Of course, high-velocity hurricane zone (Wall) systems are designed for hurricane-prone areas to withstand hurricane- and tropical-storm-force winds. But all that technology and strength can also be used in other areas. Anywhere in the American Midwest where tornadoes and violent storms march through every spring is one such place. However, unpredictable weather is becoming more common in many areas. With the strength of a hurricane system, you’re always ready for the unexpected.
What Exactly Makes a Hurricane System a Hurricane System?
A hurricane system is an exterior cladding solution that provides remarkable structural integrity by protecting against extreme wind, water intrusion, and wind-borne debris, a leading cause of building envelope failure.
Sto provides a full range of exterior cladding options, including rainscreen, EIFS, and stucco assemblies, as well as field-applied and prefabricated options, including a Level E-rated assembly. Other benefits of our systems include:
- Resistance to high winds and heavy rains.
- Competitively priced with other building envelope systems.
- Fire-rated wall assemblies.
- Lightweight and easy to install.
- Backed by Sto warranties.
- Wide range of aesthetic possibilities from glass, brick, wood, fiber cement, or traditional textured finishes
Level E Rated Assemblies
Designed to meet the highest tier of impact-resistant exterior wall systems, Level E (Enhanced Protection) classified systems are typically specified for essential facilities such as hospitals, emergency operations centers, fire and police stations, emergency shelters, critical utilities and communications buildings, and other essential facilities that must continue to operate during and after extreme storms. Level E-rated systems must pass testing for missile impact, cyclic wind pressure testing after impact, water penetration resistance, air leakage performance, and structural wind-load resistance. Sto Corp.’s Level E impact-rated system is a high-performance system that exceeds the requirements of standard large-missile impact tests (ASTM E1996) and may be used for traditional field-built or prefabricated projects.
Enhanced Impact Resistance and Resilience
Because our systems are incredibly versatile, they can be easily integrated into new and existing projects to enhance impact resistance and improve building resilience. With one of our HVHZ systems installed in your building, you’ll have enhanced structural integrity and greater resistance to high winds and heavy rain. In addition to the peace of mind that comes with being better prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way, the increased durability of a hurricane-rated system will better protect your building in average weather conditions as well. That means your building will most likely require fewer repairs, reducing maintenance costs.
Complies with All Building Codes, Standards and Regulations
Sto’s HVHZ Systems meet the stringent Miami-Dade County NOA and/or Florida Statewide Product Approval for impact resistance, air and water infiltration, and wind load resistance. If these products are approved for use in Florida (especially South Florida), which experiences some of the nation’s harshest weather and endures corrosive salt spray from the Atlantic year-round, they will work in virtually any other location on the planet.
HVHZ-Rated Systems Don’t Mean Design Limitations
Functionality doesn’t have to come at the expense of form. In fact, Sto’s high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) solutions allow you to safely mix and match multiple cladding aesthetics (like stucco, thin brick, stone, or back-painted glass) on a single, fully tested assembly. You can achieve diverse architectural designs without compromising on wind-load or impact resistance, ensuring your building is as beautiful as it is formidable.
Another increasingly popular option is to use StoCast on your system. StoCast products are flexible, prefabricated resin cast shapes. They celebrate original textures found in nature while integrating enhanced performance functionality. Sustainable, they are lighter and more durable than their traditional counterparts, reducing transportation and installation time and energy and allowing for greater conservation of natural material resources.
The Sto Difference: A System Approach
A lot of companies make products. We develop entire systems engineered to work together from the ground up. We believe it’s the right way to solve commercial building problems. Plus, with a system approach, you have a single warranty that covers the entire building envelope. Our wall system includes all five planes of control—air and moisture barrier, thermal insulation, reinforcement, and aesthetic façade surface—in systems that are tested, code-compliant, and warranted.
Intelligent Solutions from an Industry Leader
Sto Corp. is the world’s leading innovator in claddings, air barriers, coatings, and restoration systems. So, it’s no surprise we are developing impact-resistant solutions as robust as our Hurricane Impact systems and offering EIFS, stucco, and rainscreen options for HVHZ, field-built and prefabricated options, new build or renovation.
Click here for additional details for all of our systems, including design pressure ratings, NOA links, and Florida Building Product Approval Links.
Contact a Sto rep to discuss the possibilities with your next HVHZ project.