New High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Systems including Level E rated system for essential buildings
Between the name “rainscreen” and what they look like (pretty panels on the outside of a building), it’s easy to forget that these are more than just an aesthetic choice to cover a wall from rain. In David Hohenstern’s article…
When the scaffolds come down on a project, the building looks perfect! If only it could stay that way. Unfortunately, environmental factors begin attacking day one. In commercial architecture, fading is not just an eyesore, it’s a money pit. Premature…
Time moves ever forward, and so must we. In facade restoration, the key lies in balancing preservation of the architectural character of the past and the modern performance demands the future brings. Restoration is most successful when preservation and performance…
Passive House is no longer seen as a niche experimental standard but is now much more mainstream, encompassing both new construction and renovation projects in a wide variety of building types and locations. This rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency…
Building envelopes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. And high-performance isn’t cheap. Which may lead many to believe that these weather-wrangling systems are a luxury, used only in the most lavish of buildings where no expense is spared. Nothing could be further…
The purpose of building envelopes is to improve building performance. They create a tighter seal around the building, effectively blocking–or at least significantly reducing–air and moisture intrusion. At least, that’s the general idea. But there are many variables at play…
Rainscreens are an integral part of modern building envelopes. These marvels of engineering science improve performance by reducing moisture and enhancing durability and energy efficiency. But not all rainscreens are created equal. You may have heard the catch-all term “pressure-equalized…
Everyone knows that water intrusion is bad news for a building. Air leakage, the same. But for long-term performance and protection, it’s important to keep both outside, away from interior walls and spaces. Easy enough, right? Actually, it’s trickier than…
Architects and designers often face time constraints and complex project requirements that make material selection challenging. Inconsistent technical documentation and unclear comparisons between various systems only exacerbate the problem. At Sto, technology is at the core of virtually everything we…
Even the best-laid expansion and renovation plans are riddled with logistical challenges, as they can disrupt ongoing operations, increase safety risks and extend project timelines. This is especially true for hospitals, office buildings and multifamily properties because there are so…
The weather has always been unpredictable. But in recent years, it’s grown even more so. It seems every month there’s another “100-year” weather event that ravages some small town. “Atmospheric rivers” drench and reshape our coastlines. Hurricanes are growing larger,…
Not all air and water-resistive barriers are created equal. Nor is there one solution that’s perfect for all projects. Choosing between a fluid-applied and a self-adhered AWRB is a performance-critical decision. While budget is always a factor, your decision should…
Like everything else on the planet, buildings and their facades age. It’s the humidity, the rain, the heat. And, of course, the sun. The unrelenting sun! All contribute to what are the two most common culprits behind dull, old-looking facades:…
A crack is rarely just a crack. Often, it’s a warning. A red flag, signaling that there may be more going on underneath. There are two general types of cracking: structural and surface. Surface cracking, also known as hairline cracks,…
Renovations can restore a property to its original prestige or even give it an entirely new look. But renovations do come with challenges. There’s the most obvious: weathering and discoloration caused by years of exposure to the elements. There is…
Today’s building owners have high expectations for the performance of their buildings. They’re tired of high energy costs, unnecessary maintenance, and inefficiencies resulting from poor design and planning. They expect their buildings to be optimized from the inside out. Fortunately,…
As the innovative world leader in building envelope solutions, including wall cladding systems, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems, Sto is committed to delivering superior value to customers by offering systems that improve building resilience, reduce maintenance costs, and provide…
Light and color play fundamental roles in architecture. They increase the aesthetic value and shape how we experience a space. In fact, light is probably the most important consideration when choosing a color because light affects how we perceive color.…
Now more than ever before, the construction industry is looking to manufacturers to innovate products with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. We’re way ahead of them. Building with Conscience isn’t just a tagline for Sto. It’s a guiding…
Natural stone has been used in construction forever. Its organic beauty provides undeniable warmth, texture, and protection to commercial and residential buildings. But working with stone has its drawbacks. It’s bulky and heavy, which makes it expensive to transport and…
Excellent patient care doesn’t happen by accident. It occurs as a result of attentiveness, precision, and expertise. No one is surprised they would expect the same from their construction projects. Unfortunately, the construction industry must be more flexible, as…
Real wood has an unparalleled natural beauty. The warmth. The texture. The grain. But it does come with its own set of challenges. Natural wood can warp, chip, and even rot. Plus, for large commercial projects, transporting a load of…
A crack in any exterior finish is a vulnerability in your first line of defense. While larger cracks are most likely an indication of structural issues, hairline and surface cracks create a literal opening for dirt, moisture, critters, and everything…
Municipalities nationwide are scrutinizing fire regulations, especially for combustible exterior wall assemblies. In 2022, New York City introduced the NYC Building Code (BC), section BC 718.2.6, for constructing exterior wall assemblies containing combustible components. New York City authorities enacted these…
Since prehistoric times, humans have sought to protect our homes and gathering places better. Comfort was the primary driver, so our early ancestors created thermal insulation with readily available materials such as animal fur and plants. Over time, earth, mud…
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…
Throughout its 40+ year history, Sto Corp.’s energy-efficient and easy-to-apply building envelope solutions have provided building professionals with the widest range of aesthetic possibilities on the most complete collection of building envelope solutions. Allowing designers and architects to design sustainable…
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