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EIFS — Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems — is one of the most common exterior wall assemblies on commercial and multifamily residential buildings constructed over the past several decades. It’s prevalent in the same project types where EPS architectural profiles are most commonly specified: mid-rise commercial, retail, hospitality, and multifamily residential construction where exterior detailing […]

Most disputes about whether architectural profiles look right on a finished building come down to the same thing: the profiles were too small. The cornice that looked correct on a drawing, the window surround that seemed substantial in the spec book, the bracket that appeared well-proportioned at the product page scale — all of them

Patterson Whittaker’s cement coated architectural EPS profiles are designed to perform for the long term with very little intervention. When installed correctly on a proper substrate and maintained with basic periodic attention to sealant joints, repair is not something most contractors or building owners encounter. The material is lightweight, non-structural, and surface-applied — which means

Cement coated EPS profiles finish beautifully. They take paint cleanly, hold color well, and when the process is done correctly, the finished surface is indistinguishable from what you’d get with stone, precast, or traditional plaster. When the process is done incorrectly, problems show up — peeling, adhesion failure, surface cracking along paint lines, or finish

When architects and contractors compare architectural materials, the conversation usually focuses on appearance, durability, and installed cost. Shipping rarely gets the same attention — and for most material categories, that’s reasonable. For heavy architectural products, it’s a significant oversight. The weight of a material doesn’t just affect how it performs on a building. It shapes

Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles sends its products around the world. But we are also based on the West Coast of both Canada and the United States, which means we are uniquely aware of issues related to seismic zones. Seismic design considerations don’t stop at the structural frame. Architects and contractors working in California, British Columbia,

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

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

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

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

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.