Most contractors who try architectural EPS for the first time do so because a project made it the practical choice — the weight of precast wasn’t going to work, or the lead time on stone was going to push the schedule, or the budget couldn’t support what the architect originally specified. They use EPS to […]
Why Contractors Who Switch to Architectural EPS Rarely Go Back to Anything Else Read More »
The cornice is one of the most defining details on a building’s exterior. It marks the transition between the wall and the roofline, provides visual weight and finish at the top of the facade, and signals the architectural intent of the whole design. When it’s done well, it looks like it belongs. When it’s missing,
Pilasters don’t get talked about as much as columns or cornices, but they show up on more buildings than most people realize. Any time you see a flat, column-like projection rising from a wall surface — framing a doorway, punctuating a facade at regular intervals, or adding vertical structure to an otherwise flat exterior —
Wood trim has been a go-to for decades. It’s familiar, it cuts cleanly, it paints well, and most carpenters can work with it in their sleep. But familiarity has a way of obscuring cost — and when you start adding up what wood trim actually demands across a full project, the number is rarely as
The Real Cost of Wood Trim — Why Contractors Are Switching to Architectural EPS Read More »
Architects designing projects in coastal regions or high-humidity climates face unique challenges. Salt air, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can dramatically impact material performance and longevity. Traditional materials like natural stone, precast concrete, and wood each react differently to coastal environments. Many architects don’t realize how significantly these conditions accelerate deterioration — or how alternatives like
Most multi-unit residential developments have a problem. The architect designs a beautiful facade with columns flanking each entryway, cornice details along the roofline, and window surrounds that give the building character. Then the estimator runs the numbers. Precast concrete for 40 identical column covers means extended lead times, serious shipping costs, and installation crews that
Why Multi-Unit Developers Choose Cement Coated EPS for Repetitive Facade Elements Read More »
Keystones hold a special place in architectural history. These wedge-shaped stones sit at the apex of an arch, traditionally serving as the final piece that locks all other stones into place and allows the arch to bear weight. For centuries, keystones were essential structural components — without them, arches would collapse. But keystones also became
Architects and designers that have tried cement coated EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) for architectural details typically love it. Our repeat client rate at PW Profiles is high, because once you’ve tried our products for yourself, it is typically easy to fall in love with it. That said, if you’ve never tried our products before, it’s easy
Why Cement Coated EPS May Be More Authentic Than You Think Read More »
Historic buildings need to be preserved. But they’re also just that: historic. They’re older, which means that they are more likely to have issues and, eventually, require repair. We want to preserve these buildings, but we also want to make sure that the materials that we use to replace damaged parts is going to last.
Why Replace Historic Wood Facades with Cement Coated EPS? Read More »
Architectural stone is one of the most popular materials in architecture. It is highly durable, beautiful, and highly appreciated option for many architectural products. It is also a constant challenge. These days, architects and contractors are looking for anything they can to save money and time, and stone provides none of those things. As many
Beyond Weight and Wait – How PW Profiles Exceeds Natural Stone Read More »
Architects choose architectural EPS for a variety of reasons. It is less expensive to install. It is weather resistant. It offers soundproofing and energy efficiency benefits. But one of the main concerns that people have about using a product like architectural EPS – even though our architectural EPS is cement coated – is durability. EPS
How Long Can Interior Cement Coated Architectural EPS Be Expected to Last? Read More »
As many states prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability, it becomes important to think outside the box, and consider materials you may not have otherwise worked with as a way create these “net zero” homes. One type of product that many architects are finding is the right choice for their needs is architectural EPS: cemented coated
Could Architectural EPS Be a Part of Net Zero Homes? Read More »
One of the things we emphasize here at PW Profiles is that, once an architect has chosen to try our products, they typically want to use them for *everything*. The reason for this is that Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), when coated in a cement layer, is lightweight, durable, cost effective, and extraordinarily easy to install –
How Can Architectural EPS Be Designed to Look Like Wood? Read More »
One thing that we say to builders that have never used architectural cement coated EPS before is that as soon as you try it, you’re going to find that it’s your favorite material – one that compares favorably to nearly any other product that you’ve used in the past. It is especially popular as an
The Differences Between Products Like Precast and Architectural EPS Read More »
Our emphasis here at Patterson Whittaker is that we believe – and can prove – that our products are typically ideal replacements for everything from stone to precast to GFRC and more. They are lighter weight. They are less prone to weather damage. They have shorter overall costs and a short lead time. But of
Specialty Finishes and Applications for Architectural EPS Products Read More »
Durability and longevity are a concern among most architects. But even the most seasoned architects sometimes get it wrong. For example, we were recently called to fix a project for a property that had been renovated only a few years ago. The property used limestone – a natural stone that the original builders assumed would
“Natural Stone” May Not Last as Long as You Think Read More »
