Montclair State University, a thriving institution with a mix of historic and modern architecture, has long been a hub for academia in New Jersey. Known for its beautiful, sprawling campus, MSU is committed to maintaining both the aesthetic and functional integrity of its buildings. However, the passage of time and exposure to the elements has led to challenges. Water infiltration and degradation had compromised the EIFS walls on several campus buildings, impacting their appearance and durability.
The Challenge
Many of the buildings on the MSU campus were constructed with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS). This specialized type of exterior wall cladding provides buildings with a highly insulated wall system and a finished surface that resembles stucco.
Unfortunately, water had infiltrated the aging wall systems and there was widespread deterioration including a significant amount of cracking and discoloration of the finish. In some areas there was complete delamination of sections of the wall.
The Acrymax Solution
The architect specified a two-coat elastomeric coating system to provide a robust, long-lasting protective finish for the building’s exterior. Acrymax was specified for this project due to the company’s long-standing reputation for manufacturing exceptional, high-performance elastomeric coatings that offer unparalleled durability and longevity. Elastomeric wall sealers and coatings are valued for their exceptional ability to bridge and conceal minor cracks and imperfections in the underlying substrate. The two-coat application specified would achieve a total dry film thickness of 15 mils, creating a durable barrier against the elements.
For comparison, a typical paint would provide 1-3 mils of protection. Prior to the application of the elastomeric coatings, the larger cracks and defects were treated with AF-315 Fibrated Elastomeric. This material is fortified with Kevlar fibers to provide exceptional strength. It possesses the remarkable ability to be applied in a variety of ways, ranging from a thick, substantial coating to a light feather edge. At some transition areas Poly-1 reinforcement fabric was used to add additional waterproofing capabilities.
The Result
The Acrymax wall coating system has enhanced the appearance of the buildings where it has been applied, bringing a fresh, vibrant new look that has improved the overall aesthetic of the campus. But the benefits of the Acrymax coating go well beyond just enhancing the visual aesthetics. The EIFS walls now have an elastomeric weatherproof barrier protecting the walls from environmental conditions. The exceptional flexibility of AF-135 wall coating and the ability to expand and contract with temperature changes ensures that the protective barrier coating will remain intact and will provide long-term durable protection.
