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There are many cladding options available on the markettoday, but choosing one that is right for your project can be a daunting task. Choices have to be made between the look, the performance, and the cost of the material, with one sometimes being sacrificed for another.  Natural brick is very beautiful, but a common complaint from designers is that efflorescence and vanadium staining can compromise the original design of a project, making the building appear dated and unsightly. Natural stone is also very aesthetically pleasing, but the weight of the material can be prohibitive to some projects, and can also be expensive.  

A new product on the market that addresses these issues is the Suretouch cladding system developed by Permacon. Premoulded insulated polystyrene panels are first installed onto the existing wall with anchors. The masonry is then popped into place and mortar is applied with a manual injection tool - the system has been simplified to the point where anyone with a basic understanding of construction can install it. Brick, stone or concrete options are available and the ease of installation keeps the costs down. 

A high insulation value of R-13.5, combined with recyclable panels, also makes the system and solid green building option. Water drains out through channels in the polystyrene and through weep holes at the bottom, preventing staining of the masonry.

For more information, please visit www.suretouch.ca, orwww.greenalberta.ca