Parex Project Highlights EIFS Design Versatility
August 31, 2009 by parexusaMer-Krete Systems Launches Hydro Guard SP-1
August 18, 2009 by parexusaRapid Drying, Waterproofing and Crack isolation Membrane Saves Time & Money with the Environment in Mind
Anaheim, CA – August 18, 2009 – ParexLahabra, the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra , El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete Systems and Mer-Ko, today announced the launch of Mer-Krete Hydro Guard SP-1, a “Green” waterproofing membrane.
Hydro Guard SP-1 is a rapid-drying thin, load bearing waterproof and crack isolation membrane composed of modified elastomeric co-polymers. With excellent elongation, adhesion and high strength properties, the product is light green when applied and develops to a emerald green when dry. Hydro Guard SP-1 provides a 100% waterproof membrane that limits the transfer of substrate cracks to the finished ceramic or stone tile surface. Hydro Guard SP-1 is installed in a liquid state and can be applied to practically any form or irregular shape forming a monolithic waterproof barrier.
“Hydro Guard SP-1 is a GREEN, low VOC, rapid drying waterproofing membrane developed to provide installers with application ease, LEED compliant, project versatility, and speed in both drying and flood testing”, said Mark Cooke, Brand Manager for Mer-Krete Systems. “Hydro Guard SP-1 is the only product you need to achieve waterproofing and crack isolation protection. You can save time, save cost and literally go Green”.
Hydro-Guard SP-1 is for use in commercial buildings, residential housing and other areas requiring positive waterproofing like pools, fountains, spas, hot tubs, kitchens, countertops, balconies, tub surrounds, shower stalls and pans, under terrazzo, quarry, ceramic and stone tile. This membrane can be installed over any sound substrate, vertically or horizontally, interior and exterior.
”There has been a lot of excitement for the launch of Hydro Guard SP-1”. remarked Tim McDonald, Vice President of Sales for Mer-Krete Systems. “We didn’t take out what made our products good. We added new technology that makes our products great!”
About Mer-Krete Systems
Mer-Krete Systems is a brand of ParexLahabra, Inc., the US based parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, La Habra, El Rey, Teifs, Surewall, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko. Under these brands ParexLahabra, Inc. manufactures EIFS, stucco, acrylic finishes, tile-setting and waterproofing materials for the construction of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. The 2002, ISO 9001-2000 certification helped to substantiate ParexLahabra, Inc. as a leader in the building materials industry with over 150 years of combined experience in the US construction industry. For more information regarding Mer-Krete Systems or ParexLahabra, Inc. visit www.merkrete.com and www.parexlahabra.com respectively.
Cement Stucco Finish Care and Maintenance: What Every Building Owner Needs to Know.
August 12, 2009 by parexusaStucco is one of the most durable finishes you will find on buildings. It is made from all-natural mineral materials; painting
will never be necessary if cared for properly. Over time, stucco benefits from an occasional cleaning to remove airborne dust
or other atmospheric matter. Occasionally, a lawn mower or garden tool might chip a corner, or some other minor repair might
be needed. The following information will help you to take care of your stucco finish. Like any building material, stucco needs
occasional care to keep its appearance fresh and clean. Here are a few simple things you can do to keep it looking its best.
What You Should Do…
Be sure to keep irrigation systems directed away from your stucco wall. Over time, water from sprinkler systems could stain your stucco finish and might cause mildew (a fungus), or efflorescence (a whitish powdery “bloom”) to form. Wash your exterior stucco a few times a year to keep its surface clean and its color bright. Here’s how:
1. Pre-wet: Use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle to pre-wet the wall over its entire surface. Prewetting, will over-come absorption, preventing the stucco finish from absorbing dirty wash water. Set your hose nozzle on a medium to coarse spray. Start at the bottom and wet the surface all the way to the top.
2. Wash: When the surface has been pre-wet, adjust the hose nozzle to a “pressure stream” and direct the stream of water against the wall to loosen dirt and dust. This time, start at the top and work down to the bottom. “Caked-on” dirt when present might require loosening with a brush. To avoid eroding or damaging finishes, do NOT hold the nozzle too close to the surface.
3. Use cleanser if necessary: Sometimes a mild cleanser might be needed to remove stains. We recommend a mild solution of trisodium phosphate, also known as “TSP” available from most hardware stores. If you use a different product, be sure it is water-soluble (dissolves completely in water) and is safe for Portland cement, lime and oxide pigment colors. Do NOT use soap or dish washing liquid. Always test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to be sure it is safe for your wall.
4. Rinse: Flush the wall thoroughly with clean water to remove loosened dirt and cleansers. If you find mildew: Wash the affected area with a mild solution of household bleach such as CloroxTM. Always observe proper safety precautions when using any chemical or cleanser. Never allow children access to household chemicals or cleansers.
5. If you find efflorescence: Spray the affected area with white vinegar. This should neutralize the alkaline efflorescence. After a few minutes—and before the vinegar dries—thoroughly rinse the area with clean water. Efflorescence is usually caused by a combination of cool weather and excessive moisture.
What You Should Not Do…
Never use harsh detergents or cleansers that can damage Portland cement, lime or oxide pigment colors. Never hold the hose nozzle too close to the stucco surface. A forceful, high pressure jet of water held too close could damage stucco finishes.
Related Helpful Tips and Products…
Eventually every building owner has to make a small repair or “spruce up” an aging wall. Here are some specialty products owners of stucco buildings might find useful;
To repair chipped corners and small areas in finishes, use LaHabra Exterior Color Coat Patch or El Rey Stucco Patch. After the patch has dried, use Fog Coat in the color that was applied to your building. Fog Coat can also be used to renew faded or stained stucco finishes as well. For smooth finishes or changing of color use Allegro Cement Coating for best results.
