Integrity windows and doors are made with Ultrex®, a pultruded fiberglass they’ve patented that outperforms and outlasts vinyl, roll-form aluminum and other fiberglass composites. Using Ultrex and their proprietary pultrusion process to manufacture high-demand windows and doors that endure all elements without showing age or wear.
Drywalls
The nail fin installation allows for two methods of the window to interface against the interior finishes. Method #1 is for the window to rest on top of the existing interior finishes, the same method in which most all other replacement widows with trim are installed. The new windows are sized slightly smaller than the existing windows being replaced, because they are sized to the interior finishes (drywall, plaster or wood) and not the framing as the original widows were, but this allows for minimal disruption of the interior finishes. Method #2 is to install the new window against the framing, the same way the initial window was installed when the home was built. In newly built homes, the windows are first installed against the wood framing (with a minimal gap) and then the finishes (typically drywall or plaster) applied and abutted against the window frame. Because new window frames are typically thicker than older ones, method #2 requires a slight cut back of the interior finishes that abut to the new window frame and then caulked. Method #2 provides for a minimal caulk joint on the interior, and provides the maximum allowable size for the window, but at an additional cost.
Framing
Bob Reule and his staff worked with me throughout the entire process, While I knew that the house needed new stucco and the color needed updating I was not certain of much else. Bob and Jay, one of his staff, were extremely helpful and patient in helping me with color choices for the stucco and the trim. As so often happens with older homes, as they progressed with the prep work, it became apparent that some other things also needed attention. I ended up replacing three exterior doors in the back of the house prior to the re-stuccoing. As a result, the Reule staff had to coordinate their work with additional workmen. It required adjustments in scheduling, but they were very cooperative in doing so. Reule did the re-framing and installation of a new side side door in the garage, replacing an old weathered door.
Skylight Repair/Replacement
Whether it‘s El Rey, Sto, Drivit, Parex or Synergy stucco products to Marvin, Anderson and Semco windows - doors or Velux skylights, you are certain to find the selection and quality you expect.
The Stucco Manufactures Association recommends that stucco systems, be panelized every 150 to 200 square feet to control cracking. This is generally accomplished with expansion joints during initial construction. This type of panelization is normally accomplished on commercial buildings, but due to aesthetic considerations, rarely seen on residential homes. Adobe style homes with parapets will generally not have any type of expansion joints installed. Panelizing the stucco allows for the stucco to move as a single unit, within the panel, while minimizing cracking. When stucco is applied to larger areas, it will generally crack to relieve the stresses generated within the material from, thermal expansion and contraction, wind loading, moisture freeze / thaw cycles and movement of foundations from tree roots, seasonal heaving and receding and settling during the first few years after a structure is built. Cracks will typically appear at the corners of windows and doors and can extend diagonally for a couple of feet. Areas of dissimilar materials such as the transition of block walls to a wood framed structures will experience different rates of expansion and contraction and usually a crack will develop at this interface. When room additions are constructed against an existing structure, it is common that that the new and old structures are not completely married and therefore movement will take place and a crack may develop at that interface. Many times cracking will develop at the “sill plate” which is were the house wall systems sit on the concrete foundation. These cracks are easy to identify as they will appear approximately six to twelve inches above the grade and extend perfectly horizontal, sometimes for many feet.
New Construction
Since 1958 the Reule family has been serving the needs of New Mexicans in the building industry. This broad range of experience, along with a GB-98 Commercial-Residential Construction License, provides the expertise required for the development of techniques and products, to withstand the rigors demanded for our New Mexico Living.
Test procedure #1: The object of this test is to test the window proper while isolating the stucco and the window to stucco interface out of the loop. Shut and latch the window. Using duct tape and 3m masking film or landscaping plastic, tape the plastic at the edge of the window frame and lap the plastic onto the stucco two to three feet. Tape the outside edge of the plastic onto the stucco. Strips of plastic can be used, starting horizontally at the windowsill, sides and top, making sure to overlap the sheets like shingles of a roof. Tape all of the overlapped plastic joints to create a seal. Make sure to keep the plastic film flat and avoid wrinkles in the film while applying the tape; so as to create a watertight seal. Apply a second layer of tape over the first layer and onto the stucco around the total perimeter to insure adhesion. Spray the entire window, assimilating a heavy rain for 20 minutes. Observe the interior of window and localized areas, around, under and along the baseboard, for moisture infiltration. Wipe off and dry window and frame.
Retaining Walls
The finished thickness of the ground coat shall be such that the mesh is fully embedded. Allow to dry prior to application of textured finish or primer. Note: Retaining walls must be properly waterproofed before application of Sto products to the exterior face of the retaining wall. Absolutely no exceptions.
Walkways
Mask all windows, doors, and ornamental details. Cover and protect shrubs, landscaping, drives, and walkways to maintain the beauty of your home’s exterior. Translucent plastic film over windows allows light to filter into your home. Plastic film also prevents etching of glass from cement patching products.
Window and door replacement is a natural upgrade when considering stucco refinishing. For over 35 years Reule has offered “Total Coordinated Installation” for combination window and stucco installations, and assumes the sole responsibility to insure a proper seal and aesthetic perfection for the blending of these products. The experts at Reule will provide helpful advice and personalized service to update your project while reflecting your style and complementing your décor.
Gutters
Once you have had a new stucco color coat applied, there are several preventative measures that will preserve the integrity and aesthetics of your stucco. As a matter of preventative maintenance, the “Homeowner Maintenance Tips “ (accompanying bulletin) should be followed. With cement stucco based products, water is the enemy. By redirecting sprinklers, adding gutters, installing down spouts and water diverters and generally keeping the water away from the stucco wall surfaces, your stucco should give you may years of trouble free performance.
Garage Door Repair/Replacement
The paint mixture designed to match the stucco color, turned out to not be an exact match for the garage doors and the trim around them. It took a few attempts, but Jay kept working with it and was able to come up with a paint "recipe" that matched the stucco.
Siding
For brick installations the window would be ordered without a nailing fin. We would measure as tight as possible to insure minimal gaps between the brick and window frame. We would either use a texture caulking to mimic the color and texture of the masonry grout joint or install a slim version of trim extension. For wood siding there are differing conditions, but many times we would be able to install a window nail fin and trim out the exterior with an appropriate wood trim.
Residential Roof Repair
Seal the number one problem for flat roofs – the transition from stucco to roofing. Eliminates nails, required by lathing, that can cause leaks.
Residential Roof Replacement/Installation
Note: Parapets and sills must be sloped to shed water. Terminations at windows or at roofing material must be properly flashed and/or caulked to prevent water infiltration behind the waterproofing application.
Roof Flashings
With an existing stucco system or even a newly applied cosmetic stucco color coat, the parapet requires annual homeowner maintenance to insure a trouble free system. Understanding that cement stucco will crack and roof flashings will breach, the following maintenance regiment is recommended; 1) Seal any visible cracks on the parapet with an acrylic/ silicone or a polyurethane caulking. Polyurethane caulk is preferred but a bit messier to work with. For additional caulking recommendations, please see the accompanying “Caulking of Stucco… Tech Bulletin”. Keep in mind that it is best not to extend the caulk too far over the front face of the parapet, where it will be visible from below and 2) Re-seal the roof flashing to the parapet. This is typically accomplished by applying plastic roof cement to any breaches or breaks that are evident at the stucco to parapet transition. A silver paint sprayed over the plastic roof cement will help to extend the life of the product.
Semco goes beyond traditional energy efficiency measures with features like dual pane glazing sealed twice for lasting integrity and foam filled sill envelopes for added insulation. Semco windows and patio doors give you year-round comfort with many variations of energy efficient Low E coatings, tailored uniquely to your needs.
Masonry
A. StoSilco Lastic - a silicone emulsion elastomeric flat paint for concrete, masonry, plaster or existing acrylic based textured finishes; for brush, roller or spray application. Minimum solids content shall be 60%. Dry mil thickness shall be 15-17 mils in two applications (prime coat and finish coat).
Caulking
Considering cracking will at some point in time occur to all stucco and synthetic stucco systems applied over a cementitious base, manufactures or contractors do not warranty against cracking. A successful regiment of water management and periodic maintenance should give one many years of durability and satisfaction, for a well applied product. For a crack repair procedure, please see the accompanying bulletin on “Caulking of Stucco…Tech Bulletin” or feel free to call us at 505-345-3200, if you have any further questions.