024, building owners for the 60 different covered building types must comply with the first round of carbon emission limits. Compliance with emission standards will change over time until it reaches zero in 2050.

In addition, beginning May 1, 2025, building owners must file an annual report with the Office of Building Energy and Emissions Performance (OBEEP) detailing their yearly greenhouse gas emissions. A Registered Design Professional, like a professional engineer or registered architect, must submit the report.

Penalties for Non-Compliance to LL97

Building owners not complying with emission limits and reporting can face civil penalties and fines: 

• If a building exceeds its annual emission limit, the fine can amount to the difference between the building emissions limit and the LL97 emission limit, multiplied by $268.
• Not submitting your building’s annual emissions report can result in a civil penalty of $0.50 per gross ft2/month.
• Making a false statement can result in a Misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500K and prison for up to 30 days.

As with most extensive legislation, the NYC Department of Buildings has continued to clarify and define requirements to be in compliance with Local Law 97, including the newest packaging of rules from December 18, 2023.​

Timeline and Targets For LL97

Carbon emissions caps will become stricter over a series of compliance periods: 2024-2029, 2030-2034, 2035-2039, 2040-2049, and 2050 – outward.

December 31, 2024: The Prescriptive Pathway for regulated and affordable units mandates that building owners take specific energy conservation measures like upgrading lighting, weatherization, and air sealing or demonstrate compliance with 2030 emissions limits.

January 2024: Limited annual emissions for covered buildings for 2024 to 2029 begins. However, types of affordable housing and buildings (under the law’s Article 321 prescriptive path) have altered or delayed requirements. 

May 1, 2025: Building owners must submit their first detailed, compliance buildings emission report.

June 2025: City-owned buildings must achieve an emissions reduction target of 40 percent below fiscal year 2006.

January 1, 2026: OBEEP must submit the first annual compliance report on covered buildings to the mayor. Buildings with at least one, but no more than 35 percent rent-regulated units must begin complying with carbon emission limits. 

January 2030: Covered buildings must comply with new stricter emissions limits for calendar years 2030 – 2034. Also, after 2030, a building must lower its carbon associated with electricity use. In addition, the NYCHA must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 2005 levels.

June 2030: City-owned buildings must achieve an emissions reduction target of 50 percent below fiscal year 2006.

January 2035: Three significant mandates begin in 2035:

1. Covered buildings must comply with new stricter emissions limits for calendar years 2035 – 2039.
2. A building must lower its carbon associated with electricity use in line with projected renewable energy deployment in NYS after 2035.
3. Income-restricted housing, like Mitchell Lama rentals, must begin complying with carbon emissions limits.

January 2050: All covered buildings must show compliance with an emission factor of 0.00. In addition, NYCHA must attempt to lower greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 2005 levels.

How To Prepare for Local Law 97

Ensuring that your building will meet carbon emission limits in 2024 requires evaluating your building’s status, improving its energy efficiency by applying new sustainable technologies, and educating yourself on carbon emissions.

Determine Your Building Current Energy Usage and Carbon Emissions

Determining your building’s current emissions compared to the 2024 carbon emission limits will help identify areas of improvement and prepare for meeting LL97 targets.

Building owners can measure and track greenhouse emissions as well as energy and water consumption using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® online tool, with just your energy bills and basic information about your building. 

A design professional (energy auditor) can help evaluate your building’s energy consumption, suggest ways to improve its energy efficiency, and navigate the complex reporting requirements of Local Law 97.

Begin Reducing Your Building Energy Use

Lessening your building’s energy use within can help prepare for LL97:

Install Sensors

Installing sensors can optimize a room’s lights based on occupancy and more efficiently control building comfort by enabling improved HVAC zone controls.

Replace Windows and Doors 

Installing ENERGY STAR-storm skylights, windows, and doors can lessen heat loss by 25 to 50 percent. In addition, automatically darkening windows can control glare and brightness from direct sunlight. Shades and louvers can block out the summer’s heat, but can let the warmth in during the cold months.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting contributes up to ten percent of a building’s annual electricity costs. Installing controls like dimmers, timers, or photocells that turn unused lights off and energy-efficient lighting, like halogen incandescent, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will lessen energy use.

High-Efficiency Ventilation Systems and HVAC 

A building’s heating and cooling system accounts for 34 percent of the structure’s energy use; therefore, consider replacing an old, inefficient HVAC system with a properly installed high-efficiency heating and cooling system. In addition, an energy recovery ventilation system can also manage ventilation and lower energy loss by transferring energy from outgoing conditioned, polluted air to fresh incoming air. 

Upgrade the Building Envelope

Upgrading the building envelope to include continuous insulation, an air and water-resistive barrier, and a durable, protective facade will create an energy-efficient, code-compliant, durable, and attractive commercial building that can contribute significantly towards achieving LL97 carbon emission limits.

Sto Corp. offers a variety of energy-efficient, code-compliant building envelope solutions that include continuous insulation and air and water-resistive barriers applicable for renovation projects and new construction.

Contact Sto Corp building envelope experts today to improve your building’s energy efficacy and work towards LL97 compliance.

Georgia King Village

Sto Products: StoTherm® ci Essence
Applicator: AA Construction
Architect: L+M Development
Distributor: Sto of New Jersey

L+M Development chose StoTherm® ci Essence to upgrade the nearly 50-year-old Georgia King Village affordable housing’s building envelope. Utilizing Sto Products helped to create a more efficient, comfortable, and attractive structure with improved structural integrity. 

75th Street, New York City’s Upper West Side

Sto Products: StoTherm ci with Stolit® Milano
Applicator: ProLine Finishes
Architect: Jeffrey Cole Architects
General Contractor: Source Construction Management, LLC

Entire sections of the original elegant porcelain tile facade of this seven-story, seven-unit residential building began falling off due to improper installation and water infiltration, requiring a Level 4 Remove and Reclad. The architects and contractor chose to replace the crumbling porcelain with StoTherm® ci system using Stolit® Milano porcelain finish. The Sto solution created an ultra-smooth, porcelain tile finish, mimicking grout lines with precisely drawn trowel marks.

333 Grand St

Sto Products: StoTherm® ci with StoSignature Stone & StoSignature
Brick Applicator: Simpson Plastering
Distributor: Sto of NJ
Architect: Urban Architecture
Owner: Liberty Harbor

New Jersey developer chose to replace the original cladding of the 333 Grand, 18-story apartment building with StoTherm® ci wall system with StoSignature Stone and StoSignature Brick to improve the building envelope’s energy-efficiency and resilience while minimizing its carbon footprint and achieving higher LEED certification results. In addition, Sto products allowed for multiple cladding types and shapes, preserving the building’s unique aesthetics.

Lido Beach Towers, Long Island, NY U.S.A.

Sto Products: StoThermTM Premier NExT®
StoGuard Engineer: P.E. Consulting Engineers
Contractor: Flag Waterproofing & Restoration

Rehabilitation of the 100-year-old Lido Beach Towers condominium highlights the benefits of StoTherm® ci as a renovation method for degrading buildings. The aesthetically pleasing second-skin approach of EIFS significantly enhanced the building’s energy efficacy, health, and sustainability.

Ocean Village

General Contractor: L+M Development
Applicator: Acies Group, LLC, M&A Projects Inc., AA Construction
Architect: OCV Architects
Distributor: Sto Eastern

Sto Corp. products revived the former Ocean Village (now the Arverne View), a low-income complex in NY, by enhancing its energy efficiency, durability, and curb appeal: 

Sto Products:

• StoTherm® ci Lotusan®: Exterior continuous insulation wall system
• StoLit® Lotusan®: Tintable ultra-hydrophobic textured wall finish with superior self-cleaning properties
• StoGuard®: Fluid applied air and water-resistive barrier
• StoColor® Acryl Plus and StoColor® Silcolastic (on its balcony)

Sto Corp Products for Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Resilience

StoTherm® EIFS cladding systems integrate continuous insulation (CI), air and water-resistant barriers, and numerous textured finishes to create high-performance, sustainable wall cladding. The durable and unique systems maximize curb appeal and save money through lower energy bills. Impressively, architects and contractors and architects have used our products worldwide for decades for new construction and renovations.

StoTherm®ci GPS

Durable, high-performance, energy-efficient StoTherm ci GPS EIFS wall system provides up to R56 continuous exterior insulation. It incorporates a StoGuard Air and Water-resistive Barrier (AWRB), and high-performance Sto finishes in a fully tested wall cladding system.

StoTherm ci MVES

StoTherm ci MVES (masonry veneer engineered system) in natural stone, ceramic tile, or manufactured stone meets applicable building code requirements. It incorporates air and water-resistant barrier and continuous exterior insulation with Sto’s high-strength masonry veneer adhesive.

StoTherm® ci

StoTherm® ci Wall Systems combine continuous insulation, moisture, drainage, and air barrier to ensure an energy-efficient and durable wall system to save money on repairs, utilities, and maintenance. In addition, sustainable StoTherm® ci Wall Systems enhance indoor comfort and air quality. StoTherm® offers various textured finish options to meet your aesthetic and architectural needs.

StoTherm® ci Mineral

The StoTherm® ci Mineral EIFS System includes a non-combustible, mineral wool exterior CI and continuous air and water-resistant barrier with Sto’s high-quality finishes to create an advanced cladding assembly. 

StoTherm® ci XPS

Durable and high-performing StoTherm® ci XPS includes high R-value extruded polystyrene insulation into the wall system and Guard® fluid-applied water and air-resistant barrier to create water and airtight air walls, ensuring thermal efficiency and durability. 

Financial Incentives for LL97 Compliance

To help commercial building owners comply with LL97 and reduce carbon emissions, New York City established programs and services through NYSERDA and local utilities:

• The New York State Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program (a combined effort of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Joint Utilities of New York) offers incentives for installing energy-efficient equipment and technology in affordable multifamily buildings with five or more units. 
• The Multifamily Buildings Low-Carbon Pathways offer incentives ranging from $700-$5,000 per installation of low-carbon upgrades. 
• The NY-SUN program will help New Yorkers access solar energy and lower their energy costs with incentives per watt through approved NY-SUN contractors. 
• The NYC Accelerator PACE Program offers financing options for owners of multifamily buildings with three or more units. 
• The Clean Heating Fuel Credit gives cooperatives and condominiums credits, or cash rebates 
• The Con Edison Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program offers financial incentives for approved equipment upgrades for residential multifamily buildings with five or more units. 
• The NYS Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program provides energy-efficient incentives of up to $2,000 per dwelling unit, if qualified. 

New York City’s Local Law 97

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through compliance with LL97 will create a more sustainable, productive, and healthier environment for future generations. In addition, lower emissions can increase a building’s resale value, reduce operating costs, and contribute to longer tenant retention. 

The first round of carbon emission limits for qualified covered buildings starts in 2024, with compliance periods lasting through 2050. For free assistance on complying with LL97 on time, to avoid fines, and help with energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, contact NYC Accelerator. 

The post Demystifying Local Law 97: A Guide for Building Professionals on Building Emissions Compliance appeared first on Sto Corp..

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 of the building envelope.

Building Restoration

Designing a code-complaint building restoration project with an airtight building envelope requires correctly applying a quality sealant. A high-performing, elastomeric, flexible sealant prevents the passage of liquids, light, or gasses between two materials despite movement between those components.

It’s important to know that the quality of the sealant you choose for a building restoration project can affect its service life and, ultimately, the long-term airtightness and weatherproofing performance of the building’s envelope.

Building Restoration Sealant 

Sealant is used to seal, block or close gaps between building materials to prevent fluids, air and other substances from passing through. Building restoration projects often require the removal and replacement of sealant. Builders can use it for numerous applications, including:

• Expansion joints to allow for thermal movement of the building
• Air seals at interior or exterior joints and seams to provide air barrier continuity
• Panel-to-panel joints between precast, metal frame, and other prefabricated wall construction
• Control joints
• Deflection joints sealant at floor lines
• As a bedding sealant for flashing, flanged windows, and related applications
• Perimeter weather seals around doors, windows, scuppers, and other through-wall penetrations
• Perimeter weather seals around fixture attachments

Specifying the proper sealant will ensure the sealant performs as intended and reaches its maximum service life.  Proper design and installation of the sealant will maximize the building envelope’s service life and limit the potential need for costly repairs which could result from water intrusion. A properly performing sealant also prevents excessive air movement which affects occupant comfort and contributes to energy costs during the building’s service life.

StoSeal STPE Sealant: Your All-in-One Solution for Building Restoration

Applying a high-performing sealant for building restoration, like StoSeal STPE (silyl terminated polyether) sealant, will maintain a positive seal between the joint opening’s substrates, and provide long-term resistance against the passage of heat, light, sound, air, rain, snow, wind, odor, dust, and chemical and biological contaminants. It will also protect against the damaging effects of UV rays, thermal cycles, moisture, and structural movement.

StoSeal STPE Sealant combines the strength of polyurethane and the weather resistance of silicone to create a long-lasting weatherproofing sealant with superior adhesion, strength, and flexibility. StoSeal STPE Sealant bonds to most construction materials (cement, stucco, masonry, stone, concrete, wood, common metals and fiber cement). 

StoSeal STPE Sealant’s superior adhesive properties work effectively with StoVentec®, StoTherm® ci, StoPowerwall®, and StoQuik® exterior wall systems and with StoGuard® air- and water-resistive barrier systems for above-grade, vertical building restoration (and new opaque wall) applications. You can use it for concrete repair, panel-to-panel joints in prefabricated construction, interior use, metallic and cementitious substrates, storefront systems, and air sealing applications.

Advantages and Features of High-Quality StoSeal STPE Sealant

StoSeal STPE technology creates a one-part hybrid sealant that have several high-performance features beneficial to building restoration, including:

• • Eco-Friendly: StoSeal STPE Sealant lacks isocyanates and contains very low VOC (8 grams per liter) – it will not bubble and it release very little odor
  • High-Movement: Offers +100%/-50% movement – acceptable for high and low movement joints, to effectively endure structural movement 
  • Superior Adhesion: Will bond to most construction products, like concrete, wood, plastics, ceramics, and metals, without a primer

• Streamlines Installation

• • • Simple to gun and tool
    • Primer-free bonding to most substrates
    • Sold in 20-ounce sausages that minimize construction waste and offer efficient installation

• Paintable with Elastomeric Coatings
• • Allows for top coating with elastomeric coatings to suit most color needs
  • Sold in ten standard and over 300 custom colors
• Durable: Long-lasting StoSeal STPE Sealant provides excellent UV-. moisture-, weathering-, aging-, and shrinkage-resistance
• Cold Resistant: StoSeal STPE Sealant retains its properties to -50°F (-45°C)
• Non-Reactive: StoSeal STPE Sealant will not corrode or oxidize metals
• Storage Stable: When properly stored, the sealant will last 12 months in original, unopened packaging

StoSeal STPE Sealant Compliance Testing

StoSeal STPE Sealant complies with:

• ASTM C1382 for use with EIFS
• ASTM C920: Type S, Grade NS, Use NT, A, M, Class 100/50
• Federal Spec. TT-S-00230C Type II
• AAMA 808.3 (Type1) Exterior Perimeter Sealing

StoSeal STPE Sealant for Building Restoration

StoSeal STPE Sealant is an all-in-one sealant solution for designing a code-complaint, sustainable restoration project to ensure an airtight building envelope.

Applying durable, weather-resistant, flexible, and non-toxic StoSeal STPE Sealant for a building restoration project provides superior adhesion. It can help protect the building envelope’s integrity and occupant’s comfort and will also minimize sealant maintenance and repairs. 

Contact our professionals today at (800) 221-2397 for more on why StoSeal STPE Sealant is your all-in-one solution for building restoration!

The post StoSeal STPE™ Sealant: Your All-in-One Sealant Solution for Building Restoration appeared first on Sto Corp..

Comparing Construction Sealants

High-performing construction sealants offer durability, flexibility, ease of application, and sustainability. The building industry utilizes sealants with several different base chemistries including silicone, polyurethane, and polyether. 

 All types of sealant materials have positive attributes, but they also have limitations that result from the inherent chemical makeup of the products.

Silicone sealants may require solvent-based primers for certain substrates. The primers are often high VOC products which may require specific handling and application safeguards.  The primers are typically not environmentally friendly and can be a concern during use, storage, disposal, or in the case of accidental spillage.  Silicones cannot be coated with water-based products, which affects the cost of recoating a building with common architectural coatings. Silicones have a relatively sticky or tacky surface which tends to collect atmospheric dirt during its service life and can negatively impact the appearance of a building.

Polyurethane sealants have less UV durability than silicone or polyether sealants.  They are susceptible to embrittlement, cracking, and fading when exposed to sunlight. Polyurethane sealants also may require a primer with the same negative aspects as primers used for silicone sealants. 

Both silicone and polyurethane sealants break down into harmful chemicals if heated above their maximum operating temperatures and cannot be recycled.

Polyether-based sealants, like StoSeal STPESealant, are fast curing and sustainable. They combine the strength of polyurethane and the weather resistance of silicone to create a long-lasting sealant with excellent strength, adhesion, and flexibility. 

Polyether-based sealants maintain their color and appearance by natural UV resistance and by having a cured surface with high dirt-pickup resistance.

StoSeal STPESealant bonds to most building materials (masonry, concrete, wood, stone, fiber cement, vinyl, stucco) and can seal gaps and joints around floor lines, wall penetrations, fixtures, etc., for a tight building envelope.

Comparing Silicone, Polyurethane, and Polyether Sealants 

Silicone, polyurethane, and polyether-based sealants offer contractors readily available, easy-to-apply sealants. However, the right sealant depends on the environmental conditions and the project’s strength, aesthetics, and sustainability needs.

Silicone-Based Sealants

Silicone sealants’ soft and flexible nature conforms well to joints and provides high tensile strength. Silicone sealants also resist moisture, weather, UV rays, and high temperatures. However, they cannot be painted.

Pros of Silicone Sealants

• Abrasion and vibration resistance
• Good tensile strength
• Weather, temperature, and UV resistance
• Moisture resistance
• Broad applicability and can bond between most building materials
• Long-lasting
• No bubbles during curing
• Noncombustible silicone makes it applicable for fire-rated assemblies 
• USDA-compliant silicone sealants allow its use inside food-processing facilities
• Pumpable silicone sealant offers easy application and cleanup 

Cons of Silicone Sealant

• May require solvent primers for certain substrates
• Unpaintable
• Relatively high-cost

Polyurethane-Based Sealants

Flexible and paintable polyurethane sealant provides high cohesive strength that creates strong bonds and adherence to substrates and conforms well to joints. However, polyurethane sealants lack sufficient weather resistance and may break down when exposed to high temperatures and UV rays. 

Polyurethane sealants are pumpable, and gun-grade. Polyurethane sealants are available in a wide range of hardnesses from Shore 35 A to Shore 70 D.

Two types of polyurethane sealants are available: one-component and two-component.

• One-component polyurethane sealant cures by exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. One-component polyurethane cures relatively slowly. These products are ready-to-use with conventional tools which is convenient for construction.
• Two-component polyurethane sealants offer faster curing and good performance. However, two-component products must be mixed in the field during use which requires special equipment, experience, and attention to detail.  Field mixing also increases the opportunity for quality control problems and inconsistency of performance within the overall project.

Pros of Polyurethane Sealant

• Excellent cohesive and tensile strength and abrasion resistance
• High stability, wide adjustable range of performance
• Good adhesion, good strength, and tear resistance
• Good elasticity, excellent recovery, suitable for dynamic joints
• Excellent oil resistance
• Moderately priced
• Good flexibility under low-temperature conditions 
• Will not freeze and crack in a cold environment
• Wide bonding range

Cons of Polyurethane Sealant

• UV exposure will cause the polyurethane sealant to crack and bubble.
• In elevated temperatures (above 80°C (176°F)), polyurethane will chemically break down, which diminishes its mechanical properties, like hardness and abrasion resistance.
• Polyurethane sealant may require priming. 
• Polyurethane sealants lack sufficient water resistance, especially in alkaline water environments.
• Bubbles may form during curing that can compromise the adhesive bond.
• Two-component products have increased opportunities for problems caused by inconsistent or improper field mixing.

Polyether-based Sealants and Silyl Terminated Polyether (STPE)

Polyether-based sealants provide superior weather resistance, adhesion properties, and cure times by combining many of the benefits of silicone and polyurethane sealants. In addition, sustainable polyether sealants provide flexibility, durability, and tear—as well as temperature—resistance.

Silyl Terminated Polyether (STPE) incorporates silicon to provide advantageous characteristics of silicones attached to a flexible polyether backbone which provides beneficial properties similar to urethane sealants.

Silyl Terminated Polyether (STPE) sealant technology creates sealants with several superior high-performance features compared to polyurethane and silicone sealants:

• Durable and Weather Resistant: STPE sealants perform well in most weather conditions and at low temperatures (unlike polyurethane sealants) with no adhesion failures, cracking, splitting, or discoloration.
• Adhesion: STPE sealants provide superior cohesive strength, by adhering more effectively to many substrates, like concrete, metals, wood, plastics, and ceramics, compared to silicone and polyurethane sealants.
• Simple Application: STPE sealants bond well to most construction materials and may not require priming and can create a continuous smooth surface. In addition, STPE sealants can be painted after 24 hours. 
• UV Resistant: STPE sealants will not crack or yellow after extended periods of UV-light exposure, unlike polyurethane sealants.
• Cold Resistant: STPE sealants retain their properties to -50°F (-45°C).
• Flexibility: STPE sealants’ elongation characteristics can endure structural movement and withstand substrate vibrations or oscillations more effectively than silicone sealants. 
• Environmentally-Friendly: STPE products contain extremely low or no VOCs, unlike other sealants prone to off-gassing, like silicone and polyurethane, which will break down into harmful chemicals if heated past their maximum operating temperatures. STPE products are also recyclable. 
• Non-Reactive: STPE sealants will not corrode or oxidize metals.
• Storage Stability: STPE sealants have an excellent shelf life when not exposed to moisture.
• Cure Rate: STPE sealants have a faster cure and tack-free time over other sealant types

StoSeal STPE High-Quality, Versatile Adhesive Sealant

StoSeal STPE from Sto Corp. is a high-quality, isocyanate-free, low-odor, one-part hybrid sealant with a VOC content of 8 grams per liter). It is a durable, flexible, low-modulus, and non-sag sealant with superior weathering and moisture resistance.

The excellent adhesive properties of StoSeal STPE Sealant work effectively with StoTherm® ci, StoPowerwall®, StoQuik®, and StoVentec® exterior wall systems and with StoGuard® water- and air-resistive barrier systems for new opaque wall and vertical above-grade building restoration applications.

Choosing the Best Sealant – StoSeal STPE Sealant

Selecting a high-performing and long-lasting sealant and applying it according to the manufacturer’s instructions is vital to creating a tight building envelope. 

Sustainable polyether sealants, like StoSeal STPE Sealant, are a better sealant solution for most applications when compared to polyurethane and silicone sealants. It combines polyurethane’s strength and silicone’s weather resistance to produce a long-lasting sealant with excellent strength, UV resistance, adhesion, and flexibility. StoSeal STPE also offers excellent color stability and dirt pickup resistance which helps maintain an aesthetically pleasing building exterior.

For more on comparing silicone, polyurethane, and polyether sealants and the benefits of StoSeal STPE, contact our professionals at (800) 221-2397!

The post Comparing Sealant Types and the Benefits of STPE Technology appeared first on Sto Corp..

Drainable EIFS includes an air and water-resistive barrier and a drainage plane that allows incidental moisture to exit the wall assembly. The drainage cavity is achieved by applying vertical ribbons of adhesive that adheres the insulation to the air and water-resistive barrier, providing an effective exit path for any incidental moisture that penetrates the wall assembly (ASTM E2273).

Not only can EIFS achieve most of the desired aesthetic styles, including brick, wood, stone, granite, stucco, metal and concrete. EIFS also allows for multiple finish options with the compatibility challenges associated with combining different building materials on a facade. Creating and accommodating different sizes, shapes, angles and configurations is another facet of the design flexibility that EIFS offers.

In addition to the cost of the EIFS itself, the lightweight nature of EIFS compared to heavyweight cladding like brick, precast, etc. can also reduce structural requirements, providing additional cost savings for the project.

EIFS systems offer a variety of insulation options – including GPS (graphite-enhanced, expanded polystyrene), mineral wool, EPS (expanded polystyrene), and XPS (extruded polystyrene) to create a high-performing, energy-efficient cladding.

Design of EIFS with Drainage

Unlike original EIFS, modern EIFS with drainage is not a barrier system. EIFS with drainage includes a sustainable cladding assembly with an air and water-resistive barrier, drainage-utilizing adhesive applied in vertical ribbons to create channels that allow for water drainage – and continuous insulation that lessens thermal loads on the building’s exterior wall and contributes towards current energy code goals and compliance. Durable EIFS also complies with NFPA 285 (referenced in 2021 IBC Section 1403.5) to limit vertical and horizontal fire spread.

EIFS Design Freedom with Sto Corp Products, Services, and Tools

Sto Corp. offers endless aesthetic options for drainable EIFS building enclosures. In addition, our Sto Studio professional services and tools (StoInspire, Sto Color, Aesthetic+Product Selector, and Finish Selector Tool) can assist you with facade materials, colors, and texture options to create attractive, high-performing, sustainable, and fully engineered cladding systems. 

Submit your project today, and let’s start working towards achieving your aesthetic visions and performance goals for your new construction or renovation project.

StoTherm® ci EIFS Wall Systems

StoTherm® ci EIFS cladding systems combine continuous insulation, and air- and water-resistant barriers to create sustainable, high-performance wall claddings that include drainage. The systems offer many colors and textured finishes, including brick, concrete, wood, traditional plaster, and stone, to achieve attractive and unique facades. Sto EIFS systems also offer a variety of insulation depending on the requirements for a specific project including: GPS, mineral wool, EPS, and XPS.  Durable and energy-efficient StoTherm® ci EIFS sustains maximum curb appeal and saves money through lower energy, maintenance, and repair bills. For decades, architects and builders have used Sto products worldwide to achieve their aesthetic visions for new construction. The Sto Wall Selector Tool can walk users through the decision process to determine the best EIFS system to meet their needs.

StoTherm ci GPS

1. Structural Wall Assembly
2. Air and Water-Resistive Barrier – Wall Membrane: Sto Gold Coat®
3. StoGuard® Detail Component – Sheathing Joints and Corners, Flashing and Rough Opening Protection, Penetrations: Sto RapidGuard®
4. StoGuard® Detail Component – Static Joints and Seams: Sto RapidGuard®
5. StoGuard® Detail Component – Dynamic Joints: StoGuard® Conformable Membrane
6. Adhesive: Sto TurboStick
7. Insulation: Sto GPS Board
8. Mesh: Sto Mesh
9. Basecoat: Sto BTS® Plus
10. Primer: StoPrime® Sand
11. StoTherm® ci Finish Options: StoTherm® Finish Selector

EIFS Creates Magnificent Curves and Colors 

The Center of Hope Hill Country Community Clinic of Redding, CA, chose a StoTherm ci EIFS system due to its lightweight nature and the ability to design straight and curved walls. In addition, the architect utilized Sto’s tools to integrate their color palettes into his design software, which allowed him to create an accurate color representation of the finished structure.

The clinic and architect were also impressed with Sto’s easy installation and sustainability features, including:

• Durability: Long-lasting exterior enclosure resists damage from hot and cold temperatures, moisture, wind, and other external forces.
• Energy-Efficiency: The continuous insulation of the EIFS system creates an energy-efficient building enclosure in a climate that experiences very warm summers and cool, wet winters.

Create Multiple Aesthetics with EIFS

Sto Products: StoTherm®ci, StoCast Wood, Sto® Essence Finish
Architect: Klingner & Associates, P.C.
Applicator: Burgener Plastering, Inc.
Contractor: Hein Construction Co.

For crafting the new River Bend Food Bank, priority number one was taking the previously uninsulated block building and turning it into a high-performing, sustainable structure. The north and east facades featured brick walls with masonry backup, while the south and west walls were all cement masonry units (CMU). According to architect Melissa Goodwin with Klingner & Associates, the CMU walls were in “pretty bad shape.” The original walls were repaired and repointed to create a suitable substrate for the application of the continuous insulation component of the EIFS system on a previously uninsulated block building. 

The StoTherm ci is finished with 12,000 square feet of Sto’s Essence, an acrylic finish with dirt pick-up resistance in a Medium Sand texture in two colors, Jersey Cream and Superior Bronze. “That is one of the best things about EIFS for remodeling, you can do so much from a visual perspective with these types of systems,” said Chuck Burgener (Burgener Plastering, Inc.). However, the architects designed the building for a different type of cladding for the two main entrances on its northeast corner. Originally searching for a cement board product, architects instead settled on StoCast Wood, which enabled them to deliver this time-honored and desirable aesthetic and something that was available from the same manufacturer.

Sto’s exterior wall systems are equipped with the same control layers behind the cladding materials, all of which are designed to keep buildings dry and thermally efficient. Therefore, with Sto, architects can design high-performing structures with contemporary visual appeal even when numerous cladding materials are required, which is now becoming a mandate in cities across the country. For River Bend Food Bank and FISH of Galesburg, architects were able to specify multiple claddings from a single supplier. This eased the specification process and reduced the number of trades needed on site to install materials, saving both time and money

Stunning Curves 

The Greenhouse Dispensary 

Sto Products: StoTherm® ci and Stolit® Milano
General Contractor: Pacific Construction
Applicator: G & J Services, Inc.
Architect: Camburas & Theodore, Ltd.

To renovate this nearly 70-year-old Greenhouse dispensary, the building team used the StoTherm® ci EIFS system to create stunning, flowing curves, then applied a Stolit® Milano finish to make the building shine. 3D modeling and precision laser cutting of the complicated forms allowed the structure to come together in pieces to produce a unique design. 

StoTherm ci is noted for its enhanced energy efficiency and protection against moisture intrusion. To be sure, it serves those purposes in this project, but that is not what is noteworthy here. What’s groundbreaking was the way the Sto EPS insulation board component of the system was used to create the design’s organic shapes. Traditionally, those shapes would have been rendered by skilled artisans, working tediously with their hands, literally shaving away material until the desired forms emerged. Instead it was done with incredible efficiency and accuracy in the applicator, G & J Services’ facility. Drawings from Camburas Theodore were converted into 3D computer models, and then, using CNC laser cutting technology, G & J shaped the foam, outputting it in two-foot sections which were dutifully numbered and delivered to the jobsite. Once there, it was a simple matter for the applicator to assemble them following the original design. A smooth texture adds to the free-flowing feel of the facade. It was achieved with a Stolit Milano finish in bright white that makes the flowing organic forms pop even more, especially when illuminated at night by white LED lights. The overall effect of the building is soothing and striking.

High-Rise Construction with EIFS

New York’s Hyatt House 32-story hotel construction project presented several challenges, including the building’s irregular concrete substrate and design, which made it necessary to work on one floor at a time. Fortunately, StoTherm® ci Lotusan® with the StoSignature® Stone (and the help of the Sto engineer and distributor) provided a solution to the building’s irregular surface conditions. The expanded polystyrene utilized in the StoTherm ci Lotusan system allowed the construction team to make custom adjustments in the insulation thickness to account for the uneven concrete substrate.

Georgia King Village

L+M Development chose StoTherm® ci Essence to upgrade the nearly 50-year-old, 18-story Georgia King Village affordable housing’s building envelope. The complex was in distress needing various improvements to both individual units and the structural integrity. Rehab priorities included installing a new facade/envelope/exterior to replace the uninsulated precast concrete facade. Heat and cold were leaking through the walls, and a livable temperature could not be properly maintained. As a result, the Georgia King Village residents were suffering. Utilizing a StoTherm ci system helped to create a more efficient, comfortable, and attractive structure with improved structural integrity. 

Unique Colors

Grand Concourse Academy in Bronx, New York

Sto Systems & Products: StoGuard®, Sto Armor Mat Mesh, Stolit® Lotusan, StoSignature Stone, StoTherm® ci Lotusan®, StoTurboStick
Applicator: Masucci Construction
Developer: Turner-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund
General Contractor: McGowan Builders
Building Envelope Consultant: Frank Seta & Associates
Architect: LUBRANO CIAVARRA Architects

The Grand Concourse Academy Charter School included the StoTherm® ci Lotusan® wall system in the building’s design to achieve two challenges: performance and unique colors. The textured finish and brilliant color choices created an eye-catching and impressive building. In addition, the high-performing protective system ensures it will stand up to wind, rain, debris, etc.

Achieving Design Freedom with Sto EIFS Wall Systems

Sto offers many drainable EIFS wall system options to fit all your aesthetic and performance requirements for new construction and renovation. Utilizing Sto products for your projects will ensure you achieve your aesthetic visions, performance requirements, and sustainability levels.

Sto EIFS cladding systems combine continuous insulation, air and water-resistive barriers, drainage, and many textured finishes and colors to create a sustainable, high-performance wall system.

For more on design freedom with EIFS construction, don’t hesitate to contact the Sto professionals today at (800) 221-2397!

The post Design Freedom with Modern, Drainage EIFS appeared first on Sto Corp..

The system provides architects, builders, and developers an ideal solution for restoring the exterior facade of commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional buildings while also improving energy efficiency and durability of the building and allowing for a wide variety of facade aesthetics. EIFS systems also pass ignitability, fire resistance, and intermediate multi-story (NFPA-285) and full-scale multi-story corner tests, both meeting and surpassing the test’s standards.

The design flexibility of EIFS, with a wide range of colors and textures, including wood, brick, stone, concrete and traditional plaster, allows architects to achieve the aesthetic requirements of most restoration projects.

StoTherm® EIFS Wall Systems with Drainage

StoTherm® EIFS cladding systems combine continuous insulation (CI), water- and air-resistant barriers, and a wide variety of finishes to create high-performing, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing wall cladding. EIFS systems allow for the use of a variety of insulation types: GPS (graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene), mineral wool, XPS (extruded polystyrene) and EPS (expanded polystyrene). The aesthetically flexible and durable system maximizes curb appeal and saves money through lower energy bills.

Architects and contractors have used Sto products globally for decades for restoration and new construction.

Historical Restoration with EIFS

Sto Products: StoTherm Premier NExT® and StoGuard

The flexibility of StoTherm Premier NExT® EIFS (also known as EIFS-with-Drainage) allowed architects to restore the 100-year-old Lido Beach Towers facade to its former glory while also enhancing its sustainability, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.

EIFS Restoration of a Concrete Block Building

Sto Products: StoTherm®ci, StoCast Wood, Sto® Essence Finish

When the non-profits River Bend Food Bank and FISH of Galesburg, Illinois, set out to restore an old, 15,000 ft2 uninsulated concrete block building for their newest food pantry, they wanted to transform it into a high-performing, aesthetically pleasing structure. Upon the architect’s suggestion, they utilized StoTherm ci EIFS with StoCast Wood and Sto Essence Finish, which significantly improved the building’s thermal performance and overall aesthetics.

Residential Apartment Building Restoration with EIFS

Mocco and Urban Architecture chose the StoTherm® ci EIFS wall system with StoSignature Stone and StoSignature Brick for the restoration of the 333 Grand at Liberty Harbor, an 18-story, 80,000 ft2 multi-family, mixed-use complex with a stunning curved facade, oversized windows, multiple textured surfaces, and vibrant colors. Sto EIFS products ensured an energy-efficient, durable envelope with a significantly lower carbon footprint and greater LEED certification results.

Retail Store Renovation with Sto EIFS

Greenhouse Dispensary utilized the StoTherm ci EIFS system to produce flowing, organic shapes and rescue the building from the architectural mess created by prior additions and renovations of the almost 70-year-old building.

Implementation of this much-admired design included 3D modeling and precision laser cutting of complicated forms that allowed the structure to come together in pieces. The Stolit® Milano finish makes the building shine!

Multi-Family Restoration – Ocean Village

Sto Corp. products revived and improved the former Ocean Village (now the Arverne View), a 1000+ unit apartment, low-income complex in NY, by enhancing its energy efficiency, durability, and curb appeal with StoTherm® ci Lotusan® cladding. The wall system includes three proven components:

• StoGuard®: Fluid applied air and water-resistive barrier,
• StoTherm® ci Lotusan®: Exterior continuous insulation wall system and
• StoLit® Lotusan®: Tintable ultra-hydrophobic textured wall finish with superior self-cleaning properties.

Religious Building Restoration with EIFS

StoTherm® ci Essence (water-drainage EIFS system) provided this unique restoration project with a protective and decorative exterior wall cladding that combined the StoTherm® technology with a StoGuard® waterproof air barrier to improve protection against moisture infiltration and enhance thermal performance and durability.

Sto’s Complete Solution for Building Restoration

Sto has an innovative solution to building facade restoration – the A.R.T. of reStore – aesthetics, repair, and transformation. The A.R.T. of reStore offers all the services and materials needed to maintain and restore your building’s facade. The engineering can also enhance the building’s energy efficiency, safety, and occupant comfort level.

Vast Aesthetic Options

Sto offers aesthetic flexibility of wood, brick, stone, concrete and more, with complete design freedom in endless colors and textures as well as material options. In addition, Sto Studio can help with suggestions on textures, colors, and materials to help restore a building with a high-performing, fully-engineered, sustainable, and beautiful facade.

Sto Studio

Sto Studio will help your architectural design process and ensure that your building restoration will attain its maximum potential. We can generate various color renderings that will help determine the best facade to meet the desired aesthetics of your building.

Sto EIFS – The Best Solution for Restoration

Sto EIFS wall systems, including drainable EIFS, is the best solution for restoring residential, industrial, commercial, or institutional buildings. Sto EIFS cladding systems combine CI, water- and air-resistant barriers, and endless textured finishes to create sustainable, energy-efficient wall cladding. The aesthetically unique and durable system maximizes curb appeal and saves money through reduced energy bills and maintenance costs.

For more on how EIFS offers an ideal restoration solution for improving a building’s energy efficiency and aesthetics, don’t hesitate to contact the Sto professionals at (800) 221-2397!

The post EIFS: Flexible and Energy Efficient, a Great Solution for Restoration appeared first on Sto Corp..

In addition, hydrophobic acrylic coatings and finishes contribute towards ensuring all layers of the building envelope (including the finished surface layer) work to control moisture infiltration and accumulation, which is vital to meeting the demands of today’s building owners and code requirements for healthy, sustainable, and resilient structures.

How to Measure the Hydrophobicity of a Coating or Finish

Manufacturers measure hydrophobicity by setting a water droplet on the product’s surface and watching the angle as the droplet moves – the contact angle. Manufacturers define coatings with a contact angle of 90 degrees or greater as hydrophobic, while coatings with 150 degree or greater contact angles are super-hydrophobic.

Super-hydrophobicity allows more water to roll off the wall, which prompts faster drying and removal of dirt. In addition, super-hydrophobicity protects a building’s exterior and long-term value by resisting mold, water, dirt, staining, extreme temperatures, and UV rays.

The Lotus Effect – Super Hydrophobic

A 7000 magnified lotus leaf microstructure.

StoColor® Lotusan® Mimics the Lotus Leaf

Smooth, super-hydrophobic StoColor® Lotusan® is an above-grade, vertical exterior wall coating with Lotus-Effect® Technology. Builders can use it on stucco, masonry, EIFS, concrete and previously painted wall surfaces.

The Science Behind StoColor® Lotusan® 

Tiny wax pillars (smaller than 100 microns apart) coat the lotus plant’s leaves, which helps to waterproof and clean the plant. The high surface tension of water does not allow it to infiltrate through the pillars and into the leaf, which creates a hydrophobic effect that forces moisture to bead and roll off the leaf. The beads pick up dirt particles as they roll off the leaf, which keeps the lotus leaves clean and dry — the lotus effect.

TowerHouse Condominium in Miami Beach, Florida

The condo association chose StoColor® Lotusan® coating to paint this 50-year-old structure because of the coating’s longevity, waterproofing capacities, and self-cleaning Lotus-Effect® Technology.

Problems with Conventional Exterior Wall Coatings

Conventional exterior coatings lack resistance against many outdoor elements (bulk water, temperature, UV exposure, impact, pollution, and biological organisms), which affects the structure’s integrity and the occupant’s safety and comfort:

• Bulk Water: Rain, dew, snow, humidity, etc., can cause a conventional water-based coating to soften and become sticky, which further attracts dirt.
• Temperature and UV exposure: Hot temperatures and sun rays can degrade coatings on the building’s exterior, which leads to fading after years of exposure.
• Impact: Flying debris, hail, building movement, equipment, etc., can all cause abrasions and compromise exterior cladding paint and coatings.
• Pollution: Nitrogen oxides, smoke, dust, soot, fertilizers, nitrates, etc., can all damage a facade’s coatings.
• Biological Organisms: Fungi and mildew create an unattractive green appearance that can diminish the coating’s effectiveness. In humid climates, fungal growth tightly bonds and leaves a coating on the coating’s surface.

Hydrophobic Coatings and Finishes Repel Water

Hydrophobic coatings and finishes repel water, which helps resist mold, algae, and mildew and reduces maintenance costs by increasing the time between recoats.

Stolit® HDP® Hydrophobic Finish

Builders can use ready-mixed Stolit® HDP® as an exterior and interior decorative textured wall finished (fine, medium, swirl, and freeform textures) on Sto wall systems and over-prepared vertical above-grade masonry, concrete, and stucco substrates.

Stolit® HDP® provides several other significant benefits and features, including:

• Excellent water repellency, which helps maintain clean walls
• The high water vapor permeability allows a substrate to breathe naturally, which provides superior resistance to blistering and peeling.
  Integral Colorants create lasting, uniform color
• Enhanced Polymer Technology spreads and floats easily and provides UV resistance.
• Water-based, and is safe, non-toxic, and cleans up with water
• Low VOC improves a building’s IAQ and protects the environment

Super-Hydrophobic Coatings – The Ultimate Solution for Water Resistance and Moisture Damage Prevention

Super-hydrophobic microstructure coatings repel water by rolling it off the surface, in order to limit an exterior wall’s contact with dirt and water. This process mimics the lotus leaf’s water-repellent surface and self-cleaning abilities.

The Advantages of Super-Hydrophobic Coatings

Super-hydrophobic acrylic coatings for recoating existing buildings and new construction repel water and dry quickly. The process lessens the opportunity for mildew, mold, dirt, and other pollutants to grow or stick on the surface.

Super-hydrophobic coatings also help maintain the building’s exterior aesthetic and benefit the building owners by enhancing the wall’s integrity, lessening costs, and reducing maintenance:

Long-Term Integrity and Appearance Advantages

Hydrophobic coatings resist weather, algae, mold, mildew, and UV, which enhances the exterior wall’s long-term integrity and appearance.

Lessens Long-Term Costs

Hydrophobic coatings create durable exteriors, which can eliminate annual pressure washing and allow for longer periods between recoating, lessening the total cost of ownership. Over two decades, hydrophobic coatings may save nearly 80 percent of the total expense of a standard coating product.

Reduces Maintenance

Hydrophobic coating’s water-shedding properties ensure rapid drying and dirt removal and produce coatings that last up to ten years – conventional coatings only last two to three years. Therefore, hydrophobic coatings have lower long-term maintenance costs.

Hydrophobic acrylic coatings also often include silicone polymer technology, which provides longer fade resistance durability than conventional acrylic coatings.

Super-Hydrophobic StoColor® Lotusan® Coating

Highly water-repellent StoColor® Lotusan® surface coating with LotusEffect® Technology keeps buildings’ facades clean and attractive while also saving money on maintenance and recoating. In addition, easy and seamless to apply StoColor® Lotusan® comes in numerous colors within the StoColor® offerings.

StoColor® Lotusan® provides three significant features: super-hydrophobic, vapor permeability, and UV resistance:

1. Super-hydrophobicity provides:

• Enhanced resistance to mold, mildew, and algae
• Superior water repellency
• Excellent dirt resistance

2. Vapor permeability allows the substrate to breathe naturally to resist blisters caused by trapped water vapor.
3. UV resistance ensures a facade with superior color retention.

Self-Cleaning StoColor® Lotusan®

StoColor® Lotusan® is a superior coating solution for new construction and recoat projects over stucco, concrete, EIFS, fiber cement board, and pre-painted or primed wood substrates. The self-cleaning component of super-hydrophobic StoColor® Lotusan® effectively protects the exterior facade with the following features:

• Excellent weather and chalk resistance
• UV-stable
• High water vapor permeability
• Resists the growth of algae, mold, and mildew
• Smooth matte (flat) surface
• High level of water- and dirt-repellent after the coating dries

Protect Exterior Walls from Water Damage with StoColor Lotusan Super-Hydrophobic Coating and Stolit HDP Hydrophobic Textured Finish

Hydrophobic Stolit HDP textured finish and super-hydrophobic StoColor® Lotusan® coating will both repel water, which helps keep a wall attractive while also saving money on recoating and maintenance.

Super-hydrophobic StoColor® Lotusan® exterior coating (Lotus-Effect® Technology), however, allows dirt and rain to flow off the coating surface like rain droplets falling off a lotus leaf, which helps protect the facade from water damage and keeps it attractive while also saving money on recoating and maintenance.

Contact the Sto professionals today at (800) 221-2397 today for more information on how hydrophobic coatings and finishes for exterior wall systems can prevent water damage!

The post Hydrophobic Coatings and Finishes: The Ultimate Solution for Water Damage Prevention appeared first on Sto Corp..

Retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency includes significant upgrades to an existing building:

The design of a green retrofit should include significant building-envelope upgrades of all air-sealing and insulation systems, including the walls, foundation, roofing, doors, windows, and skylights. For example, installing StoTherm® ci Wall Systems Drainable EIFS can contribute tremendously to achieving a tight building envelope and to the goals of a deep energy retrofit.

The deep energy retrofit includes upgrades to heating and cooling systems: duct-system redesign, zoning, thermostat replacement, installation of on-demand heat pumps and water heaters, and use of energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems.

Installation or upgrading of renewable energy mechanisms: small “hybrid” electric systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind systems, or microhydropower.

A Deep Energy Retrofit of the Edgewater Condominiums, North Myrtle Beach, SC

Applying StoTherm® ci stopped water intrusion and improved the energy efficiency of this 260-unit condominium.

Applicator: Premier Exteriors
Architect: Construction Science and Engineering
Distributor: Capitol Materials Coastal
General Contractor: Prime South
Owner‘s Representative: Jason Smith

The entire building team for the green building retrofit of the Edgewater Condominium project worked together to develop the best solution to optimize the structure’s waterproofing and energy efficiency. They decided on the complete StoTherm system with a fluid-applied air and water resistive barrier and an adhered, drainable, continuously insulated system. The air and water resistive barrier serves as the first line of defense to stop moisture intrusion issues. In addition, the lack of fasteners prohibits potential moisture intrusion and thermal bridging.

The project involved the removal of all existing stucco. Applicators then reclad the structures with 250,00 ft2 of StoTherm® ci Lotusan® continuous insulation wall system. Applying the Sto system lowered the condominium’s utility bills and reduced upkeep to maintenance.

The Benefits of Deep Energy Retrofits

Retrofitting existing buildings offer many benefits to property owners and the environment:

Energy Savings

A retrofit home for energy efficiency can reduce energy use by 58 to 79 percent (depending on the home’s age and regional climate). Simple weatherization only cuts energy use by 10 to 20 percent.
Some deep energy retrofits achieve net-zero energy use, with homes and buildings producing as much energy as they use from on-site renewable resources.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air contains about 2 to 5 times more pollution than outdoor air, a concerning health issue, considering many spend 90 percent of their time indoors. A home energy retrofit with improved ventilation systems helps control indoor temperature and humidity, both significant factors that affect indoor contaminant levels.

Enhances Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

A deep energy retrofit contributes to excellent indoor environmental quality (IEQ) by creating comfortable, mold-free buildings and homes with controlled acoustics.

Lowers Maintenance Cost

Deep energy retrofits help to manage moisture and air infiltration in a building’s wall system to lessen the risk of corrosion and decay and significantly lower the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Lower Carbon Emissions

A deep energy retrofit can lower carbon emissions by 32 to 56 percent.

Higher Property Values

A deep energy retrofit increases a property’s resale value.

Energy Codes Guide Deep Energy Retrofit Buildings

Building codes help to guide builders, architects, engineers, and energy retrofit companies to design deep energy retrofits.

In the U.S. building teams use the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for design guidance of deep energy retrofits. Canadians can refer to the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB).

Deep Energy Retrofit Cost

The costs of deep energy retrofit projects depend significantly on the project’s size and objectives. In addition, you can implement deep energy retrofit upgrades all at once or phase them in over several years, depending on your budget.

Planning a Deep Energy Retrofit to Optimize Energy Savings

To ensure financially successful deep energy retrofits, Sto strongly recommends hiring a skilled, experienced energy contractor to perform a professional energy audit and help you develop an innovative, energy-efficiency building retrofit program and solution to achieve your energy-saving goals.

In addition, a deep energy retrofit solution should include the whole-building approach and applying Building Energy Modeling (BEM).

Whole-Building Approach

Successfully retrofitting existing buildings involves a whole-building system approach that strives to use natural resources efficiently, lessen energy use, and enhance the building’s value. The whole-building system approach treats a building as a single energy system, where each component affects the entire building’s efficiency.

The design phase of retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency requires the building team, including the architects, builders, developers, and engineers, to collaborate and participate in all parts of the structure’s design and construction. In addition, they should select construction products and systems that use renewable energy sources and limit energy use.

Building Energy Modeling

Building Energy Modeling helps architects and builders optimize energy savings. BEMs use project-specific features like orientation, window location, weather, building methods and materials, and more. BEMs help to estimate a building’s energy efficiency and to meet energy codes. The BEM can also minimize building costs by identifying required insulation levels to achieve performance goals cost-effectively and offset costly, higher-quality envelope solutions by requiring a smaller HVAC system.

Sto’s All-In-One Continuous Insulation Wall System for Deep Energy Retrofit

A deep energy retrofit should include an application of continuous insulation (CI) in the exterior walls. Fortunately, energy-efficient, code-compliant exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), like StoTherm® ci Wall Systems Drainable EIFS, provide an all-in-one CI solution for achieving deep energy retrofit goals.

StoTherm® ci Wall Systems Drainable EIFS

StoTherm® ci cladding systems combine continuous insulation, drainage, air and water resistive barrier, and many surfaces and textured finish choices to create a sustainable wall cladding. The durable and unique design sustains curb appeal and saves money by minimizing energy bills and maintenance costs. Sto has several StoTherm® ci cladding systems, including StoTherm ci Hurricane Impact systems that meet Miami-Dade NOA standards.

Deep Energy Retrofit of Union Towers I in Weymouth, MA

In the first year after installing the Sto system as part of the project’s deep energy retrofit, Union Towers I reduced their heating and cooling energy costs by 30 to 40 percent.

Sto Products: StoTherm® ci Lotusan®
Owner: Union Congregational Church Homes, Inc.
Applicator: Rima Design, LLC
Contractor: Dellbrook Construction
Architect: McKinnelle & Taylor, Inc.
Distributor: Kamco Supply of Boston

The brick, 60,000 ft.2, 11-story, 50-year-old, mixed-use Union Towers I suffered from moisture intrusion and heat loss due to improper insulation and drafty windows.

After consulting with Sto distributors, the owners decided that Sto reStore Level 3 Overclad with a StoTherm® ci system would provide the best cost-effective solution to their deep energy retrofit project. Overcladding the brick with the StoTherm® ci Lotusan® from top to bottom creates an energy-efficient, air-tight envelope.

StoTherm® ci

StoTherm® ci combines the StoTherm® and StoGuard® waterproof air and water resistive barrier system to prevent moisture infiltration and enhance energy efficiency.

StoTherm® ci XPS

StoTherm® ci XPS combines high-performing R-value XPS insulation into the wall assembly and StoGuard® fluid-applied air and water resistive barrier to ensure a wall’s durability and thermal efficiency.

StoTherm® ci MVES

StoTherm® ci MVES (masonry veneer engineered system) features ceramic tile, manufactured stone, and masonry veneer in natural stone to meet building codes.

StoTherm® Mineral ci

The StoTherm® ci Mineral System includes a non-combustible mineral wool continuous insulation and air and water resistive barrier with Sto’s high-performance finishes for an advanced cladding system.

StoTherm® ci HI-CM 180

Energy-efficient StoTherm® ci HI-CM 180 is a CI wall cladding assembly that combines StoTherm® insulated cladding, StoGuard® air and water resistive barrier, and drainage over concrete substrates. StoTherm® ci HI-CM 180 engineering meets the testing requirements for missile impacts (large and small).

StoTherm® ci 1177-SM

StoTherm® ci 1177-SM exterior wall cladding assembly includes a seamless air and water resistive barrier with innovative drainage capabilities over glass mat gypsum sheathing. In addition, the engineering of StoTherm® ci 1177-SM fulfills the testing mandates for small missile impacts.

StoTherm® ci 1177-LM

StoTherm® ci 1177-LM exterior wall cladding creates a seamless air and water resistive barrier with continuous insulation, advanced drainage, and Sto Armor Mat XX Mesh for added impact resistance and reinforcement compared to glass mat gypsum sheathing. StoTherm® ci 1177-LM engineering fulfills the testing mandates for missile impact (small and large) performance on 16-gauge steel studs with gypsum sheathing.

StoTherm® ci HI-PLY

StoTherm® ci HI-PLY exterior wall cladding integrates a seamless air and water resistive barrier with CI and advanced drainage over CDX exterior plywood sheathing. In addition, StoTherm® ci HI-Ply engineering also fulfills the testing mandates for large and small missile impacts.

Why Use StoTherm® ci Cladding Systems for Deep Energy Retrofits?

Deep energy retrofits offer many long-term benefits:

• Reduced energy use
• Improved indoor environmental quality
• Lower global-warming greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduced utility and maintenance bills
• Increased resale value
• Adhered – no thermal bridging
• Continuous insulation and airtight envelope

Incorporation of StoTherm® ci Wall Systems Drainable EIFS into the design of a deep energy retrofit will significantly contribute to optimizing a building’s energy efficiency. Sto systems also provide durable, safe, and sustainable walls with beautiful, unique aesthetics.

For more on the benefits of deep energy retrofits, contact Sto Corp today.

The post The Benefits of Deep Energy Retrofits: Saving Money and the Environment appeared first on Sto Corp..

Restoring old buildings should aim to protect the property’s historical significance and aesthetics by preserving its original materials. However, components that are damaged beyond repair or do not meet current building codes, safety, and sustainability needs will require upgrading or replacement. In these cases, architects and builders should strive, as much as possible, to maintain the original aesthetics and character of the building.

For example, for old building facade replacement or restoration, Sto’s The A.R.T. of reStore® program provides an innovative solution for restoring old buildings’ facades to their original aesthetics. In addition, our products enhance a structure’s sustainability, safety, and occupant comfort level.

Preserving the Past By Old Building Restoration

The restoration of old buildings provides many cultural, economic, and sustainable benefits to a community; however, achieving these benefits successfully often requires the help of an experienced and qualified historic building restoration expert.

NOTE: Contact Sto Studio for design suggestions to help restore your historic old building with a high-performing, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and fully engineered cladding system.

Cultural Benefits of Restoring Old Buildings

Restoration of old buildings helps retain a community’s history, culture, aesthetics, and legacy for the current and future generations.

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

Nearly fifty years ago, the U.S. Congress recognized the cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, sustainable, and economic importance of restoring old buildings to our country’s heritage by enacting the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

After it passed, the Secretary of the Interior instituted the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to direct the restoration of old buildings in America. Furthermore, National Historic Preservation Fund grant-in-aid projects must follow the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, according to 36 CFR 68.

The Standards provide four approaches to treating historic old building properties: preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction. The treatment depends on the building’s historical significance, proposed use, physical condition, and planned interpretation. All approaches permit code-required work to make the old buildings functional, including upgrading mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Preservation

Preservation involves applying measures necessary to maintain the existing integrity, materials, and form of a historic, old building. The work includes steps to protect and stabilize the building, and focusing on ongoing maintenance and repairs of historic features and materials rather than extensive replacement and new construction and exterior additions.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation involves altering, repairing, and adding to an old building while preserving those features which convey its historical, architectural, or cultural values. Rehabilitation allows for replacing deteriorated parts; however, the replacements must match the original design, color, texture, and materials, if possible.

Restoration

Restoration depicts a property’s character, features, and form from a particular time. To achieve this, builders remove old, deteriorated building components, and replace them with new features that match the original design, color, materials, and texture.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction involves designing and building a new structure to match the building’s appearance from a specific historical time.

Economic Benefits of Restoring Old Buildings

• Encourages local businesses to grow and increases real estate values, which helps the economic viability of historic spaces.
• Allows architects and builders to include energy-efficient, durable building materials in the restoration design of old buildings.
• Rehabilitation often costs less than new construction.
• Existing usable space – faster occupancy.

Sustainable Benefits of Restoration of Old Buildings

Recycling of Building Materials

• Lessens the need for new materials to save natural resources
• Reduces landfill waste and construction, demolition, and hazardous material debris

Energy Savings

• Eliminates the use of energy for demolition and new construction
• Allows for reuse of embodied energy in building materials and systems
• Retrofitting allows for more energy-efficient products, like wall systems, windows, doors, etc.

Sto’s Complete Approach to Old Building Restoration

Sto offers an innovative solution to restoring old building’s facades – The A.R.T. of reStore – aesthetics, repair, and transformation. It offers all the products and services needed to maintain and restore your old building’s facade.

Our product’s engineering will also enhance the building’s sustainability, energy efficiency, safety, and occupant comfort level.

ReStore offers four levels of restoration, from elementary maintenance removing dirt and mold to an entire facade restoration with all of the needed products and support:

1. Clean and Recoat: A simple program to remove dirt, mold, and mildew to update and refresh the facade’s color.
2. Repair and Refinish: A program to repair small deterioration or damage to EIFS or stucco facades.
3. Overclad: A cost-effective program to fix moisture intrusion problems and improve the facade’s energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
4. Remove and Reclad: New cladding offers a more efficient solution for unrepairable deteriorated exterior walls.

Restoring the Lido Beach Towers, Long Island, NY

Applying StoTherm ci to the 100-year-old Lido Beach Towers facade helped restore the old building to its former glory while also enhancing its sustainability and energy efficiency.

StoTherm ci

StoTherm ci EIFS provides an energy-efficient, high-performance thermal wrap with proven components: continuous insulation, an air-and water resistive barrier, and textured finish options to complete your design.

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide identifies 30 common problems affecting EIFS, masonry, concrete, and stucco with step-by-step illustrated solutions. Click here to download Sto’s Repair Guide.

Endless Aesthetic Choices

Sto provides the aesthetic flexibility to replicate any old building facade, including stone, brick, concrete, and more, with complete design freedom in endless color, material, and texture options.

Sto Studio

Sto Studio offers architectural design assistance to ensure the maximum potential of your old building restoration. We work to create a complete facade concept, including color and material options, to preserve the original character and aesthetics of the property. In addition, we can generate color renderings of your building that will help determine the best facade to maintain the cultural integrity of the building.

Villa Renaissance, Turks and Caicos

System Type: Aesthetics, Coatings
Sto Systems & Products: StoColor® Dryonic, Stolit® 3.0
Construction Type: Renovation
Building Type: Hospitality

Villa Renaissance’s general manager chose StoColor® Dryonic exterior coating with Intelligent Technology + Design to refresh and update the resort’s existing coral facade. The distinctive, cohesive color palette, designed with the assistance of Sto Studio, matched the island’s coral aesthetic and provided the durability and moisture protection to survive its punishing conditions. In addition, they applied Stolit 3.0 on all existing coral renderings.

Restoring Old Buildings for Future Generations with Sto Corp. Products

Old building restoration should preserve the original aesthetics of a structure while repairing and retaining the original building’s features. However, the restoration design should include new equipment and innovative technologies to meet modern codes, ensure occupants’ safety and comfort, and protect the environment through sustainable building materials and methods.

Contact Sto professionals today on how our A.R.T. of reStore and Sto Studio can assist you with your old building restorations.

The post Preserving the Past: Restoring Old Buildings for Future Generations appeared first on Sto Corp..

However, while facade restoration encourages the preservation of original materials, building components that are damaged beyond repair or don’t meet current codes will need upgrading or replacement. In addition, all improvements must strive to maintain the original aesthetics and building’s character, by preserving the structure’s and surroundings’ architectural style.

Sto Products has a superior-innovative solution for building facade restoration for preserving architecture – Sto’s The A.R.T. of reStore® program. Sto products also enhance a building’s sustainability, energy efficiency, safety, durability, and occupant comfort level.

The Renovation of Union Towers

A StoTherm® ci System overclad gave the Union Towers multi-family high rise an energy efficient facelift.

Architect Bob MacLeod, RA, of McKinnell, McKinnell & Taylor Inc. chose Sto reStore® Level 3 Overclad with StoGuard®, Stolit® Lotusan®, and StoTherm® ci to provide a cost-effective solution to deliver the additional insulation that was needed to upgrade the 50-year-old structure’s energy efficiency.

The Pros of Preserving Architecture

Historic architecture preservation and restoration can provide sustainable, economic, and cultural advantages to building owners and the community. However, achieving these benefits often requires a qualified, experienced historic building restoration professional.

Don’t hesitate to contact one of Sto’s facade restoration experts for preserving architecture at (800) 221-2397 or click here.

Economic Benefits of Historic Facade Restoration

• Facade restoration is done with high-quality, durable building materials. For instance, historic masonry restoration preserves historic facades’ character and cultural value.
• Rehabilitation typically costs less than new construction.
• Facade restoration increases the structure’s resale values and attracts business, which can help the economic viability of historic spaces.
• Facade restoration uses existing space, which quickens occupancy.

Sustainability Advantages of Facade Restoration

Energy Savings

• No energy needed for new construction and demolition
• Reuse of embodied energy in building systems and materials
• Retrofitting allows for more energy-efficient building products, like wall systems, doors, windows, etc.

Recycling of Building Products

• Lessens the need for new materials, saving natural resources
• Reduces construction and demolition debris to decrease landfill waste
• Reduces hazardous debris

Cultural Benefits of Facade Restoration

Facade restoration for preserving architecture helps retain a community’s history, appeal, and aesthetics.

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

In 1966, Congress instituted the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) to mandate the use of historic structures for the public’s benefit and to preserve our national heritage. After it passed, the Secretary of the Interior created the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to guide historic building preservation practice and design in America. Moreover, all grant-in-aid projects assisted through the National Historic Preservation Fund need the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (codified in 36 C.F.R. 68).

The Standards provide four approaches to treating historic properties: Preservation, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Restoration. The approach depends on the property’s historical significance, proposed use, intended interpretation, and physical condition. The standards allow for code-required work to make properties functional, including the sensitive and limited upgrading of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

Preservation

Preservation measures aim to sustain a historic structure’s integrity, form, and products. The work includes protecting and stabilizing the building, focusing on ongoing maintenance and repairs of historical components and materials rather than large-scale replacement and new construction.

NOTE: Preservation does not include new exterior additions.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation involves repairing, adding, and altering a historic building while preserving those portions which convey its architectural, cultural, or historical values. Notably, rehabilitation allows for replacing deteriorated features; however, the replacements must match the old color, texture, design, and materials, if possible.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction involves designing and building a new structure to match a building’s aesthetics from a specific historical time.

Restoration

Restoration involves accurately depicting a property’s character, features, and form from a particular time. The process consists in removing building parts from other periods and reconstructing missing components from the restoration time. Additionally, builders can replace deteriorated features with new ones that match the original color, texture, design, and materials.

Sto’s Complete Approach to Facade Restoration for Preserving Architecture

Sto Corp. offers an innovative solution to building facade restoration for preserving architecture – the Sto A.R.T. of reStore® – aesthetics, transformation, and repair. The A.R.T. of reStore® has all the materials and services needed to maintain and restore a building’s facade. Furthermore, our product’s engineering can improve the building’s sustainability, energy efficiency, integrity, safety, and occupant comfort level.

ReStore® provides four levels of restoration, from simple maintenance to dirt and mold removal as well as a complete facade restoration with all the necessary products and support.

• Clean and Recoat: A program to remove dirt, mold, and mildew while updating or refreshing the facade’s color.
• Repair and Refinish: The program repairs minor damage to EIFS or stucco facades before significant damage happens.
• Overclad: A cost-effective program to fix moisture intrusion problems and enhance the facade’s energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
• Remove and Reclad: New cladding offers a cost-efficient solution for deteriorated exterior walls beyond repair.

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide addresses 30 common problems affecting EIFS, stucco, concrete, and masonry with step-by-step illustrated solutions.

Click here to download Sto’s Repair Guide.

Sto’s Endless Aesthetic Options

Sto provides the aesthetic flexibility to replicate any historic facade with complete design freedom in endless texture, color and material choices. Sto’s newest finishes, StoCast prefabricated resin cast shapes, offer the ability to replicate historic brick or wood facades with a high-efficiency, tested and code-compliant Sto wall system. Sto Studio can also assist with suggestions on materials, colors, and textures to help preserve your historic building’s architecture with an attractive, high-performing, sustainable, fully-engineered cladding system.

Sto Studio

Sto Studio can assist your design process to ensure that your historic facade restoration will attain its maximum potential. We work to create a complete facade concept, including color and material options, to preserve the original character and aesthetics of the building. Additionally, we generate a series of color renderings that will help determine the most acceptable facade to preserve the cultural architecture of the building.

Restoration of the Lido Beach Towers, Long Island, NY USA

Restoration of the century-old Lido Beach Towers condominium community preserved its original architecture. It also showcases StoTherm® ci Lotusan® EIFS potential as a retrofit method for deteriorating buildings. The aesthetically pleasing second skin approach of EIFS tremendously improved the structure’s sustainability and energy efficiency.

StoTherm® ci

Sto’s continuous insulation wall system, StoTherm ci, is an energy-efficient, high-performance wall cladding. It combines proven components: StoGuard® (a water-resistive air barrier), StoTherm® insulated cladding and drainage, and allows for the use of a wide variety of Sto textured finishes, Sto Specialty finishes, or StoCast surface components.

Best Practices for Facade Restoration for Preserving Architecture

The best practices for facade restoration should preserve the structure’s architecture while repairing and retaining the original building’s aesthetic features. It should also allow new equipment and technologies to meet applicable codes, ensure occupants’ safety and comfort, and protect the environment through sustainable building products and practices.

Don’t hesitate to contact the Sto professionals for more on how our A.R.T. of reStore solutions and Sto Studio can help you with facade restoration and preserving architecture.

The post The Importance of Facade Restoration for Preserving Architecture appeared first on Sto Corp..

• Fully engineered wall system that includes air and water-resistive barrier and continuous insulation
• Energy efficiency
• Fire-resistance
• A low-maintenance structure

EIFS also offers versatile, attractive, and sophisticated exterior finishes. Periodically, EIFS finishes require cleaning to remove dirt, algae, or mildew that accumulates on the surface or recoating to refresh the look of the cladding or change the color. Choosing the suitable coating will determine how often you need to maintain the EIFS.

Benefits of EIFS Painting (Recoating)

Properly painting EIFS can add several significant benefits to a building’s exterior

• Aesthetic Versatility: You can paint EIFS with endless colors and textures.
• Longevity: EIFS paint creates a long-lasting, new, and fresh appearance with lasting weather- and wind-proofing protection.
• Flexibility: EIFS elastomeric paint coating can expand and contract seven times its original size in a flat sheen appearance.
• Easy Maintenance: You can quickly repair tiny cracks from settling, and they do not peel, like paint on wood.

Eight Tips for a Successful EIFS Painting Project

As with any cladding, EIFS also needs routine maintenance. Choosing the right coating will determine the maintenance schedule. Fresh paint will improve the structure’s curb appeal, increase resale value, and attract clients and tenants. In addition, due to the complexity and importance of the proper application of EIFS paint, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced, qualified EIFS paint professional.

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials Before Starting

Tools

• Caulk gun
• Extension ladder
• Paint brushes
• Paint roller cage
• Pressure washer or garden hose
• Roller covers (thick-napped)

Materials

• Acrylic exterior caulk
• Polyurethane exterior caulk
• Acrylic latex exterior paint, flat finish

2. Inspect the Building

1. Check the EIFS for stress cracks (due to settling), particularly around the windows and doors.
2. Check the gutter system and repair it if needed. An ineffective gutter system can lead to discoloration or deterioration of the EIFS.
3. Make sure the sprinkler system doesn’t directly hit the EIFS.

3. Clean and Gently Pressure Wash the Building

Apply a product or use a recommended cleaning method for EIFS, then gently rinse off with a pressure washer (on its lowest setting) or a garden hose. Applying too much water pressure to EIFS can harm the finish or allow water to infiltrate. NOTE: Mix cleaners and detergents according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Safe products and methods for cleaning EIFS:

• Specialized EIFS cleaner
• Light detergent like dish soap
• Water and vinegar
• Diluted bleach
• Borax
• Pressure washer on low setting
• Soft-bristled brush

Products and methods not safe for cleaning EIFS:

• Heavy duty paint
• Paint or rust-removing solvent not meant for EIFS
• Sandblasting
• Pressure washer on high settings
• Steam
• Do not use abrasive cleaning techniques or caustic chemicals, which will permanently damage the finish

4. Repair the EIFS

For cracks larger than 7 millimeters, fill the voids with an elastomeric exterior caulk to create a texture similar to the rest of the surface. In addition, repair and seal with caulk around the doors, windows, and other projections.

5. Only Use Paints Specifically Made for EIFS

Successfully painting an EIFS wall requires the right coating or paint, like those available from Sto Architectural Coatings: traditional Acrylic, Elastomeric, Sto iQ Technology, and Specialty Aesthetic coatings. In addition, select flat, low-sheen colors for EIFS, and avoid high-gloss.

StoColor® Acryl Plus and Flat Coatings

Acrylic-based, high-performing StoColor® Acryl Plus (satin sheen) and StoColor® Acryl Flat coating for vertical above-grade applications come in any color from the Sto Color palette. Both coatings offer unique features that enhance their durability and lifespan when used over prepared concrete, masonry, plaster/stucco and EIFS.

StoColor® Acryl Plus provides excellent protection against the following:

• Wind-driven rain
• Severe sun, heat, humidity, salt, dirt, and rain
• Salts and environmental pollutants.
• Blistering and mold and mildew growth due to its high permeability
• Fade resistance

StoColor® Acryl Flat offers protection against the following:

• Protects against severe weather conditions: sun, salt, heat, humidity, rain, and dirt
• Vapor permeable resists mold and blisters caused by moisture
• CO2 diffusion resistance, which protects against steel corrosion

Sto Elastomeric Coatings

The high-elongation properties of Sto Elastomeric coatings make it an excellent choice for EIFS painting. Sto Elastomeric coatings:

• Cover hairline cracked caused by thermal changes in the substrate
• Resist wind-driven rain and water absorption on vertical surfaces
• Provide superior UV resistance
• Curtail mold and mildew growth

Sto iQ Technology

Nature-inspired Sto iQ Technology Coatings offer superior functionality and durability and will keep the facade clean, dry, and bright to reduce maintenance.

• StoColor® Lotusan®, with Lotus-Effect® technology, offers super hydrophobic and self cleaning properties for EIFS wall systems.
• StoColor® Dryonic®, with its quick drying properties, provides optimum resistance to algae, fungi, and weathering, protecting an EIFS’s buildings’ color, material, and original design for the lifetime of the structures.

Specialty Aesthetic

Specialty Aesthetic coatings create unique aesthetics to elevate a building’s design: StoColor® Metallic, StoColor Wood Stain, StoTique (antique look), and StoColor® Texture.

6. Applying Paint to EIFS

Applying Sto Architectural Coatings for new or recoating wall surfaces will preserve your building’s value by providing a breathable, durable, and attractive layer of protection against environmental elements. Application may vary by coatings or substrate condition.

• Apply only to:
  • Sound and clean, dry, properly prepared, frost-free surfaces.
  • At ambient and surface temperatures of 40°F (4°C) and rising, and below 100°F (38°C).
• Do not apply:
  • Over damp surfaces or during rain, hail, or snow events or if rain, hail, or snow is imminent.
  • At a surface temperature of less than 5°F (2.8°C) above the ambient dew point temperature
  • At below grades or in areas subjected to hydrostatic pressure, water immersion, ponding, or puddling
  • on wood or metal surfaces
• Prepare or prime EIFS substrate according to Sto primer product bulletin.
• Apply in two uniform coats by brush, roller, or with proper spray equipment.
• Apply coating in a continuous application – do not overcoat. Work away from a wet edge or architectural break to eliminate cold joints. Back roll open texture surfaces, like concrete masonry.
• Allow sufficient time for drying between coats.

Additional Tips for Successful EIFS Painting:

• Avoid heavy-duty paints that may seal the EIFS and create a vapor barrier that will trap moisture in the building envelope. These paints may also contain powerful solvents that can erode EIFS.
• Never add color additives to the EIFS stucco mixture because future repairs due to small cracks from settling will not match the exterior color. Painting the exterior of EIFS after installation will ensure uniform color when repairing the exterior.
• Colors with light reflectance values (LRV) of 20 or greater are generally recommended for EIFS systems that do not incorporate mineral wool insulation.

7. Clean Up

Immediately clean tools and equipment with water after use to avoid material drying, which will require mechanical removal.

8. Maintain EIFS

Maintaining and adequately cleaning EIFS will increase its lifespan and beauty for years. Sto recommends annual inspections of the EIFS to look for cracks, discoloration, or moisture issues and to touch up as needed.

Sto Corp. products helped revive the former Ocean Village, now the Arverne View, by improving its energy efficiency and curb appeal:

Sto Products:

• StoColor® Acryl Plus and StoColor® Silcolastic (on its balcony)
• StoTherm® ci Lotusan®: Exterior continuous insulation wall system
• StoLit® Lotusan®: Tintable ultra-hydrophobic textured wall finish with superior self-cleaning properties
• StoGuard®: Fluid applied air and water-resistive barrier

Elastomeric, silicone-enhanced StoColor® Silcolastic decorative coating waterproofs, resists dirt and mildew, and bridges hairline cracks.

You can use it to protect vertical EIFS, concrete, stucco, masonry, or previously acrylic-coated smooth/textured surfaces. Its roller and spray application creates a smooth finish in various colors, making it easy to improve a substrate’s appearance quickly. However, Sto recommends avoiding dark-colored coatings over using foam plastic insulation. Instead, select finish colors with a lightness value of 20 or greater.

Benefits of StoColor® Silcolastic

• Silicone-enhanced StoColor® Silcolastic resists dirt and mildew growth better than standard acrylic elastomeric coatings.
• Vapor permeability allows the substrate to breathe naturally, which resists the blistering caused by trapped vapor.
• Weatherproofing features include:
  • Repels water
  • Provides hot and cool temperature stability
  • Protects against ultraviolet light
• Easy application increases job-site productivity.
• Low VOC contributes to a safe job site and protects the environment.
• Reusable tools clean up with only water, so there is no need for hazardous solvents.
• Available in Sto’s standard colors and custom colors to match existing project colors.

Note: The substrate’s pH, texture, absorption, and desired aesthetic look may require an application of StoPrime Sand primer over the substrate.

StoColor® Lastic

Elastomeric, acrylic-based StoColor® Lastic decorative coating waterproofs, and bridges hairline cracks. You can use it to protect vertical EIFS, concrete, stucco, masonry, or previously acrylic-coated smooth/textured surfaces.

Benefits of StoColor® Lastic:

• Acrylic base provides excellent adhesion, weather-resistant, and color stability.
• Roller and spray application creates a smooth finish in various colors, making it easy to improve a substrate’s appearance quickly.
• Flexibility bridges hairline cracks.
• Weatherproofing features include:
  • Repels water
  • Provides hot and cool temperature stability
  • Protects against ultraviolet light
• Vapor permeability allows the substrate to breathe naturally, which resists blistering caused by trapped vapor.
• Easy application increases job-site productivity.
• Low VOC contributes to a safe job site and protects the environment.

Tip for a Successful EIFS Paint Project – Use Sto Architectural Coatings

Sto Architectural coatings will help you successfully paint your EIFS building to significantly improve and freshen its aesthetics, increase its resale value, attract customers and tenants, and protect the integrity of the building. However, the project’s success depends on properly preparing the substrate and following the manufacturer’s instructions.

For more on the do’s and don’ts of EIFS painting, contact a Sto professional today at (800) 221-2397.

The post The Do’s and Don’ts of EIFS Painting: 8 Tips for a Successful Project appeared first on Sto Corp..

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 environment by:

Saving energy

• Building retrofit allows for addition of more energy-efficient products, like wall and cladding systems, windows, doors, etc.
• Building rehabilitation reduces energy use that would be needed for demolition and new construction.
• It allows for reuse of embodied energy in building systems and materials.

Recycling of building materials

• Less need for new materials, saving natural resources
• Minimizes construction and demolition debris, so reduces landfill waste
• Restoration reduces hazardous material debris
• Improves building durability

Sustainable design improves the durability and longevity of a rehab building, to preserve natural resources and lessen maintenance costs by promoting fire-, wind-, moisture-, and termite resistance, and save money through lower repair, maintenance, and replacement.

Healthy, sustainable buildings improve the IEQ by:

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

• Decreases moisture infiltration that can lead to unhealthy mold and mildew
• Avoids materials with high volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations, headaches, nausea, and damage to the central nervous system, kidney, and liver

Improving Comfort

• Improves the comfort level of the occupants by stabilizing temperatures within the building

Economic Advantages of Retrofitting and Restoring

• Increases real estate values
• Allows for quick occupancy of existing usable space
• Often costs less than new construction
• Commercial building restoration that improves sustainability and IEQ can reduce employee sick days and improve their productivity.

Sto’s A.R.T. of reStore® Program

Successfully achieving all of these benefits typically requires the help of qualified and experienced building restoration services or building restoration companies that implement innovative solutions for the restoration of buildings and monuments, like Sto’s The A.R.T. of reStore® program. Our easy-to-apply, safe, durable, and non-toxic products can also maximize the health and energy efficiency of a building by creating a tight building envelope that limits air and moisture infiltration.

The Four Treatment Levels of Restoration

In 1966, following the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) passage, the Secretary of the Interior developed the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to guide historic building preservation practice and design. Moreover, all grant-in-aid projects assisted through the National Historic Preservation Fund mandate the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as described in 36 CFR 68.

The Standards cover four treatment levels of restoration for historic properties: preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction. The treatment level depends on the property’s historical significance, proposed use, physical condition, and intended interpretation. All levels permit code-required work to make properties functional, including the sensitive and limited upgrading of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems.

1. Preservation

Preservation involves installing measures needed to sustain the materials, existing form, and integrity of a historic building. The work involves steps to protect and stabilize the structure, focusing on ongoing maintenance and repairs of historical components and materials rather than new construction and large-scale replacement. Preservation does not involve new exterior additions.

2. Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation comprises repairing, adding, and altering a historic structure while preserving those components or portions which contribute to its architectural, historical, or cultural values. Rehabilitation permits the replacement of deteriorated features; however, the replacements must match the old design, color, texture, and, if possible, materials.

3. Restoration

Restoration should accurately represent a building’s character, form, and components from a particular time. To accomplish this, a builder must first remove building components from other periods and then reconstruct the removed parts to match the restoration period. In addition, builders can replace deteriorated features with new components that match the original design, color texture, and, if possible, materials.

4. Reconstruction

Reconstruction includes designing and constructing a new structure to match the aesthetics or appearance of a building from a specific historical time.

Sto’s Complete Approach to Building Restoration and Rehabilitation

Sto’s A.R.T. of reStore® offers an innovative solution that provides all the services and materials required to restore and maintain your building’s facade. Our product’s engineering can also improve the building’s health, energy efficiency, occupant comfort level, and safety.

ReStore® provides four levels of restoration, from superficial dirt and mold removal to a complete facade restoration or rehabilitation with all the needed products and support:

1. Clean and Recoat: A simple program to remove dirt, mildew, and mold, while updating or refreshing the facade’s color.
2. Repair and Refinish: A program to repair minor damage to EIFS facades or stucco before it becomes a bigger problem.
3. Overclad: A cost-effective program to fix moisture intrusion problems and enhance the facade’s energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
4. Remove and Reclad: New cladding is a more efficient solution for exterior walls deteriorating beyond repair.

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide includes 30 common problems affecting EIFS, stucco, masonry, and concrete, with detailed illustrated solutions.

To download a copy of Sto’s Repair Guide, Click here.

Sto’s Vast Aesthetic Choices

Sto provides the aesthetic flexibility to replicate any facade, including concrete, stone, brick, and wood, with complete design freedom in endless texture, color, and material options. Sto Studio can also help with suggestions on textures, colors, and materials to help maximize the health of your building with a sustainable, high-performing, fully-engineered, and beautiful cladding system.

Sto Design Tools

Sto will help you with your architectural design process, ensuring that your building restoration will maximize the health of the building. We aim to produce a total facade concept, including color and material options, to preserve the original character and aesthetics of the building. In addition, we can create an array of color renderings to determine the most acceptable facade to ensure the cultural integrity of the historic building.

Sto’s website features two tools engineered to assist you with your creative visions: the StoInspire and Aesthetic+Product Selector tools.

• The StoInspire tool aids you in the visualization stage by allowing you to apply selected Sto aesthetic colors and surfaces to building models. The tool allows you can save your project renderings and even order material samples.
• The Aesthetic+Product Selector tool makes it simple to understand how Sto allows you to achieve a desired aesthetic. You can select based on the desired aesthetic, the material type or process, or the texture or pattern you want on your project.

Restoration of the Lido Beach Towers, Long Island, NY U.S.A.

Restoration of the 100-year-old Lido Beach Towers condominium community showcases the potential of StoTherm® ci as a retrofit method for deteriorating buildings. The aesthetically pleasing second-skin approach of EIFS significantly improved the building’s health, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

StoTherm® ci

Sto’s continuous insulation wall system (EIFS), the StoTherm® ci, is a high-performing, energy-efficient wall cladding that improves the health of the building. It combines several proven elements: StoGuard® air and water-resistive barrier system, StoTherm® ci insulated cladding and drainage, and Stolit® Lotusan®, a textured finish with self-cleaning properties.

Best Practices for Maximizing a Buildings Health by Restoration and Rehabilitation

The best practices for maximizing building health must allow new technologies and equipment to meet applicable codes, improve the building’s health, ensure occupants’ safety and comfort, and protect the environment through sustainable building practices and materials. Fortunately, retrofitting and restoring the exterior facade of a building with Sto’s A.R.T. of reStore innovative solutions can help to maximize your building’s health through improved sustainability and I.E.Q.

Don’t hesitate to contact Sto professionals for more on how our A.R.T. of reStore® solutions and Sto Studio can help you maximize the health of your building.

The post How to Maximize the Health of a Building Through Retrofit and Restoration appeared first on Sto Corp..

10 Essential Steps for Commercial Building Renovation

A successful commercial building refurbishment or a commercial building retrofit
depends tremendously on proper pre-construction planning and a qualified building team. For a successful outcome, follow these ten vital steps for accomplishing the goals of your commercial remodeling project.

Step 1. Determine the Motive for Your Commercial Building Remodel

Commercial building renovation can involve everything from a simple facelift to significant structural changes that upgrade to LEED certification or compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Establishing clear motives for your renovation will help you prioritize and focus the budget on essential parts of the project.

Step 2. Verify The Certificate of Occupancy and Permits

Ensure you can use the property for its intended use after the remodel. The Certificate of Occupancy indicates the legal use of your commercial property as an office, a cafe, or other commercial space. It is difficult and costly to change a Certificate of Occupancy.

Before beginning your renovation, check with your local authorities about permit requirements and their renovation work specifications. Obtaining permission before starting the remodel will help you avoid hassles with governing bodies and citations.

Step 3. Assess the Property for Future Use

Before finalizing your decision to remodel your commercial building, assess the existing conditions of the building space and prepare a pre-construction list which you can discuss with your contractor:

• Look for water leaks and electrical faults.
• Conduct an energy assessment to determine the need to upgrade.
• Make sure your foundation or basement can handle the building load after remodeling.

Step 4. Conduct an Energy-Code Analysis

Early in the design process, an energy code analysis will help implement the building energy code effectively. In addition, architects and engineers can utilize tools like energy models, building information modeling (BIM), and COMcheck in the early design phases to incorporate energy-saving strategies and lessen costs when making adjustments. These tools can also help owners better understand the impact of energy-conscious design’s potential savings.

Step 5. Choose the Right Contractor for the Commercial Building Renovation

Whether you are planning a major commercial building refurbishment or a simple commercial building retrofit, you should hire a qualified and efficient construction company that can handle the exterior and interior renovation. The success of the project depends on a productive business relationship between you and the commercial contractors.

Qualities of a good contractor include:

• Excellent communication skills
• Highly organized to handle the multi-level endeavors and complex timelines of commercial renovation and remodeling projects
• Pays close attention to detail and ensures quality at all project steps
• Provides an exceptional customer service plan that ensures you can easily reach the contractor, that they will respond quickly, and that they will provide courteous and accurate answers to all questions
• Provides excellent client testimonials
• Licensed and certified for commercial construction
• Offers a detailed and comprehensive fair bid

Step 6. Establish an Accurate Budget

An accurate-detailed budget will help ensure the capital you expend doesn’t exceed the expected increase in value and revenue, so the project achieves an acceptable return on investment. However, unforeseen issues and hidden costs can burst your renovation budget and potentially derail the entire project. Therefore, building experts advise adding 15 percent to your budget to cover the unplanned extra costs.

Commercial renovation cost depends on identifying your renovation’s specific cost factors, for instance:

• Scope of Project
• Building Quality
• Permitting
• Pre-Construction Repairs
• Location
• Building Codes
• Choice of Renovation Contractor or Architect
• Building Use
• Building Materials and Labor

Step 7. Begin Procurement of Materials ASAP

Construction materials play a vital role in a project’s success and sustainability. Unfortunately, building material shortages brought about by the global pandemic have significantly impacted construction supply chains, interrupting cash flow and affecting costs, timing, and budgets. Engaging with building product manufacturers early in the design process can help mitigate these challenges. Materials suppliers can offer expertise on the most efficient and cost effective ways to achieve your desired outcomes, often providing multiple options that can help keep your project on schedule and on budget.

In addition, choose quality materials. It will save you money long-term by limiting repairs and maintenance.

Step 8. Determine the Best Time for Your Commercial Building Renovation and Establish a Schedule

Commercial building remodels can disrupt your business and other organizations operating from the building. Therefore, renovate during the least disruptive time of year to the building’s occupants.

In addition, establishing a rough timeline for your project’s milestone completion points and lead times will help with decisions during the building project.

Step 9. Keep the Project Team Well Informed

Communication between the project team, including the contractor, architects, material suppliers, owners, engineers, etc., will limit misunderstandings that can lead to time-consuming and expensive reworks and delay for your project;

In addition, to clarify deliverables, establish clear roles and responsibilities for the project team members.

Step 10. Incorporate Sustainability

Sustainable commercial buildings reduce the structure’s carbon footprint and promote the building’s energy efficiency, durability, comfort, and safety. In addition, the financial benefits of green-sustainable design make it increasingly desirable to commercial building owners:

• Green design can lower your operating costs by 20 percent less per ft2 than non-green design.
• Green buildings can sell for 16 percent more than conventional buildings.
• Sustainability lessens employee sick days and improves their productivity.
• Green-sustainable commercial building design increases recruitment, retention, and rental rates.
• LEED certification offers buildings with an average 3 percent increase in rent for each increase in certification level.
• LEED buildings have a 4.1 percent greater occupancy rate than non certified.
• Sustainable design improves durability and lessens maintenance costs by promoting fire-, wind-, moisture-, and termite resistance, saving money through reduced repair, maintenance, and replacement.

One Bala Plaza Renovation Improves Sustainability with StoPanel® Technology

Owner: Tishman Speyer
General Contractor: DJ Keating
Architect: McGillin Architecture Inc.
Building Type: Office Building
Installer: Jersey Panel
Onsite Assembly Date: October 2019
Panel Type: StoPanel® Classic NExT ci

Constructed in 1965, One Bala Plaza was a poorly-insulated, aging office building in desperate need of updating for occupants’ comfort and energy efficiency. The project posed several challenges. Fortunately, Jersey Panel, a partner in Sto Corp.’s Sto Panel Technology program, had a solution to all the challenges.

While the lower floors could get by with new thermal windows and some patching, the severe disrepair of floors three through six required a complete overhaul.

Jersey Panel installed 40,000 ft2 of StoPanel® Classic NExT ci, giving the upper floors a new facade right over the existing building. Sto constructs StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panels with metal studs, continuous insulation, and StoGuard® waterproof air barrier resulting in a more sustainable, energy-efficient building with year-round comfort for the One Bala tenants. They could not use standard panel sizes and shapes due to irregularities in the existing precast concrete surface and the building’s curved contours.

Jersey Panel referred to the original building’s drawings to create fully customized panels, curved to account for the building’s contours.

The fully occupied building demanded a quick renovation with minimal disruptions.

Jersey Panel avoided disturbing tenants by limiting installation work to the third shift and Saturdays. They completed the installation in three months by fabricating the panels at Jersey Panel’s offsite location.

For more on the essential steps for commercial building renovation, download the full One Bala Plaza Renovation case study here or don’t hesitate to call a Sto Panel Technology specialist today at (800) 221-2397.

The post Don’t Skip These Ten Essential Steps for Commercial Building Remodeling appeared first on Sto Corp..

Adaptive reuse architecture projects can cost 16 percent less and take 18 percent less time than new construction. In addition, sustainable adaptive reuse can help protect the environment and improve a building’s performance and resale value.

Sustainable adaptive reuse often needs only minor modifications to upgrade to modern building codes and requirements. For instance, Sto offers an innovative solution to the building facade of historic adaptive reuse – the A.R.T. of reStore® – aesthetics, repair, and transformation. The A.R.T. of reStore® provides all the materials and services needed to repair, preserve, and maintain an old or historic facade, in order to prepare it for its new purpose.

Types of Applications for Adaptive Reuse in Architecture

Adaptive reuse is a term that refers to adapting an existing structure for a new use or purpose. The type of adaptive reuse depends on the level of remodeling, replacement, and overall changes to the original structure.

Adaptive Reuse Historic Preservation

Historic preservation allows for using new, efficient architectural materials to meet current building codes while still paying homage to the structure’s history. This approach improves a building’s performance while reducing its carbon footprint. Historic preservation strives to sustain a building’s existing form, integrity, and materials, without exterior additions.

Adaptive Reuse Renovation

Renovation typically involves repairing and refinishing a building while preserving the building’s original purpose.

Adaptive Reuse Integration

Adaptive reuse integration involves preserving the original structure by enclosing it inside a new building.

Adaptive Reuse Facadism

Facadism preserves a building’s facade while demolishing and modernizing the rest of the building. Facadectomy preserves the curb view of the community’s historic footprint.

Adaptive Reuse Infrastructure

Most adaptive reuse focuses on buildings, however some innovative adaptive reuse projects transform outdated or unused infrastructures into needed space for housing, office space, community centers, and more.

The Benefits of Adaptive Reuse Projects

Adaptive reuse offers financial and cultural advantages by lowering construction costs, enhancing the community’s ambiance, and protecting the environment:

1. Adaptive reuse of old buildings lowers construction costs by reducing the need for building materials and labor – vital due to skyrocketing material costs and labor shortages.
2. Reuse architecture can take less time than new construction, saving money and allowing a business to occupy the building sooner, generating earnings. 
3. Reusing old buildings reduces expensive demolition costs and waste. 
4. Federal historic tax credits and local tax incentives for historic adaptive reuse ease budget concerns for builders. Reuse of historic buildings examples include lighthouses, churches, mills, banks, court houses, etc. 
5. Adaptive reuse of historic buildings helps maintain a community’s cultural heritage, by protecting them from decay and demolition.
6.  Sustainable adaptive reuse protects the environment by:
   • Lowering energy demand and carbon emissions
   • Reducing urbanization (urban sprawl). Urban sprawl produces air pollution and increases infrastructure costs. 
   • Lessening landfill waste. The EPA estimates that the U.S. generated 600 million tons of C&D debris in 2018.
7. Adaptive reuse before and after the restoration can help revitalize a neighborhood, and improve its real estate value.
8. Commercial developers can financially benefit significantly from the popularity of the reuse of historic buildings for resale shops, restaurants, apartments, office space, and more.

Adaptive Reuse Examples

The reuse of buildings helps builders lessen the challenges of material and labor shortages. It can also significantly contribute to solving society’s significant problems: climate change and the housing crisis. Read on for adaptive reuse architecture examples:

Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Buildings

Developers can use industrial reuse architecture for many purposes, including office space.

Wonder Bread Factory, Washington D.C.
Adaptive Reuse Before and After

After 80 years, the iconic Wonder Bread factory in Washington D.C. closed its doors in the early 1980s, and remained dormant for 20 years.

Fortunately, a developer recognized the benefits of the reuse of industrial buildings and converted the old building into a loft-style, four-story office building while retaining the bakery’s original signage and style.

Adaptive Reuse of School Buildings

Adaptive reuse of a 1920s vintage school in Massachusetts, combined with complementary new structures to create a 105,000-square-foot apartment complex featuring 75 affordable and market-rate residences. In addition, the remodeled structure combined historic preservation and sustainable design, resulting in energy savings of 35 percent compared to homes built to the current code. The historic nature of the building, along with its energy-efficient design, low-VOC finishes, and other green design features, tremendously increased the popularity of this property.

Church Adaptive Reuse Projects

Over the past ten years in the U.S., about 75 to 150 churches per week have closed due to rising building costs and a decline in attendance.

An empty building can pose a security problem and also decrease the surrounding property’s value. Adaptive reuse church provides a solution to this (predicted) growing problem by converting the empty churches into low-income housing, luxury condominiums, mixed-use venues, etc.

Developers converted this historic 110-year-old, Episcopal church in Chicago into nine-residential units, to preserve the historic architecture and save the beautiful stained glass windows.

Parking Garage Adaptive Reuse

Converting a parking garage into a space that people occupy requires changing the structural and facade design. For instance, the structural load on a parking garage is about half the load needed to support an occupied space, like housing or office space.

The five-level Knightley’s Parking Garage in Wichita, Kansas, opened in 1950 and closed in 2009, leaving the deteriorating garage empty and neglected. Recently, Kansas developers converted the old concrete structure into 44 affordable one-bedroom, 700 ft2 apartments, each with a covered terrace.

STO’s Complete Approach to Adaptive Reuse in Architecture

Sto’s ART of reStore® provides all the materials and services needed to maintain and restore your building’s exterior, and preserve its cultural face while improving the building’s safety, energy efficacy, and occupant comfort level.

The four levels of reStore include maintenance and dirt and mildew removal – basically a complete facade restoration with all the support and products you need.

1. Clean and Recoat: A basic program to remove mildew, mold, and dirt while updating the facade’s color.
2. Repair and Refinish: A program to repair minor damage to stucco or EIFS exteriors before it becomes a severe problem.
3. Overclad: An economical program to fix moisture intrusion problems and improve the facade’s energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
4. Remove and Reclad: New cladding provides a more efficient solution if the exterior walls have deteriorated beyond repair.

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide addresses 30 common problems that affect concrete, EIFS, masonry, and stucco with detailed illustrated solutions. Click here to download a digital copy of Sto’s Repair Guide (the only one in the industry.

Sto’s Vast Aesthetic Options

Sto provides the aesthetic flexibility to reproduce historic facades, including stone, brick, concrete, and more, with total design freedom in endless color and texture finishes, coatings, and materials.

In addition, our Sto Studio service can help apply adaptive reuse architecture to restore a deserted or historic building facade with a sustainable, high-performing, attractive, fully-engineered cladding system.

Sto Studio

Sto Studio will assist your architectural design process to ensure that your adaptive reuse projects attain their maximum potential. We work to produce a complete facade concept, including color and material options. In addition, when required, we can help preserve the original character and aesthetics of the building. We can generate a series of color renderings to best determine the most acceptable facade to maintain the cultural integrity of your building or infrastructure.

How Sto Can Help with Your Adaptive Reuse in Architecture Project

Sto’s A.R.T. of reStore® offers an extensive line of products to help repair, preserve, and maintain old or historic facades for adaptive reuse of buildings and infrastructures.

Furthermore, our vast selection of color and texture finishes, coatings, and materials provides architects with complete design freedom. 

Contact Sto to learn more about how you can apply adaptive reuse architecture to effectively restore and reuse deserted or historic buildings.

The post How to Understand and Apply Adaptive Reuse in Architecture appeared first on Sto Corp..

However, while historic building restoration encourages preserving original materials, any component damaged beyond repair or not meeting current codes will need upgrading or replacement. These types of improvements must strive to maintain the original aesthetics and character of the building.

For example, for building facade historical restoration or replacement, Sto’s The A.R.T. of reStore® program offers an innovative solution for restoring and maintaining a building’s cultural facade. Our products can also improve a structure’s energy efficiency, safety, and occupant comfort level.

The Pros of Historic Preservation and Restoration

Historic preservation and restoration of community landmarks can provide economic, sustainable, and cultural benefits to building owners and the community. However, successfully achieving these benefits typically requires the help of a qualified and experienced historic building restoration expert.

Economic Advantages of Historic Restoration

• Increases real estate values and encourages local businesses, which helps keep historic spaces economically viable.
• It allows for the continued use of high-quality, durable building materials. For instance, historic masonry restoration preserves the character and cultural value of historical buildings’ facades.
• Existing usable space—quicker occupancy.
• Rehabilitation often costs less than new construction.

Benefits of Retrofitting Historic Buildings for Sustainability

Recycling of building materials

• Reduces the need for new materials, saving natural resources
• Less construction and demolition debris, reduces landfill waste
• Less hazardous material debris

Energy savings

• No energy need for demolition and new construction
• Reuse of embodied energy in building materials and systems
• Retrofitting allows for more energy-efficient materials, like wall systems, windows, doors, etc.

Cultural Advantages of Historic Building Restoration

• Historic restoration helps retain a community’s history, aesthetics, and appeal.

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

In 1966, Congress established the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The act mandated the active use of historic buildings to preserve our national heritage and for public benefit. Following its passage, the Secretary of the Interior established the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to guide historic building preservation design and practice in America. Furthermore, all grant-in-aid projects assisted through the National Historic Preservation Fund require the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as codified in 36 CFR 68.

The Standards offer four approaches to treating historic properties: preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction. The treatment depends on the property’s historical significance, physical condition, proposed use, and intended interpretation. All approaches allow for code-required work to make properties functional, including the limited and sensitive upgrading of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems.

Preservation

Preservation involves applying measures necessary to sustain the existing integrity, form, and materials of a historic building. The work includes steps to stabilize and protect the structure, focusing on ongoing repairs and maintenance of historic features and materials rather than large-scale replacement and new construction. Preservation does not include new exterior additions.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation involves repairing, altering, and adding to a historic building while preserving those features or portions which convey its architectural, historical, or cultural values. Notably, rehabilitation allows for the replacement of deteriorated features; however, the replacements must match the old color, design, texture, and, if possible, materials.

Restoration

Restoration should accurately depict a property’s character, form, and features from a particular time. To accomplish this, a builder must remove building components from other periods and reconstruct missing parts from the restoration time. In addition, builders can replace deteriorated features with new features that match the original color, design, texture, and, if possible, materials.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction involves designing and constructing a new building to match the appearance of a structure from a specific historical time.

Sto’s Complete Approach to Historic Building Restoration

Sto offers an innovative solution to building facade historical restoration – the A.R.T. of reStore – aesthetics, repair, and transformation. The A.R.T. of reStore provides all the materials and services needed to maintain and restore your historic building’s facade. In addition, our product’s engineering can enhance the building’s energy efficiency, safety, and occupant comfort level.

ReStore offers four levels of restoration, from simple maintenance to remove dirt and mold to a complete facade restoration with all the support and products you need.

1. Clean and Recoat: A basic program to remove dirt, mildew, and mold, while refreshing or updating the facade’s color.
2. Repair and Refinish: A program to repair minor damage to stucco or EIFS facades before it becomes a significant problem.
3. Overclad: A cost-effective program to fix moisture infiltration problems and improve the facade’s aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.
4. Remove and Reclad: New cladding provides a more efficient solution if the exterior wall has deteriorated beyond repair.

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide

Sto’s Comprehensive Repair Guide addresses 30 of the most common problems affecting EIFS, concrete, stucco, and masonry with step-by-step illustrated solutions.

Click here to download a copy of Sto’s Repair Guide.

Sto’s Endless Aesthetic Options

Sto offers the aesthetic flexibility to replicate any historic facade, including brick, stone, concrete, and more, with total design freedom in endless color, texture and material options. In addition, Sto Studio can assist with suggestions on colors, textures and materials to help restore your historic building with a high-performing, sustainable, beautiful, fully-engineered cladding system.

Sto Studio

Sto Studio will assist your architectural design process and ensure that your historic building restoration will attain its maximum potential. We work to produce a complete facade concept, including material and color options, to preserve the original aesthetics and character of the building. In addition, we generate a series of color renderings that will help determine the most acceptable facade to maintain the cultural integrity of the historic building.

Restoration of the Lido Beach Towers, Long Island, NY USA

Restoration of the 100-year-old Lido Beach Towers condominium community restored it to its former glory. It also showcases the potential of StoTherm ci Lotusan® EIFS as a retrofit method for deteriorating buildings. In addition, the aesthetically pleasing second skin approach of EIFS significantly enhanced the structure’s sustainability and energy efficiency.

StoTherm® ci Lotusan®

Sto’s continuous insulation wall system (EIFS), the StoTherm® ci Lotusan®, provides an energy-efficient, high-performance wall cladding. It combines several proven components: StoGuard®, a waterproof air barrier, StoTherm® insulated cladding and drainage, and Stolit® Lotusan, a textured finish with self-cleaning properties.

Best Practices for Historic Building Restoration

The best practices for historic building restoration should preserve the original aesthetics of a structure while retaining and repairing the original building’s features. However, it should also allow new technologies and equipment to meet applicable codes, ensure occupants’ comfort and safety, and protect the environment through sustainable building materials and practices.

Don’t hesitate to contact Sto professionals for more on how our A.R.T. of reStore® solutions and Sto Studio can help you with your historic building restorations.

The post Historic Building Restoration appeared first on Sto Corp..

Multifamily conversions help housing crunch

With many municipalities facing a housing crunch, an obvious solution is conversion to multifamily dwellings. This is more easily done in buildings with smaller, private offices since they will have existing independent mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) installations. If a kitchen is already included, bedrooms and showers are the only major additions.

While larger office buildings may require more work on the MEP front, an open plan can allow for more creative living areas to be constructed within the spaces. Some old office building floors can even have part of their outside walls removed and refitted inside the floor slabs, which creates open space balconies – a much-sought after amenity for multifamily tenants since the pandemic hit.

Cities and states are getting on board via tax credits for converting non-residential buildings into housing. The first example of an underused office building converted to a multifamily property in Santa Ana, California under its new adaptive reuse ordinance, for example, features a 1960s office building converted by Studio One Eleven. The building is now a 58-unit affordable housing complex, where 10 units are townhomes that replaced a former surface parking lot. Per Fast Company, the project has a 55-year clause guaranteeing its units are set aside for residents who earn no more than 60% of the area’s median monthly income.

Life sciences facing a building boom

Despite the massive up-front cost, conversions from office to life sciences spaces are also drawing interest in the commercial real estate market. Pharmaceutical, biotech and medical research fields are needing space, since their workers are unable to jump on the work-from-home trend. Such renovations, however, present a daunting task. Per Bloomberg CityLab,

Lab space varies considerably based on the research being conducted, but one requirement that quickly eliminates office conversions is floor height. Labs typically have generous ceilings of 15 feet or more, to allow for substantial ductwork and space to run vents, additional water lines, and other HVAC systems needed for research. They also need generous amounts of space for specialized machines, such as water purifiers. The conversion checklist also includes solid foundations, to protect against vibration, and any site needs to be sure it doesn’t run afoul of numerous zoning and building code issues.

Sustainability plays leading role

Aging buildings, or those that have outlived their initial use, often do not need to be torn down. Adaptive reuse strategies can net both huge environmental benefits along with potential cost savings, and historical elements of buildings can stay intact while creating unique environments for tenants. As Gensler Research Institute states in its Impact by Design 2020 report summary,

Studies show that the additional operating efficiency, even of a high-performance building, can take up to 80 years to make up for the impact of having built it in the first place. Therefore, replacing an existing building should only occur if it cannot be adapted effectively or if the building that replaces it has sufficiently higher energy performance to quickly counterbalance the material loss.

The post How the life sciences and multifamily sectors stand to benefit from adaptive reuse of commercial offices appeared first on Sto Corp..

This application of adaptive reuse – where an existing building is repurposed for a use other than its original design – from hospitality to multifamily is allowing property owners to take a money-losing venture and transform it into an income-producing property.

Developers switch to affordable housing

Many communities are in dire need of affordable housing, and with desirable locations in short supply, developers are making the switch now that distressed hotel properties are available at a reduced price. While such a conversion requires zoning changes, many municipalities with housing challenges are very open to such opportunities.

Communities benefit from multifamily conversions

In some cases, communities have benefited when an old, distressed hotel property gets a new lease on life after a multifamily conversion. Affordable Housing Finance cites The Luna Lodge on Route 66 in New Mexico. The 1950’s hotel had seen better days, which prompted developer NewLife Homes to jump in, who used federal low-income housing tax credits to help finance the renovation.

“It’s neighborhood revitalization,” says John Bloomfield, executive director of NewLife Homes, the developer who recently transformed the Luna Lodge property into 30 apartments for low-income residents and people with mental illness and other disabilities. “Route 66 has so many of these old motels. We want to share the knowledge. We like the problem solving. We like to demonstrate that this can be done.”

Extended stay hotels stand to benefit from quicker conversions, as traditional hotels will require more extensive renovations and will also often have to repurpose meeting spaces. As Malcolm Davies and Zachary Streit of George Smith Partners’ Davies Group tell Commercial Property Executive,

Extended stay hotels and motels have the advantage of already having a bedroom, bathroom, living space and, often, kitchenette in one unit. Amenities are usually not extensive at these properties. Limited amenities like a pool, business center and gym can easily remain in place to serve residents.

Additionally, extended stay properties won’t require dramatic modification of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

During an economic downturn, with precarious employment and people traveling less and saving their money, the multifamily sector typically outperforms the hospitality sector. A Motley Fool report cites a May 2020 19.13% delinquency rate for lodging commercial loans, compared with a 3.25% delinquency rate for multifamily assets. Affordable housing, student housing, market rental and seniors’ facilities all represent potential adaptive reuse options that could stand to benefit investors.

The post Converting hotels to multifamily: Hospitality industry offers more permanent housing solutions appeared first on Sto Corp..

Sto Corp. is proud to be the manufacturing partner on six of the projects that received accolades for exemplary work showcasing exterior walls that are efficient, aesthetically flexible, and incredibly durable.

A digital recording of the awards ceremony can be found on EIMA’s YouTube channel.

2020 Hero of the Year Award
Long Beach Memorial Pediatric M.O.B.

Location:
2701 Atlantic Ave.
Long Beach, CA

Project Team:
Manufacturer: Sto Corp. / Sto Panel Technology
Contractor: Nevell Group, Inc. (A Sto Panel Technology Affiliate)
Distributor: FBM
Owner: Long Beach Medical Center
GC: Turner Construction
Architect: C-A Architects

Why this is a HERO hidden in plain sight:

The design team’s flexibility and openness for prefabrication made this project a great opportunity for EIFS. Panelizing the exterior cut the project skin schedule by 3 months and resulted in a 19-day dry in rather than the expected 120-day duration. Seven unique bright colors were used on the facade, which is very eye-catching. The juxtaposition of the shapes combined with the contrasting colors make this project a testament to the strength of EIFS.

Hero Award in the category of “Other”
Greenhouse

Location:
1000 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL

Project Team:
Manufacturer: Sto Corp.
Distributor: L&W Elk Grove, IL
Owner: Curaleaf
GC: Pacific Construction
Architect: Camburas & Theodore, Ltd

Why this is a HERO hidden in plain sight:

This project was originally built in 1956, and after several additions, needed an updated, more contemporary look. The fluid lines in the design give the illusion of motion, with flowing waves that converge at a center point, framing a two-story wall of windows. The use of EIFS as the cladding material, along with sophisticated computer-modeling tools, made execution of the design’s organic shapes possible. This project really showcases the endless design possibilities of EIFS.

Award of Merit in the category of “Mixed-use”
Peace Raleigh Apartments

Location:
417 West Peace St.
Raleigh, NC

Project Team:
Manufacturer: Sto Corp. 
Contractor: Premier Stucco (NC)
Distributor: Guaranteed Supply
GC: Clancy & Theys
Architect: Cline Design Associates

Why this is a HERO hidden in plain sight:

This project, with multiple types of claddings that blend well with the surrounding built environment, is an excellent example of using EIFS alongside metal panel and brick to obtain a modern, eclectic look.

Award of Merit in the category of “Residential”
Houston House

Location:
298 East 2nd Street
New York, NY

Project Team:
Manufacturer: Sto Corp.
Contractor: Imperiex Construction Inc
Distributor: Sto Eastern
Owner: Matthew Lee
Architect: Jeff Cole Architects

Why this is a HERO hidden in plain sight:

This 8-story building is in New York City’s trendy East Village neighborhood. The project team addressed both the practical and aesthetic issues it faced because of its location. With the use of EIFS as an exterior cladding, the project has a design evoking the aesthetic of metal panels that is stylish enough for its East Village residents, while at the same time addressing the traffic noise, cold winters and brutal summers of New York City.

Award of Merit in the category of “Residential”
Imperial

Location:
123-30 83rd Avenue
Kew Gardens, NY

Project Team:
Manufacturer: Sto Corp.
Contractor: Elite Wall Systems
Distributor: Sto of N.J. Inc.
Owner/Developer Realty: Operations Group
General Contractor: AWR Group Inc.
Architect: Chris Benedict

Why this is a HERO hidden in plain sight:

This renovation project is a complete exterior re-clad of a 7-story apartment building in Queens, New York. By covering the entire brick exterior with EIFS, the owner found a solution to the recurring maintenance issue of masonry repair. The project has a fresh look, and uses different sizes of EPS board to add depth and dimension to the once flat facade. This project really showcases the versatility of EIFS!

Honorable Mention in the category of “High-rise”
Gentry Buckhead Village

Location:
3172 Roswell Rd
Atlanta, GA

Project Team:
Manufacturer: Sto Corp.
Contractor: Johnson & Sons Plastering
Distributor: Capitol Materials Atlanta
Owner: LMC
GC: HOAR Construction
Architect: Preston Partnership

Why this is a HERO hidden in plain sight:

This is an excellent example of utilizing the energy efficient, high performance qualities of EIFS, and the unique aesthetics to suit the design intent of a project. The 21-story multi-family and mixed-use property sits in a densely populated area of Atlanta; a very busy and high traffic zone with minimal lay-down area.

The post Sto Corp nets six EIMA HERO Awards appeared first on Sto Corp..

The age of the United States’ building stock indicates that there’s ample opportunity for restoration and energy retrofits of existing buildings. The U.S. Energy Information Administration noted back in 2015 that the median age of buildings in 2012 was 32 years old. This means older buildings need to be restored, revitalized, and kept up-to-date with today’s energy efficiency standards.

Climate change plays a role

Climate change is playing a role. With the severity of storms increasing, buildings need enhanced measures to be safe from the elements. Aging buildings are particularly vulnerable to water intrusion, and earthquakes and wildfire risks must also be top-of-mind in some states.

Energy retrofits are also important for older buildings. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy offers several examples of the benefits.

Often retrofit involves modifications to existing commercial buildings that may improve energy efficiency or decrease energy demand. In addition, retrofits are often used as opportune time to install distributed generation to a building. Energy-efficiency retrofits can reduce the operational costs, particularly in older buildings, as well as help to attract tenants and gain a market edge.

The increased interest in retrofits is nothing new. Per Contracting Business,

The trend in building construction is shifting from new construction to retrofits. Citing McGraw Hill data, the U.S. Green Building Council observed that 61 percent of all construction projects today are retrofits; in many population centers the percentage is much higher. The importance of retrofit grew in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and recession, which were hard on commercial properties and created uncertain loans and major losses for banks.

Some local governments are even chipping in to help building managers with the costs. For example, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Multifamily Performance Program provides incentives from $700 to $3,500 per unit for affordable multifamily property owners and managers to make improvements to help lower their building’s operating costs.

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