Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Cross Country Supply on LinkedIn

Cross Country Supply on LinkedIn

LinkedIn
by: Laurel Rae Harmon
October 21st 2015


Cross Country Supply, Home of the EIFS Depot now has a LinkedIn Page which can be found here.
Cross Country Supply, Home of the EIFS Depot has been manufacturing, supplying, and distributing high-quality EIFS, stucco, and plaster products nationwide for over 10 years. Our line of TIQUE Quality Stucco Products are manufactured from the finest raw materials available to the Southeast.
Our most popular items include: Basecoat Adhesive, 100% Acrylic Stucco Finishes, EPS Foam Board, Fiberglass Mesh, Starter Track, TIQUE AquaGuard, Stucco Tapes, Architectural Shapes, tools and More.

100% Acrylic Stucco Finishes

Our TIQUE Stucco Finishes are 100% Acrylic and are made with the finest aggregates available.  TIQUE finishes are available in five textures: Fine, Medium, Coarse, Swirl, and The Big Worm.  TIQUE Acrylic Finishes can be tinted to most colors.  Cross Country Supply is able to make most Stucco Manufacturer colors, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore colors.  Call 866.375.9510 today for a TIQUE Color Chart or request one through our contact page here.

Basecoat Adhesive

Our TIQUE Basecoat Adhesive comes in either a 5 Gallon Bucket or a 50 Pound Bag. When purchased in a bucket, the addition of Portland Cement is required.  When purchased in a 50 Pound Bag, the addition of potable water is required.  TIQUE Basecoat Adhesive is smooth, creamy, and easily trowel-able with a great open time.  TIQUE Basecoat Adhesive is a key component to the TIQUEwall System.  For Pricing and coverage for TIQUE Basecoat Adhesive, check out our Basecoat Adhesive page here. Also available is our Economy Basecoat Adhesive.

Fiberglass Mesh

Our TIQUE Fiberglass Mesh is available in many sizes and weights and is available in standard, self adhesive, and supersoft.  Whether you need one roll or multiple pallets, we have most items in stock and ready to ship same day on orders placed before noon.  Fiberglass Mesh has many uses for multiple applications.  Fiberglass Mesh can be used in EIFS, mosiacs, carpet and tile backing, reinforcing concrete, concrete canoes, outdoor kitchens, terrazzo, counter tops, and more. Please call 866.375.9510 if you need help determining the weight or size mesh needed for your project.

1000’s of Products in Stock and Ready to Ship today!

Cross Country Supply, Home of the EIFS Depot to stock 1000’s of items directly from out warehouse to your work, home, or jobsite.  We are proud to offer same day shipping on in stock items ordered before noon. If you need something and don’t see it on the website just call, we may have it or may be able to get it for you.
Need a small order after hours or on weekends?  Consider buying our items on eBay if you need just one or two items or if you need to order after hours.  Pay with paypal.  It’s quick, easy and will ship same business day if ordered by noon or will ship the following business day if ordered after noon.  Check out our eBay store here.
For more information on our products available for sale, you can find more articles on our blog here.CCSLogoWphone



For specification sheets, technical data sheets, and SDS sheets of TIQUE Quality Stucco Products click here for the TIQUE Website.
Brought to you by the makers of TIQUE Quality Stucco Products
TIQUE Quality Stucco Products

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Mechanical Fasteners- For EIFS and Plaster

Mechanical Fasteners- For EIFS and Plaster

Mechanical Fasteners

By: Laurel Rae HarmonMarch 11, 2015


Mechanical Fastener BottomEIFS FASTENERfastenersEIFS_Washer


Mechanical Fasteners are primarily used when installing EIFS. (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) Mechanical fasteners are used to attach EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam board to plywood, OSB, and light metals and other approved substrates. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) and Polyisocyanurate foams can also be used in the place of EPS foam board. Mechanical fasteners are designed so the screw will pass through EPS foam and the washer will stop the head of the screw from passing completely though the foam board, countersinking the plastic stop washer and leaving the surface flush. This is very important because installers may need to rasp any uneven foam surfaces and then apply a layer of basecoat adhesive on top of the EPS foam board with a trowel and embed fiberglass mesh into the basecoat.

 Mechanical Fasteners are comprised of a pre-assembled galvanized steel screw that is coupled with a high density, impact resistant two inch plastic stop washer. The large diameter of the washer provides strong resistance to positive and negative wind loads. The recessed channel with the plastic closures over the top prevent moisture from passing through, bleeding of basecoat, and prevents thermal bridging, as well as covering the screw head so that there is a flush surface. The recessed area of the fastener makes it so very little basecoat adhesive to is needed to fill the indention in the EPS board.
When installing an EIFS system with mechanical fasteners, it is important that one use an air and moisture barrier such as Stucco wrap. In a system attached with adhesive, a roll on barrier is used which creates a membrane to protect the substrate from air and moisture vapor. A roll on barrier should not be used on a mechanically attached system because the screws penetrate the membrane therefore defeating the purpose of a water and air tight membrane. In addition to using a moisture barrier, an installer must be sure that areas around windows, doors, soffits, and the roof line are properly flashed.

 One significant advantage of using mechanical fasteners is that you do not have to wait a day for adhesive to dry as with a system that is attached with adhesive. An installer can attach the EPS foam, basecoat and install fiberglass mesh on the same day. Since the washer and screw are pre-assembled, a mechanically attached system can be installed fairly quickly. It is recommended by most manufacturers to use one fastener per square foot for proper strength.
.
When purchasing pre-assembled mechanical fasteners, the key is to buy a fastener with a screw length that is slightly longer than the thickness of your foam board. See chart below.



Foam ThicknessScrew Length
1″1-5/8″
1-1/2″2″
2″2-1/2″
2-1/2″3″


It is important to follow architect specifications, local building codes, and manufacturer’s recommendations when installing and EIFS system. Different regions may require either a system attached with adhesive, mechanically attached, or a combination of the two due to humidity, average temperature, and/or wind speeds. Some regions may need to be attached with both adhesive and fasteners.

Click here for information on purchasing Mechanical Fasteners

MOSAIC TILE USING FIBERGLASS MESH

MOSAIC TILE USING FIBERGLASS MESH

MOSAIC TILE

SEPTEMBER 23, 2014
BY LAUREL RAE HARMON
MOSAIC TILE IS AN ART FORM. THE TRULY CREATIVE ARE ABLE TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL FLOORS, BACK SPLASHES, TABLES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIVE ART FROM BROKEN PIECES OF TILE. SOME BUY CUT TILES, OTHERS SMASH UP TILES, SOME USE PEBBLES, SHELLS, OR COINS BUT THE RESULT IS THE SAME, ART FROM TINY PIECES OF TILE.
THE FIRST STEP IN MOSAIC TILE IS TO CREATE YOUR PATTERN ON A PIECE OF CARDBOARD, POSTER BOARD, DRYWALL, OR ANY FLAT SURFACE. THEN YOU WANT TO PLACE SELF-ADHESIVE FIBERGLASS MESHWITH THE STICKY SIDE UP OVER THE PATTERN. 2.12 OUNCE SELF-ADHESIVE MESH CAN BE USED FOR LIGHT WEIGHT LIKE SMALL SEA SHELLS AND TINY PEBBLES AND DELICATE DETAIL MOSAIC WORK.
 
 
Fiberglass Mesh
4.5 OZ MESH VS 2.12 OZ MESH
FOR HEAVIER TILE AND OBJECTS LIKE LARGER PEBBLES AND PENNIES 4.5 OUNCE SELF-ADHESIVE MESH.  4.5 OZ SELF ADHESIVE MESH IS USED FOR MOST MOSAIC TILE APPLICATIONS. SELF ADHESIVE MESH COMES IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT WIDTHS,THE ROLLS ALL COME IN 150′ IN LENGTH.  FOR COASTERS, 4″ IS USED.  FOR BACK SPLASHES, 12″ MESH IS THE MOST COMMON SIZE USED.  38″ INCH IS USED FOR FURNITURE AND DECORATIVE WALL ART.
 
Fiberglass Mesh
4.5 OZ SELF ADHESIVE FIBERGLASS MESH ROLLS
BEGIN BY LAYING YOUR TILES OVER THE PATTERN ON THE STICKY SIDE OF THE FIBERGLASS MESH. YOU WILL NOTICE THAT THE MESH WILL HOLD THE TILES IN PLACE AS YOU WORK AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE THE TILES AROUND AS YOU PLEASE.
Mosaic Tile
COINS ON 4.5 OZ. SELF ADHESIVE MESH
 
ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR TILES IN PLACES YOU WILL THEN USE MASKING TAPE TO COVER THE TOP OF THE TILES THAT YOU JUST PLACED UNTIL THEY ARE SECURE ENOUGH THAT YOU CAN FLIP YOUR PROJECT OVER SO THE BACK OF THE MESH (NON-STICKY SIDE) IS ON TOP.  SECURING TILES BY COVERING YOUR PROJECT WITH MASKING TAPE IS ALSO A GOOD THING TO DO IF YOU NEED TO STORE YOUR PROJECT, MOVE YOUR PROJECT TO ANOTHER SURFACE, OR ARE TRANSPORTING YOUR PROJECT TO ANOTHER LOCATION.
 
Tapes
MASKING TAPE
AFTER YOUR TILES ARE SECURE, YOU ARE NOW READY TO PERMANENTLY SET YOUR DESIGN. APPLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF CAULK, ADHESIVE OR LIQUID NAILS TO THE BACK (NON-STICKY SIDE) OF THE FIBERGLASS MESH. THE CAULKING SHOULD BE SPREAD WITH A PUTTY KNIFE AND SHOULD NOT GO THROUGH THE MESH.  USE JUST ENOUGH TO SECURE THE FIBERGLASS MESH TILE BUT NOT SO MUCH THAT IT SEEPS OUT BETWEEN THE TILES. MAKE SURE YOU LET YOUR CAULK, LIQUID NAILS, OR ADHESIVE THOROUGHLY DRY.
 
AFTER YOUR CAULKING IS DRY, YOU MAY TURN YOUR MOSAIC TILE OVER AND REMOVE THE MASKING TAPE FROM THE TOP OF THE TILE. YOUR MOSAIC TILE PATTERN IS NOW READY FOR ITS GROUT OR MASTIC.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PURCHASING SELF-ADHESIVE MESH.
IF YOU USE OUR MESH IN A MOSAIC TILE PROJECT AND SEND PICTURES TO WE WILL FEATURE YOUR PROJECT ON OUR FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
Featured Mosaic Tile using TIQUE Fiberglass Mesh
Mosaic Art by: Connie Williams
 
Mosaic Wall Art
MOSAIC WALL ART
Blue Crab Back Splash
MOSAIC TILE BACK SPLASH
Mosaic Tile Back Splash
MOSAIC TILE BACK SPLASH
SONY DSC

Attaching EIFS – Adhesively Attached or Mechanically Fastened

Attaching EIFS – Attached or Fastened?

Attaching EIFS – Adhesively Attached or Mechanically Fastened

By: Laurel Rae Harmon
April 6th 2015
Every day contractors call me to quote EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finishing System) materials or place an order for EIFS products. When I am trying to help a customer order enough materials for a project, one of the first questions I always ask is, “Is this project going to be mechanically fastened or adhesively attached?” I have come up with the phrase “glued or screwed” as when attaching EIFS, it can either be attached with basecoat adhesive (glued) or mechanically fastened (screwed). Most stucco contractors answer either way with a majority of systems being mechanically fastened.
But occasionally, when I ask if the system is to be adhesively attached or mechanically fastened (glued or screwed) I get the dead silence of confusion. Many old school contractors that have been doing stucco for years are very familiar with hard coat stucco applications but may be trying to install EIFS for the first time.
Part of determining whether your system should be adhesively attached or mechanically fastened (glued or screwed) is determining what material the substrate in which the system is being attached. Although the layers of EPS, Basecoat adhesive, and Finish are the same for an adhesively attached (Glued) and Mechanically Fastened (Screwed), there are a few slight differences in the application of the two systems.
In a Mechanically Fastened system (Screwed), pre-assembled mechanical fasteners consisting of a galvanized steel screw and a 2” Plastic stop washer are used to attach EPS Foam board to the substrate. Mechanical fasteners are able to penetrate OSB, plywood, chip board, and light metals. The screw length should be longer than the thickness of the EPS foam Board. A mechanically Fastened system requires a stucco wrap, Drainage Mat, or rain screen between the substrate and the EPS foam to prevent moisture from intruding into your system and damaging the substrate. 


Mechanical Fasteners
Mechanical Fasteners


In an Adhesively attached system (glued), EPS foam is secured to the substrate with the use of basecoat adhesive that is applied with a notched trowel forming a vertical drain plain. Unlike the Mechanically fastened system (Screwed), the adhesively attached system (Glued) requires a roll on secondary moisture vapor barrier, such as TIQUEguard. TiqueGuard can also be troweled on. The roll on barrier forms a membrane that protects the substrate from air and moisture intrusion. An adhesively attached (Glued) System can be done over dens glass, OSB, plywood, masonry, and other approved substrates.
notched trowel
Notched Trowel

Some contractors will used a combination of adhesive and mechanical fasteners in areas where there are high winds.  Some contractors even use a combination of the two, using both adhesive and fasteners. This can be done but one must keep in mind that if one is using a roll on secondary moisture vapor barrier, such as TIQUEguard, that fasteners will penetrate the membrane that is designed to keep water and air from damaging your substrate.  Click here for information about ordering TIQUEguard.


As always, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and architectural specifications when installing EIFS. Choosing adhesively attached (Glued) or mechanically fastened (Screwed) applications does not affect the look of the finished product. EIFS is an attractive and cost efficient exterior choice. Exterior insulation is a great way to save money on heating and cooling costs and lowers your carbon footprint. The use of architectural shapes and different colors and textures makes every EIFS installation unique. For a beautiful, customizable look that saves you money on heating and cooling choose and Exterior insulation finishing system!


For more information on purchasing EIFS materials for a screwed or glued system, call us today at 866.375.950. Our highly trained, friendly staff are here to help you.
We deliver fast and directly to the jobsite- cross country!!!
Cross Country Supply Logo
Home of the EIFS Depot

Basecoat Adhesive- Wet or Dry?

Basecoat Adhesive- Wet or Dry?


Wet Base or Dry Base? What’s the difference?
by Laurel  Rae Harmon
9/9/2014
Wet BasecoatDry Basecoat
In the EIFS application there are three layers: the EPS foam, the basecoat adhesive (which the fiberglass mesh is embedded into), and the finish coat. When customers are ordering supplies for EIFS, when it comes to basecoat the question comes up what’s the difference between Wet Base and Dry Base?
The short answer is they are both the same product but packaged differently. There are three components to Basecoat Adhesive.
1) Our secret proprietary mixture
2) Portland Cement
3) Water

Proprietary Mixture + Portland Cement + Water = Basecoat

When these three components are out together they form a smooth trowelable cementitious product. When are three are combined it does what cements do, harden. Therefore, we package basecoat two different ways, in buckets (Wet Base) and in bags. (Dry Base)

Wet Basecoat (Buckets)-Just add Portland

Covers 140-160 square feet

Proprietary Mixture + Water = Wet Basecoat

In a 5 Gallon bucket of Wetbase, our proprietary mixture and water and mixed together. If you remember, there are three components to Basecoat: Proprietary Mixture, Portland Cement, and Water. Therefore, when you are using Wet base you must divide the wetbase into two buckets, add half a bag of Portland cement to each bucket and mix with a jiffy-type mixer, let it stand for five minutes, then mix again for one minute and you are ready to trowel on the basecoat.

Dry Basecoat (Bags)-Just add Water

Covers 80-100 square feet

Proprietary Mixture + Portland Cement = Dry Basecoat

With a 50 pound bag of basecoat, open the bag and slowly pour mixture and one gallon of clean potable water into a 5 gallon pail while mixing. Add up to 1.5 quarts of additional water and continue to mix until homogenized. Allow to stand 5 minutes then remix for one minute. Final consistency should be very creamy, light, and easily trowelable.
I hope that clears up any questions about the difference between wet base and dry base.
Tique Basecoat adhesive for EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems) is proudly made in the USA. For more information, please call 866.375.9510.

EPS Foam- EIFS Foam


EPS Foam- EIFS Foam

Architectural Shapes

EPS Foam Board

by Laurel Rae Harmon                                                                                                 August 29th, 2014
Also called foam board, Expanded Polystyrene, insulation foam, aged foam board or the foam. The insulation board is attached to substrate in the EIFS application either with adhesive or Mechanical Fastener (GLUED OR SCREWED) depending on the type of substrate and the water barrier that is used in the system.  Make sure you read my blog about the two ways to attached EIFS.
OUR STYROFOAM EPS AGED BOARD IS COMPATIBLE WITH MULTIPLE MANUFACTURERS OF SYNTHETIC FINISH
IN ADDITION TO AESTHETIC APPEAL, EPS AGED BOARD PROVIDES NUMEROUS STRUCTURAL BENEFITS BY CREATING WEATHER TIGHT AIR SEALS, EASILY FILLING VOIDS, AND CREATING BARRIERS TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY.

Mechanically Fastened System

When the substrate is plywood, OSB, or dens glass and Tyvek stucco wrap is used, then the system would likely be attached with mechanical fasteners. Mechanical fasteners are screws with a 2″ plastic stop or plastic washer which will countersink into the EPS board without passing through the foam. Your fastener length should be slightly larger than your foam. If you are using 1″ foam, then you should use 1 5/8″ fasteners. If you are using 2″foam, then a 2 ½” fastener should be used.
Mechanically Fastened

Adhered (Stuck) System

When the substrate is concrete or masonry then the EPS board will be attached with basecoat adhesive. The basecoat adhesive should be applied with a notched trowel, thereby creating a vertical drain plane.
Also, if a roll on water vapor moisture barrier, such a TIQUEguard, is used then the EPS board should be attached with basecoat adhesive, even if the substrate is made of wood so that the barrier is not punctured with fasteners.
2ndary WVMB

Custom Shapes

EPS Foam Shape 2 Shape 3 Shape 4 shape 5
Custom shapes are used for trim, window sills, cornices, bands, headboards, starter corners, keystones, wall caps, brackets, moldings, columns, and other design elements. The shapes are cut from large foam billets with a hot wire machine from a detailed drawing that includes dimensions. Custom shapes are simple to order and affordable.
Shapes can be intricate or just a simple band.  Ask about our line of adhesives for adhering foam to foam.
Please call 866.375.9510 for more details on custom shapes.
EPS aged foam board is used mostly in the EIFS application as insulation which can be mechanically attached with mechanical fasteners or adhered with basecoat adhesive. EPS foam can also be cut into custom shapes for designs or for props for movie sets.

Why Buy TIQUE direct from Cross Country Supply, Home of the EIFS Depot

Why Buy TIQUE?

By Laurel Rae Harmon                                                                                              
August 20th, 2014

QUALITY

TIQUE is made from the finest products in the industry. Production adheres to strict guidelines and quality control testing to ensure a long lasting product.Tique, Qualtiy Stucco Products

PRICE

Our prices are less than the competitors while maintaining a high standard.  Our team is here to help you get the right products for your project.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We value our customers and are committed to delivering the best product for a great price.  Our sales team is highly trained in stucco and eifs applications.  Our sales team is waiting for your call. 866.375.9510

AVAILABILITY

1000’s of items in stock. Tique Products can be shipped anywhere in the United States and Canada for less than the competitors offerings.  Our 20,000 square foot warehouse has many products, too much to list!
We ship fast to your home, business, or job site!  Most items will ship same day if ordered before 1 pm EST.

Some of our most popular items include:

FIBERGLASS MESH – Standard, Supersoft, Self-Adhesive, Detail, and High Impact available.  Not sure what you what you need?  Request a sample.
AquaGuard – An elastomeric secondary all weather moisture and air barrier.Uses: Tique-Guard can be applied over a wide variety of substrates to provide secondary seamless weather barrier. Tique-Guard serves as a foundation for adhesive applications of EPS insulation boards.
MECHANICAL FASTENERS –  ARE USED TO ATTACH EPS AGED BOARD (FOAM) TO A WOOD SUBSTRATE IN THE EIFS APPLICATION.  OUR UNIQUE PLASTIC WASHER COUNTERSINKS INTO THE FOAM BUT KEEPS THE SCREW FROM PASSING THROUGH THE FOAM BOARD DURING INSTALLATION. Available in screw lengths from 1 5/8 inch – 3 inches.  Request a sample!
BASECOAT ADHESIVES –  ARE USED IN THE EIFS APPLICATION BETWEEN THE EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE BOARD (EPS INSULATION FOAM)  AND FINISH COAT, AND IS REINFORCED BY EMBEDDING FIBERGLASS MESH TO ADD STRENGTH.
EPS AGED FOAM BOARD – FOR EIFS IS THE STANDARD 24″ X 48″ WITH THICKNESS OPTIONS VARYING BETWEEN ½” AND 4″, AND IS FABRICATED FROM VIRGIN EPS BEADS THAT CONTAIN NO REGRIND OR RECYCLED CONTENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR EPS PRODUCTS AND CAPABILITIES IN EIFS APPLICATIONS, CONTACT A CROSS COUNTRY SUPPLY REPRESENTATIVE TODAY.
ACRYLIC FINISH –  Our finishes come in five textures: Fine, Medium, Coarse, Swirl, and Big Worm.  Acrylic Finish is designed to go over EIFS or Hard Coat Stucco Applications.  We can tint and color match!  CHECK OUT OUR COLOR AND TEXTURE PAGE HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 56 TIQUE COLORS.
Architectural Stone and Shapes – Adding Stone or an architectural shape can add beauty and originality to any residential or commercial building.  At Cross Country Supply we are proud to offer custom architectural shapes to order.  Whether you have columns, moldings, trim, sills, or design elements, we will custom cut shapes to your specifications.
Hard Coat Stucco – HARD COAT STUCCOS, ALSO KNOWN AS TRADITIONAL STUCCO CONSISTS OF METAL LATH, EMBEDDED IN SCRATCH AND BROWN COATS WITH A FINISH COAT AND REQUIRES EXPANSION JOINTS AND CASING AND CORNER BEADS.  THE FINISH COAT MAY BE TINTED OR PAINTED.  THIS DIFFERS FROM THE EIFS SYSTEM, ALSO KNOWN AS SYNTHETIC STUCCO WHICH IS COMPRISED OF EPS FOAM, FIBERGLASS MESH, BASECOAT ADHESIVE AND FINISH COAT.
EIFS Supplies, Tools, Tapes, Joint Compounds, Adhesives, Flashing and more!!!!
So much more!!!  If you need it and don’t have it, we will try to find it!

At Cross Country Supply, we strive to delivery a quality product quickly Cross Country!

Call today 866.375.9510

Moisture Prevention in EIFS

Moisture Prevention in EIFS ~

EIFS Diagram 4
Moisture Prevention in EIFS
by Laurel Rae Harmon
8/13/2014
In the past, EIFS has gotten a bad rap. This was thought to be due to EIFS being defective by design. But it was discovered that the problem was not limited to EIFS, but also to traditional hard coat stucco. The problem was improper installation and allowing moisture to penetrate the system through roof eaves and window/ door installations. That moisture was then stuck in the system allowing substrate deterioration. Moisture prevention is crucial to the application of EIFS and stucco systems.
There are a few ways to safeguard against moisture becoming trapped behind your EIFS. A roll on secondary moisture vapor barrier, such as TIQUEguard will protect your substrate from damage by moisture. After applying the Secondary Moisture Vapor Barrier, a drain plane made by using a notched trowel and applying basecoat adhesive should be created, using it to adhere your EPS insulation foam. (See Diagram). The use of a weeped starter track at the lower termination point is crucial to the completion of this system.
moisture prevention
The use of Tyvek stucco wrap between your wooden sheathing and EPS insulation foam will wick away any moisture, therefore protecting the wood from damage. Stucco wrap is attached to the substrate with mechanical fasteners. It is important to note that stucco wrap differs from house wrap in that house wrap is used for siding and improves air and moisture flow providing insulation, whereas stucco wrap is fluted and works as a drainage plane, forcing moisture out of the EIFS system. (See Diagram)
Tyvek wrap diagram 4
I highly recommend R.D. McClure’s article “Some simple facts about SYNTHETIC STUCCO. Evaluating the Facts. DO THE FACTS SUPPORT THE PERCEPTION? AN EXPERTS OPINION.”
http://www.rdmcclureco.com/simple-facts-about-synthetic-stucco.html




For more information call our highly trained sales team at 866.375.9510. At Cross Country Supply, we are proud to provide Quality Stucco Products manufactured in the USA.
For more information on TIQUE, Quality Stucco Products
For more information on buying moisture prevention products





Fiberglass Mesh- Who knew it was so useful?

Fiberglass Mesh- Who knew it was so useful?

By: Laurel Rae Harmon
March 18th, 2014
  Stone, Plaster, EIFS, Drywall, Basecoat, Basecoat Adhesive, Fiberglass Mesh, Atlanta, Cross Country Supply, EIFS Depot, Stucco, Mableton, Patch, Construction, Synthetic Stucco, Mesh, Cement, Fine, Finish, Medium, Swirl, Coarsefiberglass_mesh_5x5mm_small467 (1)Concrete Canoe Mesh 2Beach tote

There are many types of  Fiberglass Mesh and many useful ways to use it. 

Fiberglass Mesh comes in different sizes but most come in rolls of 150′ in length and vary by height; usually from 2″ tapes for seams and joints to 48″ for walls and floors.  The heavier the weight of the mesh, the more reinforcement it gives.   The most common sizes of Fiberglass Mesh is 2″, 4″, 9″, 12″, 38″, and 48″
Fiberglass Mesh for the EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System)   After attaching EPS Foam board, a layer of basecoat adhesive applied.  The MESH IS then EMBEDDED INTO A LAYER OF BASE COAT WHICH REINFORCES AND ADDS STRENGTH TO THE EIFS SYSTEM.  The final layer in the EIFS system is the Acrylic Stucco Finish Coat.
Fiberglass Mesh can also be used  for hanging and patching sheetrock and drywall.  It can be used when construction terrazzo basins.  Fiberglass Mesh is used in outdoor kitchens and substrate for flooring and carpet backing.  There are even concrete canoes and surf boards that used the mesh for reinforcement.  There are multitudes of uses for crafts.  Fiberglass Mesh is often the key element in creating mosaic artwork.  There are so many uses for Fiberglass Mesh it is impossible to list them all!!!
Fiberglass Mesh is the handy man and home improvement guru’s dream.  Fiberglass Mesh could be the greatest invention since duct tape.  It is great for fixing holes in drywall and sheetrock and masking and visible cracks that may show up in your walls.  But there are many applications for the DIY expert.  You can use it to repair or replace window screen. It also is great for substrate for flooring and carpet. 
Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular.  Often times rock and concretes are used in constructing outdoor kitchens.  A good stiff mesh is used in the cement to give strength to the concrete and prevent it from cracking.
Did you know that you can make concrete canoes and surfboards?  Universities use  Fiberglass Mesh for their concrete canoes.  Engineering schools enter concrete canoe competitions every year and use fiberglass mesh to reinforce the hull.  It seems like it would be impossible to have anything made of concrete float but the mesh is what gives the boat or board the strength and enforcement it requires while allowing a smaller amount of concrete to be used.  Concrete is ideal because it is durable and non porous.
Artists who work in mosaics love our Self Adhesive Fiberglass Mesh.  The Self Adhesive mesh is sticky and will hold tiles in place while still giving the artist the ability to move the tiles around, giving flexibility and ease to any tile mosaic project.  For the Pinterest junkie, one only need to type in fiberglass mesh to see cute beach totes made or mesh and ribbons, jewelry, earring holders, sculptures, planters, and even shoes.  Be sure to note that Fiberglass Mesh is made of glass fibers and is itchy.  If you are making a craft with fiberglass mesh that will be coming in contact with skin, it will need to be coated.
There are a lot of uses for Fiberglass Mesh, who knew?

For more information on purchasing Fiberglass Mesh, click here Or call us at 866.375.9510.