Frequently
Asked Questions
This
page features answers to the most common questions regarding the Styro
Industries Foundation Insulation and ICF
Coatings & Panels product
lines. If you are not able to find the answer to a specific question here, please email your question to customerservice@styro.net
and we will provide you with the assistance you need.
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Which
Product Do You Have Questions Regarding?
- FlexCoat Brush On Coating
- Tuff II Trowel On Coating
- Brush On ST Coating
-
FP Ultra Lite Foundation Insulation Panel
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-
FlexCoat Brush On Coating
1)
Is sticky mesh necessary when applying FLEXCOAT?
A: When coating foam, it is necessary to mesh the seams
and corner with sticky mesh. When coating concrete or masonry block
mesh is only necessary over areas with small cracks or divots. Over
drywall Sticky Mesh is only necessary over seams and corners. It's
best to pre-coat meshed areas, let dry, then top coat.
2)
How is FLEXCOAT textured?
A: FLEXCOAT is easily textured with a brush or trowel.
It is important to texture FLEXCOAT when it is moist.
When texturing with a brush keep the brush moist with clean water
for best results.
3)
How is FLEXCOAT sprayed on?
A: To spray FLEXCOAT use a hopper style spray gun.
Up to 6 ounces of water can be added to each pail to make the coating
spray evenly.
4)
How thick should FLEXCOAT be applied?
A: 1/16" is the ideal thickness. FLEXCOAT can
be built up to thicker amounts as long as it is never applied thicker
then 1/16" per coat and each coat dries before applying another
over it.
5)
How do I repair damaged areas?
A: Simply remove loose coating with a wire brush and
make sure the area is clean. Apply a section of sticky mesh to the
area and patch it with FLEXCOAT. If the area is deep it may require
a few coats.
6)
Can FLEXCOAT be tinted? Can it be painted?
A: Yes, FLEXCOAT is available pre-tinted in a variety
of colors . Yes, any latex exterior grade paint can be used to paint
FLEXCOAT.
7)
Can FLEXCOAT be applied over painted surfaces?
A: Yes, FLEXCOAT can be applied over painted surfaces.
Make sure surface is wire brushed, clean, and dry.
8)
Can FLEXCOAT be stored for later use?
A: Yes, simply pop the top back on the pail and FLEXCOAT
can be stored up to 36 months. Keep from freezing.
9)
Are there any application limitations?
A: Yes, please do not apply FLEXCOAT unless the temperature
will remain above 40 degrees F for 24 hours.
Please Do Not apply FLEXCOAT in moist conditions or over damp surfaces.
High humidity will increase the dry time. Also, avoid
application in direct sunlight.
10)
Is FLEXCOAT safe for the environment?
A: Yes, FLEXCOAT is water based and 100% acrylic. It
will wash off if cleaned before it begins to dry. Be sure to rinse
it off clothes and skin immediatley. Read the MSDS for more details.
11)
Is FLEXCOAT Weed-Wacker Proof?
A: FLEXCOAT will absorb light impact damage. For areas
where mowing and weed-wacker use will be heavy we
recommend using TUFF II.
12)
Can FLEXCOAT be used in-doors?
A: Yes, FLEXCOAT can be applied directly over concrete
and drywall. Seams, cracks, etc must first be meshed and pre-treated
before applying the final coat.
13)
Can FLEXCOAT be applied over Treated Plywood? OSB?
A: Plywood and OSB foundations are best first covered with foam before coating with FLEXCOAT. A moisture barrier between the wood and the
foam is recommended. For coating large areas of plywood or OSB we recommend using a moisture drainage EIFS system like those
offered by Total Wall.
14)
Is FLEXCOAT Water Proof?
A: FLEXCOAT is Water Resistant. It is not to be used
instead of traditional waterproofing.
15)
Can FLEXCOAT be used below grade?
A: Yes, but FLEXCOAT is not designed to take the place
of traditional water proofing membranes.
16)
Can FLEXCOAT be used on floors?
A: No, Flexcoat is not designed for use on horizontal surfaces.
17)
Will FLEXCOAT adhere to the rubbery waterproofing memberane on my foundation?
A: Probably not. If the waterproofing membrane on your home extends above grade you must cut it off at grade or cover it with foam before
applying the coating.
Not finding the answers you need? Please call Customer Service at
888-702-9920.
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-
Tuff II Trowel On Coating
1)
Is sticky mesh necessary when applying TUFF II?
A: When coating foam, yes the sticky mesh is necessary. When coating
concrete or masonry block mesh is only necessary over areas with small
cracks or divots. Over drywall Sticky Mesh is only necessary over
seams and corners. It's best to pre-coat meshed areas, let dry, then
top coat.
2)
How is TUFF II textured?
A: Tuff II can be textured with a trowel or brush.
It is important to texture Tuff II when it is moist. When texturing
with a brush keep the brush moist with clean water for best results.
3)
How is TUFF II sprayed on?
A: To spray Tuff II use a hopper style spray gun. Up
to 12 ounces of water can be added to each pail to make the coating
spray evenly. It's best to spray or trowel a very thin (1/16")
scratch coat over the mesh first. Let that dry for at least 4 hours,
then spray on a final texture coat.
4)
How thick should TUFF II be applied?
A: 1/8" is the ideal thickness. To achieve this
it's best to first apply a thin 1/16" coat and let that dry for
at least 2 hours then go back and apply another 1/16" texture
coat. Tuff II can be built up to thicker amounts as long as it is
never applied thicker then 1/8" per coat and each coat dries
before applying another over it.
5)
How do I repair damaged areas?
A: Simply remove loose coating with a wire brush and
make sure the area is clean. Apply a section of sticky mesh to the
area and patch it with Tuff II. If the area is deep it may require
a few coats.
6)
Can TUFF II be painted? Can it be applied over painted surfaces?
A: Yes, any latex exterior grade paint can be used
to paint Tuff II. Tuff II is available pre-tinted in a variety of
colors .
7) Can TUFF II be applied over painted surfaces?
A: Yes, Tuff II can be applied over painted surfaces.
Make sure surface is wire brushed, clean, and dry.
8)
Can TUFF II be stored for later use?
A: Yes, simply pop the top back on the pail and Tuff
II can be stored up to 36 months. Keep from freezing.
9)
Are there any application limitations?
A: Yes, please do not apply Tuff II unless the temperature
will remain above freezing (32 degrees F) for 12 hours. Please Do
Not apply Tuff II in moist conditions or over damp surfaces. High
humidity will increase the dry time.
10)
Is TUFF II safe for the environment?
A: Yes, Tuff II is water based and 100% acrylic. It
will wash off if cleaned before it begins to dry. Be sure to rinse
it off clothes and skin immediatley. Read the MSDS for more details.
11)
Is TUFF II Weed-Wacker Proof?
A: Yes, When dried completley Tuff II is incredibly
strong. It will protect from impact damage, weed wackers and UV rays.
It drys rock hard yet maintains flexibility to withstand damage.
12)
Can TUFF II be used in-doors?
A: Yes, Tuff II can be applied directly over cement
and drywall. Seams, cracks, etc must first be meshed and pre-treated
before applying the final coat.
13)
Can TUFF II be applied over Treated Plywood? OSB?
A: Plywood and OSB foundations are best first covered with foam before coating with TUFF II. A moisture barrier between the wood and the
foam is recommended. For coating large areas of plywood or OSB we recommend using a moisture drainage EIFS system like those
offered by Total Wall.
14)
Is TUFF II Water Proof?
A: Tuff II is Water Resistant. It is not to be used
instead of traditional waterproofing.
15)
Can TUFF II be used below grade?
A: Yes, but Tuff II is not designed to take the place
of traditional water proofing membranes.
16)
Can TUFF IIbe used on floors?
A: No, TUFF II is not designed for use on horizontal surfaces.
17)
Will TUFF II adhere to the rubbery waterproofing memberane on my foundation?
A: It's not advisable to apply Tuff II directly over the rubbery waterproofing membrane as a whole, but Tuff II and sticky mesh can usually be used to lap one or two inches over most waterproofing materials, including polyethylene. Over several weeks, the Tuff II will dry, cure and become rigid. Therefore, bond to the waterproofing membrane will not typically be an issue. An alternative is to use FortiFlash, ProtectoWrap, or other waterproofing tape to bridge this transition area.
18)
Can I apply Tuff II to a crumble stone, brick or masonry wall?
A: Masonry walls that are cracking, spalling and deteriorating usually have other things going on besides weather and temperature extremes. Without knowing what else is going on, repairs become guesswork. Tuff II and mesh will integrate, tighten and repair a cracked, spalled and deteriorating wall. However, if the underlying causes of the masonry wall problems are moisture from the top, backside or below grade areas,
and the cracks are working cracks, then the repairs will not last. No repairs will last until the underlying problems are fixed.
18)
How many square feet of coverage will I get per pail of Tuff II?
A: At 1/8" thick (1/16" inch base coat and 1/16" Finish Coat) Tuff II will cover approximately 80 square feet per 5 gallon pail.
Not
finding the answers you need? Please call Customer Service at 888-702-9920.
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Brush On ST Coating
1)
Is sticky mesh necessary when applying BRUSH ON ST?
A: When coating foam, it is necessary to mesh the seams
and corner with sticky mesh. When coating concrete or masonry block
mesh is only necessary over areas with small cracks or divots. Over
drywall Sticky Mesh is only necessary over seams and corners. It's
best to pre-coat meshed areas, let dry, then top coat.
2)
How is BRUSH ON ST textured?
A: BRUSH ON ST is easily textured with a brush or trowel.
It is important to texture BRUSH ON ST when it is moist. When texturing
with a brush keep the brush moist with clean water for best results.
3)
How is BRUSH ON ST sprayed on?
A: To spray BRUSH ON ST use a hopper style spray gun.
Up to 6 ounces of water can be added to each pail to make the coating
spray evenly.
4)
How thick should BRUSH ON ST be applied?
A: 1/8" is the ideal thickness. BRUSH ON ST can
be built up to thicker amounts as long as it is never applied
thicker then 1/8" per coat and each coat dries before applying
another over it.
5)
How do I repair damaged areas?
A: Simply remove loose coating with a wire brush and
make sure the area is clean. Apply a section of sticky mesh to the
area and patch it with BRUSH ON ST. If the area is deep it may require
a few coats.
6)
Can BRUSH ON ST be tinted? Can it be painted?
A: BRUSH ON ST can be tinted with concrete tints. Yes,
any latex exterior grade paint can be used to paint
FLEXCOAT.
7)
Can BRUSH ON ST be applied over painted surfaces?
A: Yes, BRUSH ON ST can be applied over painted surfaces.
Make sure surface is wire brushed, clean, and dry.
8)
Can BRUSH ON ST be stored for later use?
A: Yes, BRUSH ON ST can be stored up to 36 months.
It can be stored below freezing.
9)
Are there any application limitations?
A: Yes, please do not apply BRUSH ON ST unless the
temperature will remain above 40 degrees F for 24 hours.
Please Do Not apply BRUSH ON ST in moist conditions or over damp surfaces.
High humidity will increase the dry time.
10)
Is BRUSH ON ST safe for the environment?
A: Yes, BRUSH ON ST is safe and non-toxic. It will
wash off if cleaned before it begins to dry.
Be sure to rinse it off clothes and skin immediatley. Read the MSDS
for more details.
11)
Is BRUSH ON ST Weed-Wacker Proof?
A: BRUSH ON ST will absorb light impact damage. If
you use care when mowing and weedeating against the coating you shouldn’t
have any problems. For ultimate durability we recommend using TUFF
II.
12)
Can BRUSH ON ST be used in-doors?
A: Yes, BRUSH ON ST can be applied directly over cement
and drywall. Seams, cracks, etc must first be meshed and pre-treated
before applying the final coat.
13)
Can BRUSH ON ST be applied over Treated Plywood? OSB?
A: No, Plywood and OSB need to be first covered with foam or concrete board prior to installing BRUSH ON ST.
14)
Is BRUSH ON ST Water Proof?
A: BRUSH ON ST is Water Resistant. It is not to be
used instead of traditional waterproofing.
15)
Can BRUSH ON ST be used below grade?
A: Yes, but BRUSH ON ST is not designed to take the
place of traditional water proofing membranes.
Not
finding the answers you need? Please call Customer Service at 888-702-9920.
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FP Ultra Lite Foundation Insulation Panel
1)
How are the FP PANELS cut?
A: They can be cut from the back (foam side) with a
utility knife and snapped like drywall or with a circular saw fitted
with a masonry blade.
2)
How is the FP PANEL installed?
A: The FP Panel can be adhered with rigid foam adhesive
(PL 300), Great Stuff or Enerfoam Adhesives, and or fasteners.
3)
How are seams covered?
A: AGGREGATE FP PANELS: Matching stone (sold in 5 pound
bags) can be hand seeded into caulked seams and corners.
STUCCO TEXTUERED FP PANELS: Seams and corners can be caulked with
concrete grey caulk. In many cases the seams between panels is not
very noticeable and can be caulked and left as is.
4)
How are corners handled?
A: Corner pieces are made by cutting the panel ends
on an angle. When pressed together on the foundation they form a corner
where the two panel ends meet. Be sure to cut the panels cleanly with a sharp knife to prevent a fake appearance from a jagged cut.
5)
Are the FP PANELS Weed-Wacker Resistant?
A: Yes, the finish is extremely durable. The FP PANELS
will withstand moderate to heavy impact damage.
6)
Can the FP PANELS be repaired?
A: Aggregate FP PANELS: By first caulking damaged areas
with clear caulk, Matching stone (sold in 5 pound bags) can be hand
seeded to disguise any damage. Stucco Textured FP PANELS: Damaged
areas can be Sticky Meshed and coated with TUFF II in a color that
matches the color of the panel.
7)
Can I use the FP PANELS under a Mobile Home as Modular Skirting or
around a Sunroom?
A: Yes, the FP PANELS panels work great as modular
skirting and around sunrooms.
8)
Can I use the FP PANELS indoors?
A: Yes, but the FP PANELS panels are not fire rated
so please check with your local building codes.
8)
Can I use the FP PANELS on a ceiling?
A: Yes, but the FP PANELS panels are not fire rated
so please check with your local building codes.
9)
Do I need to use J-Channel trim with the FP PANELS?
A: J-Channel trim is optional. If the siding on your
house extends out far enough to cover the top of the panel the
J-channel is not always necessary.
9)
Can I use the FP PANELS on Stone or Block foundations?
A: Yes. By attaching J-Channel up top and fasteners
below grade the panels will stay in place very nicely. Adhesive can
also be used to increase bond. Even if the panel doesn't contact the
foundation throughout it's entirety , the pockets of "dead air"
will work to increase overall R value. Fasteners can also be used
above grade if necessary. Fastener heads are easily disguised with
clear caulk and matching stone.
9)
Are the FP PANELS available in other sizes and textures?
A: Yes, the FP PANELS can be special ordered in any
size up to 4' x 8' in 1", 1.5" and 2" thicknesses.
The FP PANELS are great for walk-out basements, window enclosures,
wall panels etc.,
10)
Can the FP PANELS be used below grade?
A: Yes, in fact when installing the FP PANELS around
the foundation on a home it's important to dig down 6-12" around
the foundation so the panel sits below grade. This helps tremendously
in combating foundation heat loss.
11)
Will the FP PANELS work around crawl spaces?
A: Yes, any area that will benefit from increased R-Value
and an attractive texture is ideal.
Not finding the answers you need? Please call Customer
Service at 888-702-9920.
