Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/523530
EnduraMax system from Expocrete. Quality Stone from InStone Products Inc. 58 | J UNE 2015 Masonry that includes a full complement of masonry units. InsulTech achieves high thermal efficiency in a design combining a pre-assembled structural masonry unit, a moulded EPS insulation insert, and a thin veneer face. This results in design flexibility and ease of installation – the design also provides air tightness formed by the EPS inserts and compliant closed cell gasket material; additionally, internal stainless steel metal anchors moulded into EPS inserts ensure a connection to the back wall with wind- load resistance and fire integrity. "Yes, InsulTech costs more than traditional masonry systems, but that cost is more than made up by a reduction in labour time that addi- tional insulation and coatings for a traditional system would require," says Moroz. Also from Oldcastle and available through Expocrete is an integration of authen- tic Oldcastle stone and brick units into a continuous insulated foam layer: the EnduraMax High-Performance Wall System. EnduraMax is being touted as leading the way in the next generation of masonry products due to its ability to increase energy savings and manage moisture while adding beauty to a property's exterior. It accomplishes this via polystyrene insulation panels with pre-moulded cells (for masonry units). "EnduraMax is great for new construction but it's engineered to fit almost any existing struc- ture for use on an entire building or as an exterior accent in remod- elling projects," says Moroz. "The system has really taken off in Eastern Canada, partly because it allows builders to create a lot of different looks a lot more eas- ily." During application, a mor- tar gun or pump is used to apply EnduraMa x mor t ar bet ween the units; the insulation is fas- tened with its own screws flush against the substrate, with the foam acting as a design guide, a channel for water movement, and of course sound insulation. Even though masonry is being rediscovered, worthy alternatives to the material can help builders meet tight budgets or schedules. Such is the case with InStone Distribution Ltd.'s Quality Stone installer friendly panels, the most realistic yet easi- est to use faux stone panels currently on the market. The panels are simple to cut and handle (meaning less waste), but they create a seamless real stone look – to the point where the stacked stone application (extremely popular in high-end restau- rant settings) is indistinguishable from true masonry, even upon close inspection. EnduraMax system from Expocrete. It accomplishes this via polystyrene insulation panels with pre-moulded cells (for system has really taken off in Given masonry's growing appeal and range of systems, it's not surprising that the MIBC is constantly improving its design and technical support on behalf of archi- tects and engineers. Its open-access design manual online was updated last year with Structural Details, which focuses on roofs and floor systems, and where and how they connect to masonry structural walls; the MIBC website has since provided building sequencing layering as an aid to engineers. "We're getting great feedback on Details overall, and it's especially beneficial to young people entering the profes- sion," says McEwen. Ironically, Details' success has caused users to somewhat neglect MIBC's online technical manual. "So we're updating it with images, case studies and architectural elements," says McEwen. "It's a bit of a task, but it's wonderful to know that our sup- port is being sought by a growing body of young professionals. To me, it bodes well for the future of masonry." A PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY INSTONE PRODUCTS INC. ILLUSTRATION COURTESY EXPOCRETE CONCRETE PRODUCTS.