Thanks to HGTV and popular culture, many of us think of internal construction projects whenever anyone mentions renovations. Even the term construction probably brings up images of choosing the right flooring or which backsplash will look good against our kitchen counters. However, the common image of construction on TV and beyond often forgets to mention one very important type: exterior construction projects.
When done right, exterior construction projects ensure your building is:
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Protected against extreme weather
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Insulated against extreme temperatures
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Guarded against other environmental hazards
Since exterior construction projects are so important, it’s vital that your contractor uses the right products and methods. There’s five products all good contractors use when working on exterior construction projects. Let’s explore these five pieces of construction equipment and what exactly they do to make sure your building is insulated and protected against the outside world.
Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems
An Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) is an exterior wall-cladding system. It is made from insulation boards that are attached to substrates and covered with a reinforced base coat and textured protective finish coat.
EIFS were introduced in America in the 1960s and now can be found in both commercial buildings and homes. They resemble stucco but are considered by many as more versatile because they come in a wide variety of colors and textures.
EIFS can be formed into near-limitless shapes and designs, such as cornices, arches, columns, keystones, cornerstones, and special moldings. EIFS are considered by many construction pros and architects as the superior exterior cladding product because of its excellent thermal and moisture control.
Silicone Based Caulks
Silicon-based caulks are used as sealants in areas prone to expansion and contraction. They function as a barrier to prevent the passage of air and water, such as for bath seals and between- the-tiles sealants. Unlike other types of caulk, you cannot paint over silicone-based sealants. They have excellent joint movement capabilities and are more flexible, so they can be applied on almost any surface both indoors and outdoors.
Masonry Sealers
Masonry sealers prevent water from getting inside the walls. They are also used for patios, and other applications where you need to seal the space between the stones of brick.
Tension Cables in Concrete
Post tension cables serve as a reinforcement for a structure by making concrete more firm. This allows construction teams to accomplish more with their resources. To apply them, steel wires are surrounded by plastic and pulled tightly after the concrete has been poured. One cable by itself has a breaking tension of about 41,000 pounds. This technique increases the strength of buildings, bridges, and other places that require concrete slabs.
Traffic Deck Coatings
Traffic deck coatings protect concrete from water. Without them, roads and other traffic decks would be subject to the corrosive effects of water. Traffic deck coatings are made from chemicals that repel moisture.
Exterior construction projects require a number of products to complete and protect commercial and residential buildings. EIFSs protect the outside of buildings while offering ample design opportunities. Silicon-based caulks protect seal areas prone to expansion and contraction. Masonry sealers protect against water. Tension cables reinforce concrete, and traffic deck coatings prevent moisture from seeping into concrete decks.
Carlton Building Services in Hampton Roads Virginia
Carlton Building Services specializes in repairs, maintenance, renovations, remodelings and build-outs for a variety of clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia. We have years of experience handling projects in the retail, office, and healthcare space and would love to work with you on your next project!
To learn more about our services, check out past project highlights or contact Carlton Building Services to see how we can help with your next project.
