The Top 8 Exterior Cladding Aesthetics using Acrylic Finishes
When designing the façade for a new build or restoration project, architects are really only limited by their own creativity. Modern technology and building materials enable countless aesthetic options from historical stone structures to contemporary high-rises and anywhere in between, all with the high-performance and energy efficiency that comes with continuous insulation (CI).
Acrylic coatings easily cover CI systems for a lightweight solution with infinite cosmetic versatility. Check out our picks for the top 8 aesthetics that are feasible with these exterior finishes:
Metal panels offer a clean, modern appearance, but can be heavy. As an alternative, acrylic finishes can create a realistic-looking metallic finish at a fraction of the weight and cost. From hammered copper to smooth reflective reds, the possibilities are endless.
While traditional homes may have wood siding, wood is not an ideal cladding material due to its vulnerability to termites, fire, and moisture. The look of wood is attainable though with some creative craftsmanship and acrylic coatings. The colors and grain pattern are indistinguishable from real wood and can replicate ash, cedar, dark walnut and many other species.
For larger buildings that want the smooth appearance of stone on entryway columns or their entire façade, EIFS with a stone appearance are significantly less expensive and less labor-intensive. Custom colors and sizes are available so designers and building owners can achieve the exact aesthetic they want with added insulative qualities, moisture management and impact resistance. These architectural finishes may also be applied over existing masonry, stucco, precast or cast-in-place concrete, as well as many other substrates for an instant upgrade to the building's façade.
For the appearance of traditional clay brick without the expensive support requirements and protracted installation time, there are various alternatives that offer the same texture and color with all the benefits of a continuous insulation assembly. These methods, such as insulated brick veneers, significantly reduce freight, labor and necessary jobsite equipment.
A talented plaster artist can create the look of granite with acrylic finishes so a building owner may choose to opt for a crack-resistant acrylic finish that blends natural aggregates like quartz, minerals, and mica for the appearance of granite at a fraction of the cost.
For the unique look of oxidized metal without the structural concerns, designers can choose hydrophobic acrylic finishes that couple the look of weathered steel in various shades with long-term durability.
New construction or restoration projects seeking an old-world plaster aesthetic can achieve that “antique” look with a range of acrylic glazes and multiple application techniques that offer a depth of color and texture.
Any variety of the finishes can be used together on the same structure to increase architectural interest. Both residential and commercial structures can take advantage of the aesthetic versatility by mixing and matching colors and textures for a one-of-a-kind façade. Trial out any combination using Dryvit's Building Visualizer Tool.
Regardless of the exterior aesthetic desired, acrylic coatings over continuous insulation systems can offer infinite design possibilities with superior durability, energy-efficiency and labor-savings. You can restore a historical building to its original glory with enhanced performance or make a statement with a modern new construction with eye-catching colors and textures. Traditional building materials such as metal, wood, stone, brick and granite can all be replaced on the façade with better performing, lightweight and equally beautiful alternatives.
