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.
Many historic buildings, for example, often include hand-carved wood cornices, trim, and decorative profiles that define their character. Yet, while these original materials have lasted decades – or even centuries – wood is highly susceptible to moisture, rot, pests, and warping. The last thing we want to do is replace damaged wood with wood that may become damaged in the future, requiring yet another costly replacement.
Cement coated expanded polystyrene (EPS) provides a modern alternative that replicates the precision of original woodwork while significantly improving resilience and efficiency. For many architects and contractors, EPS is replacing traditional wood, balancing historical authenticity with modern building standards.
Challenges with Maintaining Historic Wood Elements
Wood is easy to shape and beautiful aesthetically. Yet it is also one of the least durable façade materials when exposed to outdoor conditions. Historic properties, in particular, tend to face ongoing maintenance issues such as:
- Moisture intrusion – Rain and humidity penetrate porous wood, causing swelling, cracking, and rot
- Insect damage – Termites and other wood-boring pests compromise structure and stability
- Paint failure – Repeated repainting and refinishing are required to maintain appearance and protection
- Dimensional changes – Temperature and humidity fluctuations lead to warping and joint separation
These issues not only increase maintenance costs but also threaten the architectural integrity of the structure. Wood is heavy and expensive, adding to the headaches associated with replacing damaged wood elements with no wood.
How Cement Coated EPS Replicates Historic Detail
Replacing deteriorated elements with cement coated EPS allows preservation of design details while minimizing these recurring problems.
Cement coated EPS is engineered to provide precise architectural reproduction. Using digital modeling or molds taken directly from existing components, manufacturers can recreate intricate profiles – cornices, moldings, brackets, and trim – with remarkable accuracy. The EPS core is lightweight and dimensionally stable, while the cementitious coating gives each piece a hard, weather-resistant surface.
This combination of materials allows for authentic replication without compromising on longevity. Unlike wood, EPS will not expand, contract, or decay. Once installed and sealed, it provides a consistent appearance that can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Performance Advantages Over Wood
When compared directly to historic wood elements, cement coated EPS offers substantial performance benefits:
- Moisture resistance – The cement coating forms a water-resistant barrier that prevents swelling and rot
- Impact durability – The hardened surface resists cracking and chipping under normal conditions
- Lightweight installation – EPS weighs significantly less than wood, reducing load on older structures
- Energy efficiency – The EPS core contributes to thermal insulation, improving overall building performance
- Design flexibility – Profiles can be matched exactly or updated to meet current codes and design goals
These benefits make EPS particularly effective for restorations in climates with heavy rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, or high humidity – conditions where wood often fails first.
Respecting Historical Character While Modernizing Performance
Architectural restoration involves more than simply replicating appearance; it requires maintaining the building’s historical authenticity. Cement coated EPS allows designers and contractors to preserve the look of the original façade while integrating a modern material system that reduces long-term maintenance and energy costs.
Because EPS profiles can be finished with paint or stucco coatings that match the texture of traditional materials, the transition is visually seamless. The façade retains its architectural heritage while gaining strength, durability, and insulation value.
A Sustainable and Economical Solution
Replacing deteriorated wood with cement coated EPS is also a sustainable decision. EPS production has a lower environmental impact than harvesting and milling hardwoods, and the long lifespan of the material means fewer replacements over time. In addition, reduced maintenance needs translate to fewer repainting cycles, less waste, and lower lifecycle costs.
Restoring the Past with the Durability of the Future
For owners, architects, and restoration specialists, cement coated EPS provides a practical balance between preservation and performance. It respects the historical details that make a building unique while addressing the long-term realities of exposure, moisture, and maintenance.
For more information about cement coated EPS, please reach out to PW Profiles, today.
