Thin-clad stone system delivers hurricane protection in Florida
The 2022 hurricane season began quietly enough yet ended in wrathful fashion with two major hurricanes – Fiona and Ian. While Ian devastated areas in the Caribbean and the western coast of Florida, Fiona’s wrath extended far northeast, to cause catastrophic damage in Atlantic Canada. And 2023 promises more extreme weather: case in point, blizzard conditions in Los Angeles. This new norm of extreme weather events has many planning bodies kicking into gear to mitigate catastrophic damage.
Our thin-clad stone stands up to North America’s toughest building code
In hurricane-prone Florida, administrators took concrete steps several years ago to toughen its building codes. In 2017, the 6th Edition Florida Building Code (FBC) included designation of a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) which covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties. This ground-breaking code requires exterior cladding to withstand damage in 202.5 mph winds. (The 2020 Florida Building Code update maintained this part of its code).
In 2018, Arriscraft, together with Laticrete®, submitted its thin-clad stone exterior cladding system to this most rigorous testing with the Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources. This inherently strong wall system consists of steel/wood stud (with concrete backer board) or concrete wall (poured or CMU), Laticrete Air and Water Barrier, Hi-Bond masonry veneer mortar and Arriscraft thin-clad calcium silicate stone. Testing concluded that our calcium-silicate materials, installed with Laticrete’s MVIS system, are approved for use in this hurricane zone. This certification qualifies for the Miami-Dade/Broward areas and down into the Florida Keys for Building Risk Categories I through to IV (essentially all buildings in all scenarios).
Camden Builders Inc. select Arriscraft thin-stone wall system
Camden Builders and Stantec Architecture selected the Florida Building Code-approved Arriscraft/Laticrete® wall system for a new apartment complex completed in 2022. Designers chose our beautiful Stack thin building stone for the lovely Camden Atlantic, a new 269-unit apartment complex in Plantation, FL. According to our Arriscraft representative, this well-known builder plans to consider the Arriscraft thin-clad wall system for future Camden property projects.
Stack thin building stone adheres like tile and delivers a full-bed masonry look. Like all Arriscraft stone, Stack will never fade, discolor, or need any maintenance – a sustainable and hassle-free choice for property management and a smart investment for owners.
Our hurricane protection comes in many styles and colors
Our extensive selection of thin stone styles, finishes and colors means that you never have to sacrifice on design options. Stack, Midtown, and Coastal thin building stone products are manufactured at our Fort Valley, GA plant and are available in a wide variety of designer colours, with finish and installation options as well. Our well-known ARRIS-tile thin stone is another stunning option for this approved thin-clad exterior wall system. Visit our Thin Masonry page and download our Thin Stone Selection brochure for an overview of products and standard colors.
Explore our full thin stone selection, including information on exterior wall systems, in our comprehensive Thin Clad Products Guide.
Have questions? We’re here to help. Email solutions@arriscraft.com