Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule certainty, cost predictability, increased safety, improved QC / QA, reduction of RFI’s and change orders, reduction of construction waste, limited on-site crew size for installation; just to name a few. To learn more about Sto’s prefabrication solution, Sto Panel Technology®, visit our page dedicated to prefabrication.

A prefabricated StoPanel wall consists of the framing, sheathing, air and moisture barrier, and one of a wide variety of aesthetic finishes or wall cladding options. See all of the StoPanel systems here.

At StoPanel Affiliate manufacturing facilities. Sto Panel Technology® affiliates are located in every major construction market. These experienced fabricators manufacture to StoPanel system specifications in quality controlled facilities across the country. Click Here to reach out to a Sto Panel Technology® specialist to find an affiliate near you.

The panels are typically installed on the building structure with a limited amount of on-site crew, using cranes to fly the panel into place. Visit our Sto Panel® video gallery to learn more about this process.

Every panel is engineered, including connections, for its unique configuration, position, and the structural frame to which it must attach. Typically, the panels are held about 1″ off the edge of the slab and are connected at every stud with custom designed steel plates, angles, or other prefabricated connection components as required to carry the design loads and to handle expected movement of the building frame. Visit our video gallery to view several videos showing the typical manufacture and installation of StoPanel® wall systems.

Sto Panel Technology® offers architects and designers the freedom to choose from a wide variety of solutions to meet the aesthetic intent of a project such as: 3D printed facades, masonry veneers, resin cast brick and wood, metal panels, fiber cement panels, and plaster renders just to name a few. See all of the StoPanel® systems here.

Yes, there are several factors to consider when determining the ultimate size of exterior panels, such as the overall panel / cladding weight, design intent, trucking limitations and project location considerations. As a guideline, a 10’ X 24’ or 240 sqft is a typical panel size while taking in the considerations mentioned above. The design-assist and support provided in the Sto Panel Technology® program takes into account all of the factors for your specific project. To learn more, reach out to a Sto Panel representative.

Based on ESR -1233, floor-line fire-stopping should be, as a minimum, 4 pcf. mineral wool insulation in each stud cavity and at each floor line, attached with z-clips or equivalent fasteners. The fire-stopping detail, as selected by the design professional, should have a tested hourly rating to match that of the floor/ceiling assembly. Contact a Sto Panel® representative to learn more.

Typically, a dual-stage silicone sealant joint is installed on-site within the panel-to-panel joints. Reach out to a Sto Panel Technology® specialist for additional information.

Yes, most StoPanel® assemblies offer drainage as a standard component. StoPanel Technology® also features the Sto Wedge, a patented design, that provides a provision for a unique drainage design above window heads and at the bottom of each panel. You can see all of the StoPanel® systems here.

On average, approximately 15,000sf of the exterior surface on a building can be installed per week or approximately 60,000sf / month when utilizing a Sto Panel Technology® system. Schedule certainity is one of the biggest benefits of StoPanel® systems. To learn more about projects with StoPanel® systems, visit our project gallery and case studies.On average, approximately 15,000sf of the exterior surface on a building can be installed per week or approximately 60,000sf / month when utilizing a Sto Panel Technology® system. Schedule certainity is one of the biggest benefits of StoPanel® systems. To learn more about projects with StoPanel® systems, visit our project gallery and case studies.

Yes, and like any project, Sto Panel® prefabricated finished panels shall be designed and engineered by a qualified professional to meet structural requirements and applicable building codes in which the building is constructed. To speak to a representative and learn more, please visit our website.

In our experience, many projects are converted to take advantage of Sto Panel Technology® prefabricated exterior wall panels, especially to meet schedule deadlines. Provided that sufficient time allows for engineering and panel fabrication and the design / building type can support a prefabricated wall panel approach, Sto Panel Technology® can provide the right solution for your project and increase schedule certaintity, cost predictability, increased safety, improved QC / QA, reduction of RFI’s and change orders, reduction of construction waste, and limited on-site crew size for installation. Visit our website to learn more or reach out to a representative.

There are two types of prefab construction: modular and panel built. Sto’s prefabrication solution, Sto Panel Technology®, features prefabricated finished exterior wall panels. The StoPanel® system panels consist of cold formed metal framing and all other components in a specified wall assembly, including glass mat sheathing, air and moisture barrier, continuous insulation (ci), sub-framing, if applicable, and facade aesthetic. That’s one reason Sto Panel® projects are able to decrease the time for installing the exterior facade walls. To learn more about StoPanel Technology® systems, visit our website.

Rainscreens are considered the first line of defense against the effects of moisture, especially with water absorptive claddings. Rainscreens provide a gap between the air and moisture barrier and the siding/cladding. This moderate gap can be as small as 1/2″ to allow for proper drainage and drying. Learn more about how StoVentec®Rainscreen® systems work.

The rainscreen siding/cladding is installed over a drainage mat, vertical furring, or a sub-construction system, which is attached back to the building structure. Sto offers design and application guides and a series of installation videos for it’s StoVentec® Rainscreen® systems.

Rainscreen siding/claddings that are not non-combustible should have NFPA 285 testing for acceptance on noncombustible construction. In addition to the NFPA 285 testing, the rainscreen system should account for fire breaks to limit the vertical spread of fires in the rainscreen air cavity, also referred to as the chimney effect. StoVentec® Rainscreen® systems have been fire tested with fire breaks included in both CAN/ULC S134 and NFPA 285 tests. Reference the StoVentec Design Guide & Detail Booklets for each system’s detailing.

Rainscreens provide improved drainage and drying and are good for any environment with consistent rainfall and/or humidity. StoVentec® Rainscreen® systems are complete, with all the system components – including the air and moisture barrier, thermal insulation, sub-construction and façade panel – engineered to perform together. And they offer the widest variety of aesthetic options available, including colors, shapes, textures, even glass – in a single source system backed by a 10-year system warranty. To learn more about Sto’s StoVentec® Rainscreen systems, click here.

StoVentec® Rainscreen® systems are appropriate for any building type and design – from single family to multi-family building to commercial and insitutional buildings. Visit our page dedicated to Sto’s StoVentec® Rainscreen systems to view our project gallery and case studies showcasing a variety of projects build with Sto’s rainscreen systems.

StoVentec® Rainscreen® Systems provide owners with reduced maintenance, superior weather tightness, thermal performance, fire protection and the kind of compelling aesthetic designers seek with the widest variety of aesthetic options available from a single source. To learn more about Sto’s StoVentec® Rainscreen systems, click here.

StoVentec Glass, StoVentec Render and StoVentec for masonry veneer facades comply with 2022 NYC Building Code and are available with the Sto Fireblocking option.

No, EIFS is a light weight versatile wall cladding. Stucco weighs more than EIFS and requires joints to control cracking. Learn more in our systems overview page.

A properly maintained EIFS system can last for decades. Sto came to the U.S. in 1979. Buildings built during the early days of Sto in the U.S. are still around today.

Yes, Sto has a repair and maintenance guide available on our website. Click here to access the guide.

Sto offers a number of architectural coatings that can be used over EIFS, from acrylic based permeable coatings, to super hydrophobic coatings with self- cleaning properties, to coatings with a biomimetic principle for the fastest drying time after rain or dew. Click here to learn more about our high-performance coatings.

EIFS is adhesively attached to the building substrate by a qualified applicator. Click here for Sto’s StoTherm®ci Install Guide.

StoTherm ci EIFS complies with all fire perfomance requirements of the International Building Codes. StoTherm ci passes NFPA 285 fire testing for use on multistory construction and can be used on walls that are required to have hourly fire ratings. Click here to access more information on NFPA 285 testing of Sto wall systems.

EIFS is a lightweight, energy efficient wall cladding system with continuous insulation. Sto’s EIFS systems, StoTherm® ci, contain StoGuard® air and moisture barrier, continuous insulation that is adhesively attached, a polymer modified basecoat imbedded into fiberglass mesh and then the aesthetic finish .Click here to learn more about Sto’s StoTherm® ci systems.

Yes. Sto’s EIFS systems, StoTherm® ci, comply with the requirements of 2021 IBC 1407 and can be used on Type I – IV construction. For more information on StoTherm® ci code compliance, click here.

Yes. For more information on obtaining insurance for an EIFS project, please visit the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) website.

Sto offers a wide variety of aesthetics for our StoTherm® ci systems including traditional textured finishes, specialty finishes, and lightweight resin cast options. For more information on Sto’s aesthetics, click here.

Sto offers Sto Strike Defense as an option to provide additional impact and puncture resistance from blunt  or sharp objects as well as mitigating damages from woodpeckers. Its performance is backed by independent testing that simulated 25,000 bird strikes.

StoTherm ci GPS and StoTherm ci (EPS) comply with 2022 NYC Building Code when incorporating the Sto Fireblocking option to these systems.

Sto offers a number of fully-tested, warranted StoPowerwall® stucco systems and StoQuik® cement board stucco systems based on your performance requirements that include a StoGuard® air and moisture barrier component, options for a drainage mat, additional fortification layer for crack prevention, and a wide variety of aesthetic facade surfaces. To learn more, click here.

A 3 coat stucco system includes scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat. To view all of Sto’s 3 coat stucco sytems, click here.

There are a number of differences in stucco wall systems and synthetic stucco (EIFS) wall systems including weight, installation and system components. Sto offers a variety of both of these wall system solutions to accommodate your performance needs based on type of construction and climate. To learn more about StoPowerwall® stucco systems and Sto’s StoTherm® ci systems visit our systems finder page.

Yes, 3 coat stucco systems require a moisture barrier, referred to in building codes as a water-resistive barrier (WRB). StoPowerwall® stucco systems and StoQuik® Silver cement board stucco systems incorporate a StoGuard® WRB that also functions as an air barrier. In addition Sto DrainScreen®, a drainage mat specifically designed for use with stucco, is offered as an added component to enhance drainage and drying, and to be used where required by building codes. To learn more about stucco and cement board systems, visit our systems finder.

Yes. Sto offers a number of finishes and architectural coatings that can be used over stucco wall systems including traditional finishes, high performance coatings,and StoCast Wood and StoCast Brick products . Click here to learn more about our aesthetic façade surfaces.

Color coat is typically a coating of color only while a finish coat typically has texture and color included. Sto offers a number of finishes and architectural coatings that can be used over stucco wall systems including traditional finishes and high performance coatings. Click here to learn more about our offerings.

A fluid applied air/weather barrier. Sto Powerwall® and StoQuik® Silver systems come with StoGuard® Air and Moisture Barrier in a tested and warranted system. To learn more about Sto’s stucco and cement board stucco systems, visit our systems finder on our website.

Sto offers a number of finishes and architectural coatings that can be used over stucco wall systems depending on desired look, climate and desired performance characteristics including traditional finishes, high performance coatings,and StoCast Wood and StoCast Brick products . Click here to learn more about our aesthetic façade surfaces.

Stucco, like concrete, can crack under certain conditions. Sto offers an additional fortification layer, Sto Crack Defense, comprised of a Sto glass fiber reinforcing mesh and Sto base coat, in StoPowerwall® stucco systems for added crack resistance. To see all of Sto’s StoPowerwall stucco systems and available options, click here.

StoPowerwall ci complies with 2022 NYC Building Code when incorporating the Sto Fireblocking option to these systems.

Yes, Sto offers a variety of wall systems that meet the stringent Miami-Dade County requirements for impact resistance, resistance to air leakage and water penetration , and wind load resistance. Click here to learn more.

Sto offers its StoQuik® Gold systems for soffits and ceilings. Learn more about this solution here.

Yes, Sto offers several solutions for projects with insulating concrete form construction (ICF). These systems include a Sto base coat and glass fiber mesh reinforced finish system, a stucco system over metal lath, and a system with an additional insulating layer applied over the ICF. Click here to learn more.

Yes, Sto Interior Finish Systems for Pool Rooms is a decorative and protective finish system for interior walls and ceilings of residential or commerical indoor swimming pool rooms. Click here to learn more.

Yes, control joints should be installed as per the requirements of the gypsum association for gypsum soffits and ceilings, or per the equirements of the gypsum board manufacturer. For additional information on the StoQuik® Gold Soffit System, click here.

Sto always recommends a primer coat prior to finish application for best results. Click here for information on this system.

Yes, consult with the tile manufacture for acceptable adhesives and weight limitations. To learn more about Sto’s Flexyl product or Sto’s Interior Finish Systems for Pool Rooms, visit our website.

Acceptable substrates are PermaBase manufactured by National Gypsum, DensShield® Tile Backer as manufactured by Georgia-Pacific, Durock® Brand cement board as manufacturedby USG, Durock™ Brand Tile Backer as manufactured by USG, and Diamondback® Tile Backer as manufactured by CertainTeed. To learn more about Sto’s Interior Finish Systems for Pool Rooms or to contact a representative, visit our website.

Yes, Sto offers several solutions for projects with insulating concrete form construction (ICF).

Yes. Even if the cracks are determined to be structurally safe and non-moving, they still allow for the ingress of water and water vapor. This ingress leads to much larger problems like corrosion, mold, and a lack of overall building performance. Sto offers a number of solutions for crack repair. Visit our website to learn more.

When it comes to façade retrofitting for energy efficiency, two key factors are continuous insulation and airtightness of the building envelope. Both can be achieved by either overcladding or recladding the building’s exterior with one of Stos continuous insulations systems. Use our Systems Finder page to select the right one for your project.

The term retrofitting for buildings is used to describe adding or changing a technology or feature that makes the the building do something it was not originally able to do. Renovation can include solutions as wide in scope as a whole building retrofits all the way down to applying a coat of paint on the outside to spruce up the look. Sto’s building envelope solutions are designed for energy retrofits. To learn more about Sto’s building envelope solutions, visit our website.

Recommended façade maintenance will vary depending existing façade materials and environmental factors specific to location. Different levels of maintenance include… Level 1 = Clean & Recoat Level 2 = Repair & Refinish Level 3 = Overclad Level 4 = Remove & Reclad To learn more about Sto’s The A.R.T. of reStore program to accommodate all levels of restoration, visit our Restoration page.

Cleaning procedures typically include pressure washing with a mild cleaning solution. Procedure and cleaning solution will vary depending on what is to be applied after the cleaning procedure is complete. Sto provides repair and maintenance guides for our building envelope solutions. Visit the Documentation Center on our website to learn more.

Cleaning procedures typically include pressure washing with a mild cleaning solution. Procedure and cleaning solution will vary depending on what is to be applied after the cleaning procedure is complete. Sto provides repair and maintenance guides for our building envelope solutions. Visit the Documentation Center on our website to learn more.

All of them! Every single one of our systems and products – rainscreen systems, prefabrication solutions, continuous insulation, and stucco- are specifically designed to be well-suited for new contruction and restoration alike. Visit our website to learn more.

Common building materials that are air barriers are gypsum wallboard, plywood, and concrete. Because these materials have joints and seams, another material is generally applied over them to form a continuous air barrier. Polyolefin housewraps, “peel and stick” membranes, and fluid-applied products such as those furnished by Sto Corp. in the StoGuard® family of products are often used as air barriers over concrete, concrete masonry, and sheathing. To learn more about Sto’s StoGuard® family of air and moisture barrier products, click here.

An air barrier resists air leakage through the building envelope. In doing so it saves energy, minimizes the risk of condensation, and improves occupant comfort. Learn more.

Both should be continuous, however, one can argue that continuity of the air barrier is more important because it “cuts off” air leakage paths that can result in significantly higher amounts of condensation than that caused by the same discontinuity in a vapor barrier. To learn more about Sto’s StoGuard® family of air and moisture barrier products, click here.

Moisture barriers can be sheet goods such as asphalt impregnated felt, polyoloefin housewraps, and “peel and stick” membranes, or they can be fluid-applied, such as the StoGuard® family of products furnished by Sto Corp. To learn more about the StoGuard® family of products click here.

A water-resistive barrier (WRB) is a term used in building codes to identify a material that is used to protect “water-sensitive” sheathing such as gypsum sheathing or wood-based sheathing. To learn more about Sto’s StoGuard® family of air and moisture barrier products, click here.

No. Vapor barrriers resist the diffusion of water vapor (gaseous form of water), while waterproofing prevents water in liquid form from penetrating though it. To learn more about Sto’s StoGuard® family of air and moisture barrier products, click here.

A moisture barrier typically resists the passage of liquid water through it to prevent water damage to underlying materials or construction. To learn more about Sto’s StoGuard® family of air and moisture barrier products, click here.

A vapor barrier resists the diffusion of water vapor (gaseous form of water) while a moisture barrier resists the passage of water in liquid form. To learn more about Sto’s StoGuard® family of air and moisture barrier products, click here.

Generally a moisture barrier is presribed in building codes for use over “water-sensitive” components of wall construction such as gypsum sheathing and wood-based sheathing and is therefore necessary in these situations unless other means are provided to protect these components. Generally a moisture barrier is not prescribed over “non-water sensitive” components of wall construction such as concrete or concrete masonry. However, it can be specified for use over these components for added moisture protection and/or if the moisture barrier is designed to perform other functions such as air leakage resistance (air barrier) or water vapor diffussion resistance (vapor barrier). StoGuard® products provide a variety of air and moisture barrier solutions depending on climate, substrate and desired application method. Learn more.

Elastomeric coatings can cover hairline cracks, dramatically improving a building’s appearance. High elongation properties help the coating remain intact over hairline cracks, accommodate thermal changes in the substrate, and offer excellent hiding properties. Sto elastomeric coatings resist wind-driven rain and absorption of water in direct contact with vertical surfaces. They also offer superior UV resistance and deter growth of mold and mildew. Click here to learn more about Sto’s Elastomeric coatings.

Sto elastomeric coatings resist wind-driven rain and absorption of water in direct contact with vertical surfaces. They also offer superior UV resistance and deter growth of mold and mildew.

High-performance coatings are coatings that have unique properties that add to their durability or address specific needs of a particular type of construction or challenging environmental conditions. Sto offers a number of high performance coatings to enhance the life cycle of your building. More information can be found here.

Epoxies, urethanes, acrylics and polyureas are all coating types which can be used over concrete substrates. Select a product that is recommended for the specific use or durability requirement of your project. Example: acrylic coatings for vertical wall applications, or urethane for high-traffic floor applications. Sto offers a number of high performance coatings to enhance the life cycle of your building. More information can be found here.

Sto offers high performance acrylic and elastomeric coatings for use on concrete and portland cement plaster (stucco) substrates. For more specific information, visit our coatings page and the product comparison chart.

Sto’s architectural coatings are tested for UV durability in excess of industry standards and have UV durability that is as good or better than comparable products in the industry. For more specific information, visit our coatings page and the product comparison chart.

Acrylic latex paint is latex paint (water-based) that uses 100% acrylic and no vinyl. Sto offers a variety of high performance acrylic coatings for use on a variety of substrates. For more information, visit our coatings page.

Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the characteristics found in nature to solve human design challenges. Products in Sto’s iQ Technology family of products contain unique characteristics based on biomimicry. These characteristics allow for improved building performance. To learn more about Sto’s iQ Technology family of products click here.