“The hydrophobic finish does a remarkable job at keeping the building looking clean and new,” says Chris Rush, president of the Edgewater Condominium Associations (COA) board of directors. “The buildings completed over a year ago look just as good as the building that was just completed.”
The system featured a continuous, air and water-resistive barrier (WRB) which helps the building prevent moisture intrusion. As added protection, the lack of fasteners in the adhesively applied continuous wall system further minimizes potential moisture and air intrusion into the substrate.
Specifying a ci wall system helped to lower the utility bill by 20 percent and reduced upkeep to maintain a cleaner, newer-looking building. The water- and weather-resistant properties of the hydrophobic finish provided additional protection against damage and water intrusion during three hurricanes throughout construction—Florence, Michael, and Dorian—which brought 120 km/h (75 mph) winds.
Makeover to defend Steamboat Grand Resort
The Steamboat Grand Resort in the popular ski area of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, sits at an altitude of 2103 m (6900 ft). The area is exposed to more than 300 days of sunshine per year and some of the highest snowfall totals in the state, wreaking havoc on traditional facades and water-based coatings. After 12 years, the exterior facade was worn by time and the weather, and was in need of a facelift to match the beautiful interior.
The 328-room resort hotel was the ideal location for a super-hydrophobic coating with self-cleaning properties. The project team could also apply the new coating without disturbing guests and visitors, an added benefit to the hotel’s operations.
“The resort business is so conscious of curb appeal and, when you drive up to the property, the product almost sells itself,” says Jim Diner, vice-president
of ProCoat Systems, the applicator of the coating on The Steamboat Grand Resort. “The flat exterior wall coating imparts super-hydrophobic properties and has excellent weather and ultraviolet (UV) resistance. It was the best long-term, cost-effect solution out there.”
Conclusion
A building’s coating is its first line of defense, the initial layer of protection from the elements and human impact. Building owners, developers, and contractors can change the paradigm when it comes to long-term building performance and aesthetic appearance by specifying more durable coating solutions such as hydrophobic coatings.
Advancements in material science mean longer, more reliable resistance to the forces of nature, and nature has provided inspiration.
Author
