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 […]
Why Scale Matters More Than Style in Exterior Architectural Detail Read More »
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
What is the Repair Process Like for Cement Coated Architectural EPS? Read More »
One of our favorite projects of the past year is now complete. PW Profiles completed the architectural products for the VMP Catholic Church, and we’re thrilled to be able to add it to our portfolio of work. Take a look!
Completed Photos – Our Work with the VMP Catholic Church Read More »
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
Painting Cement Coated EPS Architectural Profiles — What Contractors Need to Know Read More »
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
How the Weight of Architectural Products Affects Shipping and Project Logistics Read More »
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,
How Cement Coated EPS Performs in Seismic Zones Read More »
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 »
