In this article, we challenge the perception that lighter exterior finishes are less durable. The weight alone of the exterior cladding or finish doesn’t determine performance; the system design does. And nobody does system design better than Sto. Get ready to rethink weight as a performance advantage.

The Problem with Traditional “Heavy Equals Durable” Thinking

As beautiful as some traditional cladding materials are, they come at a price and with tradeoffs. That’s why there’s a need for finishes that reduce weight without sacrificing resilience.

The tradeoffs of using masonry, brick and stone include:

• Structural load – The heavier the cladding, the stronger the structural framework needs to be which leads to more materials and increased costs
• Installation time and labor – Traditional cladding materials require skilled labor and take more time to install and set
• Cracking, efflorescence and long-term maintenance – Traditional materials are often not engineered for weather tightness and incur efflorescence, leading to more maintenance being required over time. Plus, rigid claddings can crack and fracture under impact.

There are situations where traditional cladding options make sense. But now more than ever, building owners are seeking durability by design, not mass.

Durability by Design, Not Mass

There’s more than one way to achieve durability. As we’ve already discussed, you can create a heavy-duty exterior using traditional, bulky materials. But now we can also achieve durability by design. Here are just a few of the ways we’re now doing that:

• Reinforced acrylic composition
• Flexibility that absorbs impact rather than transferring stress
• Integration with Sto’s reinforced basecoat and mesh assemblies

Sto’s products and systems are designed with considerations of the building process, use and maintenance of the structure over its lifecycle. The systemized approach reduces risks and improves the lifespan and durability of the building. By providing an engineered and tested system, our finishes and exterior claddings allow for seamless transitions that create a monolithic barrier against the elements.

StoCast: A Lightweight Finish Built for the Real World

StoCast is a family of prefabricated, flexible resin cast shapes that capture the natural beauty of traditional cladding in astonishing detail. This innovative cladding creates thin, lightweight profiles that offer flexible construction and adhesive application without mechanical fasteners. When integrated with StoTherm^® ci (or one of Sto’s other cladding systems), StoCast delivers proven durability, reduced risk and long-term maintenance advantages over traditional claddings.

StoCast also offers sustainability benefits, including:

• Reduced material usage
• Lower transportation energy
• Reduced structural demands
• Silica-free handling

StoTherm^® ci is an EIFS with Drainage continuous insulation wall system that integrates StoGuard^® air and water-resistive barrier, GPS, EPS or mineral wool insulation. It can achieve a variety of aesthetic appearances using Sto textured finishes, Sto Specialty finishes, or StoCast surface components. When StoCast is engineered as part of this complete wall system, even lightweight finishes can outperform traditional claddings.

StoCast Brick Durability Demonstration

Anyone can claim that a thinner, lighter material is just as durable as traditional claddings. We’re willing to show you. Below is a link to a video where we absolutely punish StoCast Brick, which is installed over StoTherm^® ci GPS with Sto Armor Mat XX mesh. (That’s our StoTherm complete wall system.)

To simulate real-world abuse scenarios, we conducted three different tests. These tests were:

• 20-foot steel weighted ball drop
• Baseball bat impact
• Hammer strike

So how did the StoCast Brick perform? The system remained undamaged with only minor, repairable aesthetic surface marks. This video clearly demonstrates StoCast Brick’s:

• Incredible impact resistance
• System integrity
• Repairability without replacement

It’s time for you to see for yourself. Watch this video to see StoCast Brick in action.

Durability in High-Risk and High-Traffic Applications

High-performance claddings and finishes are great anywhere, but they’re especially needed in high-risk and high-traffic applications. These include:

• Schools and campuses
• Multifamily and mixed-use buildings
• Renovation and recladding projects
• Areas prone to impact, vandalism or frequent contact

When used as part of a complete wall system, these cladding and finishes offer several advantages over traditional brick and wood:

• Reduced cracking and efflorescence
• Lower maintenance burden
• Faster repair when damage occurs

Design Flexibility Without Performance Compromise

Sto Corp. believes in developing products that deliver design freedom by providing architects, designers and contractors with a wide array of customizable, high-performance building materials and facade systems. StoCast Brick and Wood are perfect examples. Here are some of the ways they provide design flexibility without compromise:

StoCast Brick

• Traditional and custom brick aesthetics
• Flexible shapes and patterns
• Proven 20+ year project history

StoCast Wood

• Authentic wood grain without warping or fading
• Interior and exterior use
• Curved surfaces, soffits and ceilings
• Ideal for multi-cladding facades using one integrated Sto system.

Why System Integration Matters

An exterior cladding or finish is only as robust as its transitions and other wall components. Material-only approaches create a piecemeal solution that inevitably results in gaps between incompatible products.

Sto’s integrated approach includes proven technology such as StoGuard AWRBs, StoTherm ci EIFS with drainage, and StoVentec rainscreen systems. Plus, we offer continuous insulation, including noncombustible options. And our comprehensive, systematized approach means one manufacturer, coordinated responsibility and reduced risk.

Lightweight Doesn’t Mean Less Durable

Creating durability through material mass is the old way. The new way to achieve durability is as a function of system design. System design can endow a lightweight cladding or finish with super performance powers. StoCast is proof. It’s a lightweight finish that delivers resilience, repairability and long-term performance.

Sto is a trusted authority in building science focused on real-world performance. We invite you to collaborate with our experts early in your next project to help you select the right reinforcement and wall assembly for impact-resistant designs or learn more about StoCast finishes.

The post Lightweight Finishes that Deliver Real-World Durability appeared first on Sto Corp..

One of the biggest challenges with renovations is matching and blending existing finishes with new, modern facades. StoCast Brick and StoCast Wood offer a suite of solutions to create seamless, one-of-a-kind exteriors, despite the challenge of existing finishes. Here’s how.

StoCast Brick Delivers a Classic Brick Aesthetic that Looks Like the Real Thing

Whether you have an existing facade that you want to accent with a different color or texture, or match the existing facade, StoCast Brick is the perfect solution.

Custom-made resin cast bricks that are lightweight, flexible, easy to apply, and durable, StoCast Brick is available in 30 standard colors, patterns, and textures or custom, project-specific colors. StoCast Brick is the ideal solution when the project calls for either a traditional or customized “classic” brick look.

The benefits of StoCast Brick include:

• Custom-cast, hand-finished aesthetic
• Lightweight, flexible bricks ideal for retrofit
• A wide range of colors and patterns to match existing brickwork.
• Custom, project-specific match available

StoCast Brick looks so much like real brick that even when using it side by side with real brick, it’s hard to tell that it isn’t real brick.

StoCast Wood Delivers a Real Wood Aesthetic with More Creative Possibilities

Maybe you’re looking to add the texture and warmth of wood to sections of a facade. Consisting of lightweight, flexible, resin-cast wood-grain planks, StoCast Wood creates an authentic wood appearance that mimics nature’s textures while incorporating enhanced performance features. The planks are easy to apply and can be stained with StoColor® Wood Stain in a wide range of colors in glossy or matte finish. Additionally, they may be coated with any of Sto’s high-performance architectural coatings. StoCast is a durable, realistic and low-maintenance alternative to natural or engineered wood cladding.

The creative freedom offered by StoCast Wood truly is limitless. The stain options alone allow you to dial in the precise hue and shade you’re looking for. StoColor Wood Stain is an acrylic-based topcoat that has a dual function, that of a sealer and a stain. It provides superior UV protection for long-lasting colors. With 25 standard colors and the possibility for custom colors, designers will enjoy the creative freedom to follow their inspiration.

StoCast – The Perfect Choice for Renovations

Renovations can be challenging. StoCast makes renovations easier by helping you create a modern facade that performs as incredibly as it looks.

Here are just a few reasons you should consider using StoCast for your next renovation project:

Durability

• Resists cracking, fading, and moisture penetration.
• Compatible with Sto’s full system for enhanced performance.

Design Flexibility

• Customizable to match historic or regional styles.
• Seamlessly integrates into partial facade replacements.

Installation Benefits

• Lightweight and easy to apply over existing surfaces.
• Reduces downtime and labor costs compared to traditional materials.

StoCast resin cast finishes are ideal for multi-cladding designs and may be used over prepared vertical grade concrete, concrete masonry(CMU), and stucco walls, ceilings, and soffits or prepared interior gypsum wallboard.

Real Results in the Real World

Don’t take our word for it. After all, seeing is believing! Explore our project gallery to discover how StoCast Wood and StoCast Brick are transforming ordinary buildings into architectural masterpieces. The project highlighted below utilized StoCast Wood in innovative ways to achieve exceptional results.

River Bend Food Pantry (IL)

Location: Galesburg, Illinois
Building Type: Retail
Construction Type: Renovation

StoCast Wood delivers a time-honored wood aesthetic and simplifies the warranty process because it’s from a single supplier.

See StoCast Wood in action at River Bend Food Pantry; download the full project story.

Get Real, Request a StoCast Sample Today!

StoCast is all about creating timeless aesthetics that meet modern performance standards. While renovations come with their own set of challenges, renovating is the more sustainable choice versus new construction. That’s why we’re proud to offer StoCast, an innovative product that helps you overcome renovation challenges.

You’ve heard the benefits. You’ve read the case studies. Now, you just need to see it up close. StoCast Wood and StoCast Brick are the real deal. For assistance with your next project or to learn more, contact us.

The post Matching Finishes in Renovation Projects: Brick, Wood, and More appeared first on Sto Corp..

The post EIFS Creative Facades, Transforming Architectural Design with Versatility and Innovation appeared first on Sto Corp..

StoCast Wood: Versatility and Innovation in Modern Building Projects

StoCast Wood comprises lightweight, flexible, resin-cast wood grain planks that create an authentic wood appearance. This innovative product provides a versatile, high-performance alternative to traditional wood, enhancing building aesthetics and durability across various projects.

The advantages of StoCast Wood include:

• Authentic wood grain appearance with a variety of unique patterns
• Flexible: can be applied to curved surfaces
• More cost-effective and durable than real wood
• Design flexibility: can be top coated or stained in a variety of colors in a matte or glossy finish
• Superior durability and low maintenance compared to natural wood
• Fast and easy to install; no mechanical fastener needed
• Resistant to pests and rotting
• Environmental benefits of using a sustainable, resin-based product

So Real, It’s Unreal

StoCast Wood comes in 45 different patterns randomly packaged in boxes to reduce the occurrence of replication. The unfinished planks are 6“W x 6‘L and–unlike natural wood, engineered wood, or fiber cement panels–can be easily cut to size with a utility knife. StoCast Wood does not require elaborate subconstruction or complicated detail connections and is easily combined with other Sto finishes.

Greater Design Flexibility with No Compatibility or Continuity Issues

The trend in architectural design is blending aesthetics in new and innovative ways. StoCast Wood gives you the design freedom to mix with other cladding types without worrying about transitions. StoCast Wood can be applied as the finish layer to a variety of Sto’s engineered wall systems or over-prepared vertical above-grade concrete, concrete masonry (CMU), and stucco walls, ceilings, soffits, or interior gypsum wallboard. There is a lot of scope for design—from creating specific accentuated areas to full-surface use for the authentic appearance of a wooden house. Combine the look of wood with brick, stone, metal, or traditional plaster using the same Sto system.

Multiple Claddings, One Warranty, One Supplier

When used with Sto‘s fully engineered wall cladding systems, building owners can enjoy a one-source warranty that covers the entire wall from the sheathing out. Our advanced wall systems feature a high-performance liquid-applied continuous air and water-resistive barrier and continuous insulation, such as GPS, mineral wool, or EPS. StoCast Wood can be used with many of Sto’s EIFS, stucco, cement board, or rainscreen systems. And it’s all covered by one warranty.

A Company Obsessed with Color

Sto is committed to providing more creative freedom for architects and designers. Our focus on color, its value, continuity, and consistency contribute to the goals we share with the design and building community. Whether providing industry-leading delivery of quality color formulas and samples, a Sto Studio rendering or assisting in decision-making processes, we will always strive to exceed our customers’ expectations.

A beautiful example of our commitment to color and aesthetics all the way through finishing is StoCast Wood with StoColor^® Wood Stain. This semi-transparent stain provides superior UV protection for long-lasting colors that create an authentic wood appearance. Looking for a specific hue? Choose from twenty-five standard colors that include single-tone and two-tone colors, all available in a matte or glossy finish.

StoCast Wood can also be finished using one of Sto’s high-performance architectural coatings, such as StoColor^® Acryl plus, StoColor^® Lotusan^® or StoColor^® Dryonic^®.

StoCast Wood: Real Results in the Real World

Don’t take our word for it. After all, seeing is believing! Check out our project gallery to see how StoCast Wood is transforming ordinary buildings into architectural masterpieces. We’ve highlighted a few below that used StoCast Wood in creative ways to achieve exceptional results.

River Bend Food Pantry

Location: Galesburg, IL
Building Type: Retail
Construction Type: Renovation

See how StoCast Wood and StoTherm^® ci helped transform an existing basic block building into a modern, energy-efficient structure with multiple aesthetics, supplied by one manufacturer, that now proudly serves as a new food pantry for the Galesburg area.

Waco Family Medicine

Location: Waco, TX
Building Type: Healthcare
Construction Type: New

Over 15,000 sq. ft. of StoCast Wood was used on the exterior of this medical facility–including in the soffit and fascia transition–saving the building owner 20-25% per square foot over the originally specified continuous longboard metal panel system.

West Lake Commons Lifestyle Retail Center

Location: Martinez, GA
Building Type: Retail
Construction Type: New

With this project, StoCast Wood was used in place of the original fiber cement specified due to the broader range of colors offered, the authentic wood appearance it provided, and the ability to deliver the desired performance with a StoTherm^® ci system.

Hawaiian Bros

Location: Omaha, NE
Building Type: Retail
Construction Type: New

Because StoCast Wood blends seamlessly with other cladding materials, it’s perfect for creating unique thematic aesthetics.

Ten35 Seaside Condos

Location: Siesta Key Beach, FL
Building Type: Multi-Family
Construction Type: New

StoCast Wood is the perfect solution to provide a cost-efficient wood aesthetic that can withstand the punishing salt air environment.

Get Real–Request a Sample Today!

You’ve heard the benefits. You’ve read the case studies. Now, you just need to see it up close. StoCast Wood is the real deal. We believe it is going to revolutionize architectural design and make a greater impact for building owners.

To request a sample, visit our website. For assistance with your next project or to learn more, contact us.

The post A Real Alternative to Real Wood appeared first on Sto Corp..

Our custom-made resin-cast bricks provide architects and builders with lightweight, flexible, easy-to-apply, and durable claddings that bond to many substrates for new construction, remodeling, or historical restoration:

• Interior and exterior walls
• Soffits 
• Sto’s engineered cladding systems
• Concrete masonry
• Concrete
• Stucco walls 

Benefits and Features of StoCast Brick

StoCast Brick resin cast shapes provide architects, building owners, and contractors with several benefits: aesthetic versatility, sustainability, fast and straightforward installation, low maintenance, durability, and code compliance. 

Design Freedom

The StoCast Brick Color Collection offers 30 standard colors but also project-specific colors, patterns, and textures that allow for a diverse range of brickwork design options. StoCast Brick also comes in three flexible shapes to achieve curved surfaces: flats, outside corners, and lintels. Sto’s online visualization tool, StoInspire, allows a user to apply selected Sto aesthetic surfaces and colors – including StoCast Brick – to building models. Create your own design by clicking here.

Sustainability

Thin, lightweight StoCast Brick uses significantly less energy for manufacturing and transportation, reduces waste, and conserves more natural resources than traditional brick. It only takes one truck to transport 60k+ ft2 of StoCast Bricks compared to 15 trucks to transport 60k+ ft2 of conventional brick. Also, StoCast Brick lacks dust and silica which makes it safe to handle.

Durable

Sto manufactures StoCast Bricks with acrylic polymers, which produce freeze/thaw, UV, and crack resistance in addition to superior flexural strength.

Easy to Install

Prefabricated StoCast Brick offers several features that lessen reliance on skilled labor and quicken installation time: 

• Work well with fast-to-install prefabricated construction.
• StoCast Brick can be installed on interior and exterior walls, soffits, on many of Sto’s engineered cladding systems, concrete masonry, concrete, and stucco walls.
• Brick resin cast shapes improve job site efficiency by enabling one trade to install multiple cladding solutions over the same building envelope which eliminates material compatibility issues and transitions. 
• Lightweight resin-cast brick shapes are easy to carry and handle.
• Straightforward to apply, brick resin shapes are adhered and do not need fasteners and anchors.
• Bricks are easily cut to size with shears.
• Silica-free, brick resin cast shapes help create a safer job site environment.

Low-Maintenance

StoCast Bricks with organic mortar reduce the risk of efflorescence associated with Portland cement-based masonry mortars. 

Code-Compliance

Thoroughly tested resin bricks comply with current building codes, including NFPA 268, NFPA 285, ASTM E84, and ASTM E119.

StoCast Brick Color Collection

Sto offers 30 standard colors of grey, red, brown, and orange, along with custom textures and colors to accommodate any modern, traditional, classic, or rustic designs. StoCast Brick also comes in the standard Modular, King, Queen, Utility, Estate, Premier Plus, and metric Norman sizes, along with custom sizes.

Download the StoCast Brick Style Guide or visit the StoCast Brick Color Chart for more on StoCast Brick Color Collections.

109 King Street

SkyRise Prefab Building Solutions engineered, manufactured, and installed 17,000 ft2 of StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panels with StoCast Brick and StoSignature™ Stone to achieve a historical look that fits in with the nearby historical building’s heritage brick facades. The Sto wall system, including StoCast Brick,  provides long-term sustainability, durability, and reduced maintenance to withstand severe Ontario winters. Manufacturing the panels off-site makes installing and working in constrained spaces easier. 

University Heights Professional Centre

SkyRise Prefab Building Solutions engineered, manufactured, and installed 40,300 sq.ft. of StoPanel Classic NExT ci with StoCast Brick and StoPanel Precast ci panels on a mixed-use midrise building in Toronto, Ontario. The lightweight StoPanel Classic ci panels simplified installation and allowed a variety of custom finishes to be installed on the building facade.

B-Line Condominiums

SkyRise Prefab Building Solutions in Toronto applied StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panel system with StoCast Brick and Wood, as well as StoSignature® and StoColor® Acryl Plus to accommodate the building’s complex design and multiple finishes in order to achieve the eye-catching aesthetics for the B-Line condominium development. 

111 Church Street

SkyRise Prefab Building Solutions engineered, manufactured, and installed 75,813 ft2 of StoPanel Classic NExT ci panels with StoCast Brick and Stolit to create this stunning affordable housing project in St. Catharines, Ontario. Stolit® finishes were used with StoCast Brick to create the unique exterior design

StoCast Brick Color Collection –  Endless Brick Design and Color Options

Architects, designers, and builders can use thin, lightweight StoCast Brick with the StoCast Brick Color Collection of 30 standard brick or project-specific colors, textures, and patterns to create beautiful natural brick facades. StoCast Brick also provides an easy-to-apply and durable cladding that bonds to many substrates for new construction, remodeling, or historical restoration projects.

Contact the team of Sto professionals today at (800) 221-2397 for more on StoCast Brick Color Collections.

The post StoCast Brick Color Collection – Brick Design and Color Options 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..

In addition, the facade of high-performing residential, institutional, and commercial buildings must effectively protect against wind, rain, snow, ice, sun, etc., and contribute towards lowering maintenance and repair costs, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

Sto Corp. offers the products, services, and tools to help architects, designers, and building owners attain their creative visions and performance requirements for their new and renovation projects.

Sto Specialty Finishes

Sto Specialty Finishes move beyond the look of traditional finishes to deliver new opportunities for creativity. Our finishes are lightweight and easier to install than traditional cladding materials, which means reduced structural requirements, fewer specialty trades and greater cost savings. Sto Specialty Finishes allow for the aesthetic you want coupled with the cost savings and performance you need.

StoCast Brick

Lightweight, flexible, easy-to-apply, durable, and custom-made resin-cast bricks come in 30 standard or project-specific colors, patterns, and textures. StoCast Brick is an ideal solution when the project calls for a traditional or customized “classic” brick look.

StoCast Wood

StoCast Wood are lightweight, flexible, resin cast, wood grain planks that create an authentic wood appearance. They are easy to apply and can be stained in a multitude of colors with StoColor Wood Stain or any of Sto’s high performance coatings. More cost-effective than real or engineered wood, StoCast Wood can be used in a variety of engineered wall cladding systems.

StoColor Metallic

StoColor® Metallic creates a metallic panel look with various color and texture options. You can design a custom look by applying the 15 standard colors over smooth or textured surfaces. The coating system includes a lightweight StoColor® Metallic Top Coat applied over the StoColor® Metallic Base. The two layers create a radiant depth which creates subtle light-induced color shifts that produce a dynamic metal appearance.

You can use StoColor® Metallic over prepared vertical, above-grade StoVentec® Render Systems, StoTherm® ci Systems, and interior drywall surfaces. It creates the aesthetic appeal of metal panels at a fraction of the cost.

StoTique

StoTique (an exterior and interior coating) can be used to easily create an antique or mottled or other custom decorative effects. You can use it over textured or smooth finish coatings, existing EIFS, stucco, or painted wall surfaces.

StoCreativ Lux

The durable StoCreativ® Lux finish comes in six looks and combines the texture and depth of natural stone with the luster of reflective materials – at a fraction of the cost of natural stone or metal.

You can trowel-apply lightweight StoCreativ® Lux to the most intricate architectural shapes for interior and exterior design applications.

StoCreativ Granite

Trowel-applied, acrylic-based StoCreativ® Granite interior and exterior wall finish looks like cut or polished granite but it is a versatile, lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance coating for new construction or renovation.

Sto GraniTex®

Acrylic-based, spray-applied, durable, low-maintenance Sto GraniTex® comes in numerous color combinations designed to feel and look like natural stone and can be used in both new construction and renovation.

Sto Decocoat

Sto makes ready-mixed Sto Decocoat™ decorative and protective wall coating with fine variegated aggregate in a pure acrylic binder.

You can use Sto Decocoat™ as an interior or exterior coating over prepared masonry, concrete, plaster, or drywall surfaces.

Sto Color

The Sto Color systems give building professionals easy and efficient planning tools for selecting facade colors and finishes for high-performing wall systems. These color collections provide a broad range of colors for use in Sto’s wide variety of finishes and architectural coatings.

StoColor Collections

Architectural Color Collection

Architectural Color Collection offers a range of 300 selected color shades for a timeless, architecture- and material-related color scheme of buildings.

Product Color Charts

StoVentec Glass Color Chart

Individually manufactured and highly customizable, StoVentec glass panels fuse colors directly onto the glass, before the toughening process. Colors melt into the back side of the glass, creating permanent color that will not wear, scratch, fade, or incur water damage. These panels are available in many sizes, shapes and colors, including over 60 standard colors and the ability to incorporate custom designs.

Sto Studio

Sto Studio (an accredited AIA CEU provider) offers professional services to assist building professionals with facade materials, colors, and texture options to create attractive, high-performing, sustainable, and fully engineered cladding systems.

Sto Studio services include:

Renderings and Visualizations

We create a series of color renderings that help you determine the most acceptable facade for commercial, residential, and institutional construction, either new or renovation.

Color Collections

You can access Sto’s library of color selector tools from our Strategic Accounts database, whether standard or special colors.

Local Marketing

To assist our distributors’ network with showroom design, event planning, and local marketing efforts.

Professional Staff

Sto professionals can offer superior solutions to addressing your color and design challenges. Our team is part of the StoDesign International network of studios and are members of the Color Marketing Group.

Reference Tools

To provide design and color trend information to keep you on the cutting edge of building facade design.

StoInspire Tool

You can use our StoInspire visualizer tool to preview Sto’s numerous exterior finish options on a model or upload photo of your project. StoInspire will bring your inspiration to life and allow you to see what your new or renovated building will look like once completed with Sto Products.

Achieve Your Facade Creative Vision with Sto Corp.’s Products, Services, and Tools

Sto Corp. offers the most complete and expansive aesthetics for building enclosures worldwide. Sto Corp. products, services, and tools help building professionals attain their creative visions and performance requirements for their new and renovation projects.

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

The post Building Facade Design with Sto Color, Aesthetics, Sto Studio, and StoInspire appeared first on Sto Corp..

B-Line Condominiums in Toronto, Canada, utilized StoPanel® Classic NExT ci and StoCast Wood, StoCast Brick, StoSignature® Stone, and StoColor® Acryl Plus to achieve modern, multi-facade aesthetics with continuous insulation.

Modern-Sustainable Buildings Need Unique Aesthetics and Continuous Insulation

Stricter building codes and customers’ demands for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing facades prompt architects and builders to aim for structures that balance beauty, durability, and efficiency.

Why Building Aesthetics Matter

The facade sets the building’s style, from a welcoming front with warm brick, expansive windows, and a large porch to a distinctive facade with glass cladding and asymmetrical windows. An aesthetically pleasing, well-designed building can help attract clients and customers. It can also improve the building’s resale value.

Why Sustainability Matters

Before deciding on a building’s outside aesthetics, the architect and builder must ensure the building’s design includes all the control layers (e.g., CI thermal layer) needed to ensure an energy-efficient and durable building with excellent indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and manageable long-term maintenance, repair, and utility costs.

The Five Control Layers of a Sustainable-Durable Building

Achieving a sustainable building envelope that protects a building’s occupants and integrity requires applying various control layers. When properly designed, integrated, and tested, the five control layers of a building’s exterior will repel rain, wind, snow, ultraviolet (UV) rays, temperature changes, etc., to ensure an efficient, durable, and safe building:

1. A thermal barrier (most effectively achieved with CI) lessens energy loss and stops thermal bridging.
2. An air- and water-resistive barrier reduces energy and condensation loss by minimizing the uncontrolled airflow from the wall system.
3. A water penetration barrier flashed to the cladding’s exterior prevents water from infiltrating the wall cavity.
4. A vapor retarder limits condensation by controlling water vapor flow as it shifts from high to low-pressure spaces.
5. A durable, water-shedding facade protects the exterior wall against pollutants, environmental elements, impacts, UV rays, and more.

Continuous Insulation, Thermal Barrier Control Layer

Evolving consumer demands and energy standards have made installing continuous insulation (CI) in exterior walls a standard practice. Thermally insulating with CI outside the wall eliminates thermal bridging and helps maintain the building wall cavity’s temperature above the dew point, to effectively minimize condensation caused by water vapor diffusion.

In addition, for 30-plus years, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE 90.1) and the International Energy Conservation Code (2021 IECC) have mandated CI, as defined by the ASHRAE 90.1-2010:

• CI covers all structural components without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. Installers must apply CI on the exterior or interior of any opaque building envelope surface.

Sto Products Achieve Continuous Insulation and Aesthetics

Sto Corp’s high-performance architectural coatings and finishes applied to Sto CI wall systems (StoTherm® ci, StoVentec®, and StoPanel®) offer architects and builders distinctive, stunning aesthetics in many colors, sizes, and textures to create sustainable, energy-efficient, and safe buildings.

Sto’s High-Performance Finishes

Sto’s high-performance finishes offer architects complete design freedom with a wide selection of finishes in many color and texture options, including flexible brick and wood resin cast shapes. Sto manufactures durable finishes to the highest quality standards to resist dirt and water, in order to protect a building while also providing attractive curb appeal.

StoCast Flexible Resin Cast Shapes

StoCast flexible resin cast shapes enhance performance functionality.

Specialty Aesthetic Finishes

Specialty finishes offer the look of other materials with the benefit of cost savings and additional performance.

StoSignature

StoSignature finishes offer an endless blend of color, profiles, texture, and effects utilizing Sto products.

Sto iQ Technology

Inspired by nature, Stolit® Lotusan offers superior functionality and durability.

Traditional Finishes

Traditional finishes offer a variety of textured wall finishes that meet the performance needs of the building.

Sto’s Architectural Coatings

Sto’s architectural coatings provide all the features of high-quality paints:

• Superior protection against fading, crack bridging, mold, and mildew
• Self-cleaning properties
• Low VOC
• Vapor permeability

Our coatings come in multiple sheens and textures, or we can tint them in various colors to fit any exterior design requirements.

Sto iQ Technology

Nature-inspired Sto iQ Technology Coatings provide superior functionality and durability and are designed to keep the facade dry, clean, and bright to lessen maintenance.

Specialty Aesthetic

Specialty Aesthetic coatings create unique aesthetics to enhance a building’s design.

Traditional

Traditional coatings preserve a building’s value by serving as a durable, breathable, attractive layer of protection.

Elastomeric

Elastomeric coatings bridge hairline cracks and enhance weather resistance.

StoTherm® Continuous Insulation Cladding Systems

StoTherm® ci cladding systems combine CI, air and water-resistive barriers, drainage, and many textured finishes and coatings to produce sustainable, high-performance wall cladding. The durable and attractive design creates maximum curb appeal and saves money through reduced energy bills.

This Sto project showcases StoSignature Brick 10 and StoSignature Stone 10

StoSignature™ Finishes and StoTherm® ci wall system create an iconic exterior for a new multi-family complex.

StoVentec® Rainscreen®

StoVentec® Rainscreen® systems are a complete, fully-tested, and code-approved, back-ventilated wall system that provides strong mineral wool continuous insulation (CI) and an excellent air and moisture barrier.

StoVentec® Masonry Veneer Facades

The drained, fully-engineered, and back-ventilated StoVentec® Rainscreen® complete wall system features a thin brick facade, CI, sub-construction, and a continuous air and moisture barrier.

Hotel Messerschmitt in Germany utilized StoVentec® Masonry Veneer Facades.

StoVentec® Glass

Back-ventilated and open joint drained StoVentec® Glass combines superior air and weather tightness with exceptional thermal performance and non-combustible continuous exterior insulation and StoVentec® Glass Panel to produce an advanced high-performance wall system.

Zislis Residence: A successful entrepreneur chose the StoVentec® Glass Rainscreen® System in Pastel Blue, Light Blue, and Azure Blue to create an impressive, eye-catching home for his family.

StoVentec® Render

The back-ventilated and drained StoVentec® Render Rainscreen® wall system provides superior air and weather tightness with non-combustible continuous exterior insulation for excellent thermal performance and fire protection.

The StoVentec® Render carrier board combines lightweight and high compressive strength, for seamless walls and curved surfaces.

Sto Panel® Technology

Sto’s prefabricated Sto Panel® Technology finished exterior wall panels will create a high-performing building envelope. The StoPanel® system panels contain cold-formed metal framing and other vital components, including CI, moisture and air barrier, glass mat sheathing, sub-framing, and beautiful facade aesthetics.

Sto Panel® Technology branded, proven, tested, and warranted prefabricated finished wall panel designs offer the building industry a recognizable, high-quality standard for producing and installing commercial building exterior walls.

Inspira Medical Center & Medical Office Building utilized StoPanel® Metal ci, Classic NExT ci, and StoPanel® Brick ci using Stone Veneer to create a multi-textured facade.

Achieve Continuous Insulation and Aesthetics with Sto High-Performing Products

Customers’ demands and evolving building codes for more sustainable and eye-catching-aesthetically pleasing facades prompt the building industry to balance beauty, durability, and efficiency in their construction designs and construction.

Sto Corp’s high-performance finishes and architectural coatings applied to Sto continuous insulation wall systems (StoTherm® ci, StoVentec®, StoPowerwall® ci, and StoPanel®) provide architects and builders with an efficient solution to achieving continuous insulation and beautiful aesthetics to create energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthy buildings.

Contact our helpful Sto professionals today for more on achieving continuous insulation and beautiful aesthetics for your commercial building.

The post The Perfect Combination: How to Achieve Both Aesthetics and Energy Efficiency with Continuous Insulation appeared first on Sto Corp..

However, the evolution of building science incited the development of innovative construction technologies and materials that improved industrial building sustainability, durability, occupant safety, and facade aesthetics.

Facade Demands of Today’s Architects

Today’s commercial architects and building owners want sophisticated, eye-catching industrial building facades that blend glass, wood, metal, and brick to give a building personality and character.

In addition, commercial building facades must act as the primary barrier against wind, sun, rain, ice, snow, etc., to protect the building’s integrity, reduce maintenance and repair costs, lessen energy consumption, and enhance its indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

Facades Made of Prefabricated Resin Cast Shapes

Conventional commercial building facades can only achieve today’s architectural demands with additional materials, and increasing the construction timeline and cost. Fortunately, modern manufacturers of prefabricated resin cast shapes, like those offered by Sto Corp., offer the beauty of traditional cladding materials but with significant benefits:

Design Flexibility and Versatility

Lightweight, flexible, and highly customizable resin-cast shapes allow architects to design buildings with curved wood or bricks – an impossible task with traditional facade materials.

Resin-cast shapes provide design flexibility that enables designers to mix and match different looks without sacrificing performance, for example:

Resin cast wood shapes come in various wood-grain patterns, with realistic depth and texture, to avoid duplicating patterns often seen in other cladding solutions.
Resin-cast bricks can match traditional brick colors and textures to create unique aesthetics.

Durability Through the Systems Approach

As part of a fully engineered building enclosure system, resin-cast shapes ensure the building envelope can withstand the forces of nature. Utilizing a building enclosure with five control layers in a single, tested system delivers the desired aesthetic, durability, protection from the elements, and a comfortable interior environment. The five control layers include:

1. A permeable or impermeable vapor control layer minimizes condensation by controlling water vapor flow as it shifts from high- to low-pressure areas.
2. An air control layer lessens energy loss and condensation by minimizing the uncontrolled flow of air through the wall assembly.
3. A water penetration control layer flashed to the cladding’s exterior to stop water from entering the wall cavity.
4. A thermal control layer to limit energy loss and stop thermal bridging.
5. A durable, water-shedding layer protects against environmental elements, pollutants, impacts, UV exposure, etc.

Installation Efficiency

Manufacturers produce custom-made resin-cast shapes in a controlled factory-setting environment to deliver greater accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly on-site construction. In addition, resin-cast shapes streamlined process means a one-source warranty, so a single installer and manufacturer address all potential needs with the system.

Furthermore, builders can install resin-cast shapes over various structurally sound systems, like traditional EIFS, stucco, and rainscreens.

Safe

Resin-cast shapes protect the construction crew’s safety.

• User-friendly, resin-cast shapes offer a lightweight option that eliminates the need to carry and transport heavy brick and wood panels and bricks.
• The installation process is simple and quick, to save time and materials and reduce job site accidents.
• Workers can safely handle the silica-free resin.
• Using shears, workers can easily cut the resin shapes.
• Installing resin-cast shapes does not generate dust or sand, which is a common byproduct when working with traditional materials.

Sustainability

Evolving energy codes demand a reduction in energy consumption, and require building owners, architects, and contractors to look for building materials, like resin-cast shapes, that help to meet performance requirements while not compromising on aesthetics.

• Durable and long-lasting resin-cast shapes contribute to sustainability because they minimize the need for repairing and replacing.
• Thin, lightweight resin-cast shapes lower the carbon footprint of construction compared to natural materials, with lower transportation and operational costs.
• Cost-effective, lightweight material allows for lower deflection reducing the amount of steel framing required
• Manufacturers test resin-cast shapes for moisture intrusion and fire performance, to ensure that the resin-cast shapes remain constant and will not falter when exposed to moisture, like natural wood, which will warp and expand.

Why Use StoCast Products For Your Next Industrial Building Facade?

Builders and architects can use StoCast on all Sto’s engineered wall systems to create the beauty of traditional cladding materials combined with significant functional benefits.

Sustainable

Thin, lightweight StoCast products significantly lower energy use in manufacturing and transportation and reduce waste and structural loads compared to traditional cladding. In addition, workers can safely handle silica-free StoCast products.

Easy-to-Apply

Fast and easy-to-apply prefabricated StoCast resin shapes require minimal specialized training and no fasteners, hastening the application process for field and off-site construction.

Cost-Effective

StoCast products are lightweight, thus reducing the amount of steel framing required and resulting in lower costs.

Durable and Low Maintenance

Manufacturing StoCast products with Sto’s durable, UV-resistant coatings and finishes will not chip, warp, or effloresce like traditional facade products. In addition, Sto products require minimal maintenance and recoating.

Perfect for Multi-cladding Aesthetic Designs

When used with Sto’s engineered wall systems, architects can combine StoCast products with traditional Sto finishes to achieve various looks without complex transitions, ensuring the continuity and compatibility of all the building envelope’s control layers.

Mixed-Use Building in Newcastle, Canada

Sto Panel Type: StoPanel® Classic NExT ci with StoCast Brick and StoSignature™ Stone
Owner: Gyaltsan Properties
Architect: Nick Swerdfeger Architects
General Contractor: Wilkinson Construction Services Inc.

SkyRise Prefab manufactured and installed 17,000 ft2 of StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panels with StoSignature™ Stone and StoCast Brick to achieve a similar look to the heritage brick facades of the nearby historical buildings. The Sto Panel wall assembly provides long-term durability, sustainability, and lower maintenance to withstand the severe Ontario winters. Additionally, manufacturing the panels off-site makes installing and working in constrained spaces easier.

StoCast Brick

Prefabricated, versatile, and customizable resin cast StoCast Brick furnished the traditional brick look that the project mandated, with several notable benefits:

1. StoCast Brick provides a perfect solution for renovation projects requiring custom brick matching.
2. The custom-made resin-cast brick shapes come in 30 standard brick options or project-specific colors, textures, and patterns.
3. Builders can install StoCast Brick with Sto’s engineered wall systems or over above-grade vertical concrete, stucco walls, ceilings, and soffits.

B-Line Condominium Development – Toronto, Canada

Applicator: Skyrise Prefab Building Solutions
General Contractor: Skyrise Prefab Building Solutions
Architect: John Romanov | Romanov and Romanov Architects
Sto Products: StoPanel® Classic NExT ci, StoSignature® Stone, StoColor® Acryl Plus, StoCast Brick, and StoCast Wood.

The stunning B-Line condominium development came together thanks to Toronto-based Sto Panel® Technology affiliate SkyRise Prefab Building Solutions. There were three notable factors of the project that challenged SkyRise:

1. The tight, constricted job site.
2. The client/developer’s desire for a continuous insulation solution.
3. The need to accommodate multiple finishes and a complex design.

Fortunately, the StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panel system with Sto’s nearly endless aesthetic selections was one complete solution to accommodate all three of these factors.

• StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panel system has continuous insulation, maximized comfort, and efficiency.
• StoPanel® Classic NExT ci prefabricated panel allows for installation in a tight job site.
• Sto finish layer options offered multiple contrasting finishes without scaffolding, including StoCast Wood and StoCast Brick.

StoCast Wood

Lightweight, flexible StoCast Wood creates an authentic wood look with resin-cast wood grain planks. StoCast Wood provides several significant advantages:

1. StoCast Wood offers design flexibility with 45 different wood grains and non-repeating patterns that produce the look of real wood.
2. Builders can stain simple-to-install StoCast Wood with StoColor® Wood Stain in a wide range of colors in a matte or glossy finish. You can also coat with any of Sto’s high-quality architectural coatings.
3. Builders can install StoCast Wood over Sto’s engineered building enclosure systems, stucco, concrete, concrete masonry walls, ceilings, and soffits.
4. StoCast Wood provides durability and low maintenance, to reduce a building’s owner’s expenses for repairs and upkeep.

StoCast Products for the Best Commercial Building Facades

StoCast resin-cast shapes offer architects, contractors, and building owners a traditional look for the building facade with greater energy performance that meets or exceeds current energy code standards for long-term building performance.

Sto can help you achieve unique, interesting, and attainable industrial building facades with our expansive range of aesthetic possibilities and building envelope solutions. Our products also promote durability, sustainability, safety, and enhanced indoor environmental quality.

Don’t hesitate to contact our industrial building facade professionals or visit our website to begin designing today.

The post Industrial Building Facades: The Evolution of Cladding appeared first on Sto Corp..

What are Resin Cast Brick and Wood Shapes?

Resin cast shapes provide designers, architects, contractors, and building owners with several benefits: aesthetic versatility, quick and easy installation, durability, sustainability, and code compliance.

Aesthetic Versatility: resin cast shapes give architects and builders extensive aesthetic flexibility.

• The aesthetic flexibility of resin cast shapes enhance curb appeal by allowing building design with curved wood and bricks.
• Resin cast wood shapes come in more than 45 distinct wood grain patterns with depth and texture, reducing the occurence of duplication patterns that are common with other wood look cladding products like finer cement.
• Resin cast bricks can create a unique look and also match the color and texture of traditional brick, which is vital for historical restoration or remediation.

Installation Benefits: resin cast brick and wood offers several benefits to builders that reduce reliance on skilled labor and hasten the installation timeline.

• Resin cast shapes work well with quick-to-install prefabricated construction.
• Builders can install resin cast brick and wood shapes on interior and exterior walls, soffits and any of Sto’s engineered cladding systems, as well as concrete masonry, concrete, and stucco walls.
• Resin cast shapes improve job site efficiency since they only require one trade to install multiple cladding solutions over the same building envelope to avoid material compatibility issues and transitions.
• Lightweight resin cast brick shapes are easy to handle and carry.
• Simple to apply, resin shapes attach with adhesive and do not require anchors and fasteners.
• Workers can easily cut the resin shapes to size with shears.
• Silica-free, resin cast shapes provide a safer job site environment.

Durability: Long-lasting resin cast will last the lifetime of the structure.

• Long-lasting resin cast brick and wood requires little maintenance and repairs easily.
• They resist efflorescence and do not crack, warp, or chip.
• In addition, you can enhance the resin shapes’ durability with various coatings that promote UV resistance or hydrophobicity.

Sustainable: Sustainable resin cast shapes reduce the carbon footprint by lessening the energy used in manufacturing, shipping, and installation compared to their traditional counterparts.

• Resin shapes save energy because they do not require the high temperature of a kiln, like traditional bricks, or the energy needed to cut lumber for a wood facade.
• A lightweight, thin resin cast shape means lighter shipping loads to reduce carbon footprint.
• Lightweight resin cast shapes also lessen a building’s structural steel and concrete requirements (high carbon footprint materials) for the building’s design.

Code-Compliance: Resin brick and wood are thoroughly tested and comply with current building codes, including NFPA 268, NFPA 285, ASTM E84, and ASTM E119.

Combining Resin Cast Shapes with Prefabricated Walls

Resin cast shapes applied to prefabricated engineered systems give building professionals endless choices in color, size, and texture to create beautiful aesthetics and ensure the durability and long-term performance of a building. In addition, a fully integrated, tested, warranted prefabricated finished exterior wall panel system from a single manufacturer ensures the success of a building project by lessening application variables.

Mixed-Use Building in Newcastle, Ontario, Canada

Owner: Gyaltsan Properties
General Contractor: Wilkinson Construction Services Inc.
Architect: Nick Swerdfeger Architects
Wall Panel Engineer: SkyRise Prefab Building Solutions
Onsite Assembly Date: March 2019
Panel Type: StoPanel® Classic NExT ci with StoCast Brick and StoSignature™ Stone

SkyRise Prefab engineered, manufactured, and installed 17,000 square feet of StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panels with StoCast Brick (prefabricated resin brick shape) and StoSignature™ Stone (a customized surface aesthetic) to achieve a historical look that fits in with the heritage brick facades of the nearby historical buildings. Moreover, Sto’s wall system provides long-term durability, sustainability, and reduced maintenance to withstand severe Ontario winters. In addition, manufacturing the panels off-site makes installing and working in constrained areas easier.

StoPanel® Classic NExT ci

Like all the StoPanel Technology Systems prefabricated exterior wall panels, lightweight, energy-efficient, and durable StoPanel® Classic NExT ci comes with continuous insulation, StoGuard® waterproof air barrier, and the patented “Sto Wedge” to provide drainage. It also has an expansive range of facade aesthetic options. In addition, thermally insulating the wall structure’s exterior with continuous insulation complies with current standards and codes (ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and IRC, IBC, and IECC – 2018 and 2021).

StoPanel® Classic NExT ci prefabrication provides several significant advantages:

• Reduces change orders
• Helps to stay on budget
• ݈Reduces delivery time and labor needs
• Improves quality control and assurance
• Reduces construction wastes
• Boosts job site safety

StoCast Brick

Prefabricated, customizable, and versatile resin cast StoCast Brick provided the traditional brick look the project demanded, with several notable advantages:

1. The custom-made resin cast brick shapes come in 30 standard brick options or project-specific colors, textures, and patterns.
2. StoCast Brick offers an ideal solution for renovation projects requiring custom brick matching.
3. You can install StoCast Brick with Sto’s engineered wall systems or over above-grade vertical concrete and concrete masonry, along with stucco walls, soffits, and ceilings.

StoSignature® Stone

StoSignature® Impression Stone Finish allows you to produce various stone surface textures, ranging from smooth limestone to colorful granite. For this project, the authentic limestone look of the stone finish gives an elegant aesthetic appearance to the building.

B-Line Condominium Development in Toronto, Canada

Sto Products: StoPanel® Classic NExT ci, StoCast Brick, StoCast Wood, StoSignature™ Stone, and StoColor® Acryl Plus
Applicator: Skyrise Prefab Building Solutions
General Contractor: Skyrise Prefab Building Solutions
Architect: John Romanov | Romanov and Romanov Architects

The impressive B-Line condominium development efficiently came together thanks to Sto Panel Technology affiliate SkyRise Prefab Building Solutions in Toronto. However, SkyRise had to consider three main factors in order to make the project work:

1. The desire of client/developer Marco De Simone of Royalpark Homes for a continuous insulation solution.
2. The tight, constricted job site.
3. The need to accommodate a complex design with multiple finishes.

Fortunately, the StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panel system with Sto’s nearly endless aesthetic selections provided one complete solution to accommodate all three of the necessary factors:

• The StoPanel® Classic NExT ci panel system, with continuous insulation, maximized efficiency and comfort.
• The StoPanel® Classic NExT ci prefabricated panels allow for installation in tight site constraints.
• Sto finish layer options provided multiple contrasting finishes without scaffolding, including StoCast Wood, a resin cast wood grain plank, and StoCast Brick, a resin cast brick.

Learn more about how StoCast shapes can transform large-scale development and download our extensive resin cast shapes article today.

StoCast Wood

Flexible, lightweight StoCast Wood delivers an authentic wood appearance with resin cast wood grain planks.

StoCast Wood offers several significant benefits:

1. StoCast Wood offers architects design flexibility with 45 different wood grains and non-repeating patterns that deliver authentic wood appearances.
2. Builders can stain easy-to-install StoCast Wood with StoColor Wood Stain in an extensive range of colors in a glossy or matte finish. You can also coat with any of Sto’s high-performance architectural coatings.
3. Builders can install StoCast Wood over Sto’s engineered building enclosure systems, stucco, concrete, concrete masonry walls, and soffits and ceilings.
4. StoCast Wood provides low maintenance and durability, reducing a building’s owner’s costs for repairs and upkeep.

StoColor® Acryl Plus

Acrylic-based StoColor® Acryl Plus provides a high-performance coating that protects against weather, environmental pollutants, and salts. You can apply it to protect vertical or horizontal concrete, EIFS, stucco, masonry, or previously acrylic-coated surfaces. It comes in various colors and has a satin sheen, making it a simple way to improve a substrate’s appearance.

Why Choose StoCast Brick and Wood Facades?

Lightweight, aesthetically flexible, and easy-to-apply StoCast Brick and StoCast Wood create the attractive-classic look of brick and wood facades in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns. The resin cast shapes also offer architects, contractors, and building owners long-term durability, excellent sustainability, ease of application, and code-compliant construction. Builders can significantly hasten their timelines by utilizing resin cast shapes with prefabricated construction.

Contact the team of Sto professionals today at (800) 221-2397 for more on resin cast brick and wood.

The post Recreating Classic Brick and Wood Facades with Resin Cast Brick and Wood appeared first on Sto Corp..

What is EIFS?

The design, details, and engineering of StoTherm® EIFS create a sustainable, durable complete exterior wall system that contains all five planes of control (air and water-resistive barrier, thermal insulation, reinforcement, and aesthetic facade surface). EIFS brick exterior walls provide many benefits:

• Quick and Simple Construction: StoTherm® EIFS brick offers the composition and versatility of a complete wall cladding system that provides contractors, architects, and engineers with a single-source and simple-to-use solution for compliance with current energy codes.
• Energy Efficiency: StoTherm® EIFS brick solution offers increased-continuous insulation that lessens thermal bridging and improves air and water infiltration management to create a higher-performing structure with lower energy consumption.
• Fire Resistance: StoTherm® EIFS also complies with NFPA 285 (referenced in 2021 IBC Section 1403.5) and limits fire spread horizontally and vertically.
• Durable and Low Maintenance: StoTherm® EIFS systems ensure consistent and superior quality, improved durability, and reduced maintenance costs.
• Design Flexibility: StoTherm® EIFS brick’s design flexibility allows for custom sizes and shapes with many finish options. It’s important to note that some situations may limit the size.

Benefits of Sto EIFS Brick Construction

Sto offers three easy-to-apply solutions to achieving brick aesthetics with EIFS: StoSignature Brick, StoCast Brick, and StoTherm MVS. Each solution provides significant benefits during and after its application.
StoSignature Brick for Sto EIFS

Applying StoSignature Brick over StoTherm® EIFS offers a modern approach to EIFS technology that creates the classic look of brick with:

• lower structural costs due to cladding’s weight of less than 2 lb ft2
• continuous insulation, and
• an integrated water-proof air barrier.

The Benefits of StoSignature Brick

Installing StoSignature Brick over StoTherm EIFS panels offers builders, architects, and designers three benefits over traditional brick cladding for new construction or renovation of commercial, residential, or institutional projects:

1. It is quick and easy to apply, which saves builders time and money:

• Self-adhering stencils are applied over a primer layer to produce a mortar look, which saves both time and money by reducing labor and materials.
• It lessens the need for structural support required by heavier claddings.
• Easily installs in tight spaces, unlike heavy brick, making it ideal for restoring buildings in urban areas.
• It can be installed on your timeline to avoid time delays due to subcontractors and manufacturers.
• Combines with other Sto finishes for multi-cladding aesthetics to avoid the hassles of dealing with multiple suppliers and trades on the job site.

2. It is made with sustainable materials that provide increased energy efficiency:

• Builders can install StoSignature Brick over any Sto continuous insulation (ci) wall system for a proven and single-source solution that meets ASHRAE design standard 90.1-2010 and the new IGCC/IECC energy code requirements.
• The production and end-of-life of lightweight materials create less solid waste than heavier claddings.
• It provides an environmentally-friendly solution to a heavier brick that creates CO2 during manufacturing and transportation. Natural brick also requires mining raw materials that pollute nearby rivers and streams and destroy the surrounding ecosystem.

3. It offers exceptional design flexibility and aesthetic choices:

• It comes in a wide range of decorative and protective 100-percent acrylic wall finishes in unlimited colors.
• It allows you to match any brick veneer textures (including aged brick found in building restoration) by varying application techniques and finish color combinations.
• The lightweight wall finish system can create decorative custom shapes that are impossible to achieve with heavy claddings.

How to Apply StoSignature Brick

Builders can simply and quickly apply StoSignature Brick over any prepared surface, like StoTherm Next EIFS (which effectively levels the wall system) to create the classic appearance of brick.

1. Apply StoPrime® UV 80806 primer over Sto base coat. Weather-resistant StoPrime® UV 80806 primer replicates the color and texture of mortar joints.
2. Apply the Sto Brick Stencil to the dry primer. The most popular stencil is the NY brick ⅜-inch, 28PT. The overall look of the brick requires careful and proper application of the stencil, with the border joints lining up with the window, doors, and other details, just like an application of brick.
3. Go over the applied stencils with a steam or paint roller, being careful not to tear the stencil.
4. Secure the individual stencils with a ⅜-inch piece of filament tape.
5. Apply the Sto finish up and down, then left and right to ensure that you fill the stencil cells. Sto architectural coatings come in multiple sheens, textures, and colors. The vapor permeability and low VOC coatings provide fade- and mold-resistance, crack bridging, and self-cleaning properties.
6. Trowel horizontally along the border joints, carefully positioning the trowels so that all trowel lines fall on the border joints.
7. Allow the finish to dry for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the weather conditions.
8. Use a damp, soft sponge to remove large irregularities.
9. Let the finish dry for 24 hours.
10. After completely drying the finish, you can add aesthetic touches to enhance and alter the color of the brick.
11. Carefully remove and discard the single-use Sto Stencil.

StoCast Brick

Lightweight, thin, sustainable, flexible, easy-to-apply, and durable StoCast Brick comes in 30 standard bricks or project-specific colors, patterns, and textures. It works well with any building style – modern, traditional or rustic design. In addition, StoCast Brick bonds to the substrate instead of bricklaying, providing an ideal solution for achieving the look of conventional brick. StoCast Bricks come in flat, corner, and lintel shapes. It installs on Sto wall systems and prepared vertical above-grade concrete, concrete masonry units (CMU), stucco walls, ceilings, and soffits.

The Benefits of StoCast Brick

• Design Flexibility: StoCast Brick’s custom-made resin cast bricks create unique designs and achieve the authentic look of brick in any color and texture on a variety of wall systems, ceilings, and soffits in both new and existing constructions.
• Easy Application: StoCast Brick easily applies at the job site and offsite, serving as a finishing component in creating manufactured prefabricated panels, like Sto Panel Technology®. Furthermore, you can easily cut dust-free StoCast Brick, making them adaptable to any design.
• Sustainable: Thin and lightweight StoCast Brick significantly reduces manufacturing and transportation energy use, lessens wastes, and allows for more significant conservation of natural resources.
• Made with Acrylic Polymers: Durable, freeze/thaw, and UV resistant, StoCast Brick offers superior flexural strength and resists cracking.
• Organic Mortar: StoCast Brick dramatically lessens the risk of efflorescence associated with Portland cement-based masonry mortars.
• Prefabricated: Quick to install, StoCast Brick offers consistent quality and aesthetics.

StoTherm ci MVES

StoTherm ci MVES provides an excellent solution for creating energy-efficient, air- and water-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing residential or commercial walls in the climate extremes of North America. In addition, it offers an endless blend of color, texture, profiles, and effects to create customizable finished surfaces, including brick.

StoTherm ci MVES offers an engineered insulating wall system with Adhered Masonry Veneer (AMV) – thin brick, ceramic tile, natural stone, or cultured stone. It incorporates continuous exterior insulation and air/water barrier with Sto high-strength masonry veneer adhesive to provide excellent air and weather tightness with superior thermal performance and durability.

The Benefits of StoTherm ci MVES

• Design Versatility: StoTherm ci MVES comes in various masonry veneers on a single, compatible substrate that integrates seamlessly with Sto finishes.
• Energy-Efficient: StoTherm ci MVES provides continuous exterior insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Fire-Resistant: StoTherm ci MVES improves occupant safety.
• Lightweight: StoTherm ci MVES lowers structural costs over thick and heavy traditional masonry veneer.
• Air and Water Resistance: StoTherm ci MVES’s continuous air and water barrier stops water infiltration, helping to reduce energy use.
• Code Compliant: Fully tested and building code compliant with all construction types, StoTherm ci MVES gives builders and architects peace of mind.
• Durability: To ensure long-lasting durability and performance, StoTherm ci MVES underwent thorough system-level structural, wind, and fire load testing

The Best EIFS Brick Solutions – StoCast Brick, StoTherm ci MVES, and StoSignature Brick

Lightweight, StoCast Brick, StoTherm ci MVES, and StoSignature Brick provide builders and architects with a single-source system that is available in many brick patterns and colors for mortar and finished layers – perfect for restoration and new construction.

In addition, you can apply cost-efficient, sustainable, and easy-to-use StoCast Brick or StoSignature Brick over many prepared surfaces, including StoTherm EIFS to achieve the classic brick look in a lightweight, energy-efficient wall cladding. StoTherm ci MVES is a complete EIFS wall cladding that allows for the use of adhered thin brick veneer.

Don’t hesitate to contact the Sto professionals today for the best EIFS brick solutions.

The post The Best Brick Solution for EIFS appeared first on Sto Corp..

In addition, sustainable and durable StoCast Wood offers a more cost-effective and less cost-volatile cladding product than natural wood. Furthermore, you can stain easy-to-apply StoCast Wood in a multitude of colors.

Natural Wood Cladding

For years, commercial building owners have used readily available, natural wood cladding for charming aesthetics. In addition, beautiful, natural wood siding develops a gorgeous gray sheen over time that creates a peaceful, calming ambiance. 

Wood also biodegrades, making it a good option when considering recyclability of the cladding for sustainable commercial buildings. In addition, it provides some level of sound dampening and thermal insulation. However, high maintenance costs, pest, fire and moisture issues, cracking, curling, cupping, and the rising and volatile cost of wood may detour many from choosing natural wood cladding. 

The Benefits of Real Wood Cladding

Several factors are often cited when assessing the benefits of real wood cladding, including: 

• Natural wood cladding comes in numerous styles, including shakes, straight edge, round edge, staggered, and patterned shingles.
• Wood stains easily because it lacks pitch and resin, which keeps surfaces from absorbing paint or stain.
• Renewable and biodegradable wood requires very little energy to produce, making it a sustainable building solution. In addition, trees naturally absorb CO₂ and release oxygen, making wood cladding essentially carbon-neutral. 
• Wood cladding acts as insulation, potentially lowering energy bills and protecting the structure’s interior from outside noise. 
• Wood cladding provides some health benefits, which can lead to reduced stress and increased productivity. 

The Disadvantages of Wood Cladding

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Extensive and Costly Maintenance

Wood siding requires a significant amount of expensive maintenance to ensure its aesthetic value and integrity. Maintenance includes cleaning, routine inspections, treatments, repair, and restaining. For example, professionals charge about $500 to repair 100 ft² of wood cladding.

Wood Cladding Dries Out

Over time, the sunlight dries out the wood cladding, causing it to curl and cup, which leads to moisture leaks and expensive repairs. 

Wood Cracks

Wood cladding naturally contracts and expands from temperature fluctuations and moisture exposure, leading to small cracks on the cladding’s surface.

Pest Control Issues

Pests, like rats and squirrels, can invade your commercial building through missing or broken wood cladding. Once inside the walls, these noisy pests will chew on electric wires (leading to fire hazards), wood (causing costly repairs), and eaves (leading to water damage). Pests also carry disease and odor. A termite invasion can damage wood cladding, and cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs. 

Moisture Problems with Wood Cladding

The vulnerability of wood to moisture can lead to costly repairs. If the wood’s moisture level rises above 20 percent, damaging fungi can form, 

which can weaken the wood and lead to unhealthy and structurally destructive mold. 

Fire Risk of Wood Cladding

The fire retardant used on most wood cladding will dissipate over time due to power pressure treatments, making the building susceptible to wind-driven sparks from nearby fires.

Lumber Shortages and Escalating Costs

Lumber shortages in recent years have caused lumber prices to spike to near all-time highs. Unfortunately, experts forecast lumber prices to continue to grow through 2022, further increasing construction costs.

Why Choose the StoCast Wood Cladding System?

StoCast Wood cladding mimics real wood but offers greater design flexibility with no compatibility or continuity issues. You can apply StoCast Wood as the finish layer to any Sto cladding system or directly to common construction surfaces like CMU or drywall. All under a single warranty, Sto fully engineered systems cover your wall from the sheathing out. StoCast Wood offers the beauty of natural wood cladding but with several significant advantages.

Sustainable StoCast Wood

Thin and lightweight StoCast wood tremendously lowers the energy needed to manufacture and transport the cladding, to conserve natural material resources. In addition, StoCast wood lessens structural loads and waste. You can safely handle StoCast wood because it lacks silica.

Authentic Wood Grain Appearance

StoCast Wood provides architects with a means to create the appearance of authentic wood cladding. We offer 45 different wood grain patterns and flexible planks to achieve a unique design. In addition, we provide 15 StoColor® Wood Stain colors, or you can apply Sto’s high-performance architectural coatings.

Easy to Apply StoCast Wood

Quick and straightforward to apply, with minimal specialized training, prefabricated StoCast shapes do not require fasteners, ideal for short construction timelines. In addition, you can simply cut the lightweight panels with just a utility knife. 

Furthermore, StoCast Wood effortlessly combines with other Sto finishes because it does not require elaborate sub-construction or complicated detail connections. 

Durable and Low-Maintenance StoCast Wood

StoCast Wood, coated with StoColor® Wood Stain, provides durability and UV-resistant coatings and finishes, minimizing maintenance and the need to recoat. In addition, freeze/thaw-resistant StoCast Wood will not warp, chip, or effloresce like natural wood.

Fire-Resistant StoCast Wood

StoCast Wood complies with NFPA 285 Acceptance Criteria for flame spread. 

Air, Water, Vapor, and Thermal Control Layers

Applying StoCast Wood with Sto’s fully engineered wall cladding systems creates a wood-like cladding with a high-quality liquid-applied continuous air and moisture barrier and continuous insulation like EPS, XPS, or mineral wool. In addition, you can use StoCast Wood with many of Sto’s EIFS, stucco, rainscreen, or cement board systems.

Sample StoCast Wood Case Studies

B-Line Condominiums in Toronto

Architects choose Sto Products (StoPanel® Classic NExT ci featuring StoCast Brick StoCast Wood, StoSignature® Stone, and StoColor® Acryl Plus) to construct this impressive B-Line condominium development in Toronto. StoPanel® Technology met the developer’s requirements for continuous insulation, complex design, multiple finishes, and a tight, constricted job site.

The Hyatt Centric Hotel in Atlanta

Exterior wood cladding gives commercial buildings a natural look that creates a rustic, cozy, modern, or upscale ambiance. However, high maintenance costs, pest, fire and moisture issues, cracking, curling, cupping, and the rising and volatile price of wood make StoCast Wood a superior wood cladding solution.

The Best Exterior Wood Cladding for Your Commercial Project – StoCast Wood

Exterior wood cladding gives commercial buildings a natural look that creates a rustic, cozy, modern, or upscale ambiance. However, high maintenance costs, pest, fire and moisture issues, cracking, curling, cupping, and the rising and volatile price of wood make StoCast Wood a superior wood cladding solution.

Lightweight, resin cast, easy-to-apply StoCast Wood produces an authentic wood appearance combined with improved performance features that lessen maintenance and improve the product’s integrity. In addition, sustainable and long-lasting StoCast Wood offers a less cost-volatile cladding product than natural wood. Furthermore, StoCast allows design flexibility and endless texture and color choice for your commercial project. 

For more on the best exterior wood cladding system for your commercial project, visit our Project Gallery to view more projects and download our case studies. 

The post The Best Exterior Wood Cladding Systems for Your Commercial Project appeared first on Sto Corp..