It wasn’t so long ago that we believed insulation alone could protect a building from all the damaging elements outside. But after decades of costly repairs due to water intrusion, mold and mildew, and corroded structural component repairs, along with advances in building science, we learned there’s more to effective thermal and moisture control—a lot more.
Thermal and moisture control are so important that they are two of the five planes of control needed for buildings to be energy-efficient, durable, safe, and sustainable while still providing aesthetic appeal. The five planes of control working in unison comprise The Perfect Wall.
Knowing how important these control layers are, let’s tackle them one at a time, starting with moisture control.
Moisture Control 101
Moisture accumulation within a building structure can cause problems such as water stains, ice damage, peeling paint, wood deterioration, mold, and mildew. Liquid water forms when water vapor in the building meets a surface with a temperature lower than the dew point of the air.
Whether or not the building is air and weather-tight can considerably affect thermal performance. A drafty, leaky building will undermine efforts to insulate, as heat will escape through the gaps that cause drafts and leaks.
In recent years, moisture management has become a focus of building owners and manufacturers due to growing awareness of its impact, higher expectations for building performance, and more stringent building codes and regulations. At Sto, we are proud to be a leader in innovative, sustainable building solutions that enhance aesthetic value, durability, and energy efficiency, addressing the evolving needs of modern construction. The StoGuard® System is one such innovative system.
Seamless Control Over Air and Moisture
Unlike building wrap barriers that are penetrated by staples and fasteners for their
attachment, the StoGuard® System provides seamless control over air and moisture to improve building performance and occupant comfort. Fully tested and compliant with the most stringent green construction codes, StoGuard systems are an ideal choice for design professionals who wish to employ one continuous, fully compatible air and water-resistive barrier system for all exterior walls on multi-cladding buildings. Benefits of StoGuard systems include:
- A fluid-applied system that forms a seamless air and water-resistive barrier
- Protects against moisture intrusion and unwanted air movement
- Variety of air and water-resistive barrier (AWRB) membrane products to choose from, depending on project requirements
- All Sto systems incorporate an AWRB, vital for maintaining the integrity of the building envelope and preventing moisture-related issues like mold and rot
- Accessories designed for use with Sto fluid-applied membranes at movement joints, substrate transitions, penetrations and rough openings are available
- A fully tested and proven system
- One supplier for all components means one warranty covers everything
The Importance of Continuous Insulation
Now that we have moisture control covered, let’s talk about thermal control. Heat loss can significantly affect the cost of operating a building and the comfort of those inside. In most climate zones, energy codes prescriptively require continuous insulation in wall assemblies for commercial and residential construction. Sto has more than 40 years of experience and practical application of insulated wall systems, so you can rely on us to provide the right solution for your needs. Thermally insulating the exterior of the wall structure with continuous insulation makes sound technical sense on several levels.
- The building is effectively wrapped in a thick, well-insulated and protective blanket
- The effects of thermal bridging are minimized, and the ability to achieve high thermal performance is simplified
- When combined with high-performance finishes, the insulation layer keeps the wall structure warm and dry
- Maintains the temperature of the building wall structure above the dew point, reducing the risks for condensation caused by water vapor diffusion
One of the most advanced continuous insulation wall systems available is StoTherm® ci.
More Than Insulation, A Complete System
StoTherm® ci is a decorative cladding with continuous insulation and StoGuard Air and Water-resistive Barrier combined with Sto high-performance finishes. This advanced exterior insulation and finish system provides superior energy efficiency by combining insulation with aesthetic and protective layers, which is crucial for managing thermal bridges and enhancing overall thermal performance.
When it comes to complying with the rapid changes in energy standards, StoTherm ci systems consistently offer more than most other wall systems. The seamless cladding systems provide optimal performance that meets or exceeds ASHRAE design standard 90.1-2019, the 2018 IECC energy code requirements for continuous insulation, and Title 24 requirements for energy efficiency.
Combining innovative design and high-level performance, StoTherm ci offers a unique approach to wall system design. Choose from a wide range of colors and textures for every exterior, giving you the freedom to create truly unique features. No matter the look or looks of the building, StoTherm ci systems offer unprecedented flexibility to your building’s design. The possibilities are virtually limitless, from architectural shapes and eye-catching finishes to high-performance coatings.
Based on testing in compliance with NFPA 285 and NFPA 268, all StoTherm ci systems are suitable for use on noncombustible construction. With the Sto Fireblocking option, Sto also offers a unique patent-pending solution to comply with the 2022 New York City Building Code (NYC BC), which requires fireblocking for exterior wall assemblies that contain combustible components such as foam plastic insulation, as stated in BC 718.2.6.
A Historic Building Gets an Energizing Facelift: A Case Study
Modern technology is rescuing old buildings from their thermal and moisture challenges every day. The Lido Beach Towers Condominium in Long Island, New York, is the perfect real-world example of how the right system can make an old building new again.
With over 100 leaks in 140 units, the Lido Beach Towers had fallen far from its glory days as an upscale beachfront hotel on the Atlantic Ocean in the early 1900s when it was known as The Pink Lady. The deterioration accelerated in the years following its conversion to a condominium property in the 1980s.
Fortunately, the building owners recognized that it was time to address the problems at their core and add layers of protection to restore some of this storied building’s former glory. Read the case study and watch the transformation on video here.
Intelligent Solutions from an Industry Leader
