Sto Corp. recently hired Jackson Productivity Research Inc. to objectively compare and evaluate the application times of StoGuard^TM products and the leading spunbonded olefin sheet wrap. Result: StoGuard is easier and faster to install.

The company constructed a 672-square-foot building to represent typical commercial conditions. Application technicians installed each product according to its respective installation guidelines. The results confirmed that installing StoGuard spray-on building wrap is up to three times faster and easier compared to sheet wraps. This edge in the application time can save contactors up to 70 percent in labour costs.

"Many building wraps are not installed correctly," said Lisa Petsko, product manager for Sto Corp. "This test compares ‘apples to apples' in the installation process according to manufacturers' specifications. If it's not installed correctly, then building owners (and/or homeowners) are not having their home or building fully protected."

StoGuard is continuous, structural and durable. Because StoGuard is adhered to sheathing it becomes a part of the overall physical structure. There is no tearing or gapping between StoGuard and the sheathing, only smooth uninterrupted coverage. According to the study, this structural characteristic allows StoGuard to out perform sheet wraps.

The StoGuard assembly of products is easier to install than sheet wraps and does not require highly skilled labour. It installs easily by paint, waterproofing or EIFS/stucco contractors without special training. Sto Gold Coat and Sto EmeraldCoat (waterproof coatings) can be applied with an airless sprayer, roller or brush. Plus, the gold or green product color makes application inconsistencies easy to identify.

Unlike some solvent-based materials, StoGuard has low VOCs and is non-toxic. No additional breathing apparatus or special handling is necessary.

StoGuard is also energy efficient. The US Department of Energy's statistics show up to 40 percent of the energy consumed to heat or cool a building is due to air leakage into and out of the building. Using StoGuard helps prevent air leakage, thus reducing energy costs. In addition, a recent study of commercial buildings by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) confirmed that air barriers promote energy savings ranging from 30 - 40 percent for heating climates and 10 - 15 percent for cooling climates.

For additional information on StoGuard and the Time Study, please visit the web site at <www.stocorp.com> or call 800.221.2397.