Duracide: Non-toxic 10-Year Antimicrobial Agent in TESS Finish, Primer

What is Duracide?

Standard in all TESS finishes and primers, Duracide is a non-toxic, non-leaching inorganic biocide that effectively kills mold, mildew and algae for more than 10 years. That is 2 to 5 times longer than the leading synthetic (acrylic) stuccos—and Duracide is not harmful to the environment.

Inorganic Cement Stucco vs

Organic Acrylic Stucco

TESS finishes are inorganic cementitious products packaged as dry powders. Inorganic substances naturally resist mold, mildew and algae by depriving microbes of nutrients and water.

Synthetic (acrylic) stucco finishes are organic products packaged as liquids in pails. These liquids contain nutrients and water that inherently support microbial growth. In fact, liquid organic biocides must be added to pails of acrylic finish to prevent bacteria, mold, mildew and algae from growing in the pail.

Dust, microbes and moisture, however, exist everywhere and settle on every unprotected surface, including stone, metal and glass. Because dust contains nutrients that can support microbial growth, TESS finishes are impregnated with Duracide to prevent the unsightly establishment of potentially harmful microbial colonies, which also reduces the long term use of cleansers, water and energy required for cleaning.

Water-insoluble Duracide versus

Water-soluble Biocides

Duracide is water-insoluble, which means that it does not leach out of the finish with rainwater and washing. Duracide therefore retains its strength and cannot harm the environment.

Acrylic stuccos are imbued with water-soluble biocides that do leach out of the finish with rainwater and washing. These biocides lose efficacy as they continue to leach from the finish into the soil and groundwater. Additionally, biocides in acrylic stuccos are steadily released from the dry film until they are exhausted. When the biocide is completely gone, acrylic finishes begin to promote microbial growth unless a fresh coat of finish is applied.

ASTM D3274-95 and

ASTM 3274-00 Test Results

TESS Finish scores a perfect 10: No mold growth.

Leading acrylic stuccos score from 7 (medium mold growth) to 10, but typically last only 2-5 years as compared to TESS with Duracide, which lasts for 10 years or more.

Summary

TESS cladding with Duracide is a durable, high-performance cementitious exterior wall system that resists mold, mildew and algae typically 2 to 5 times longer than acrylic stuccos. As sanded acrylic paints, acrylic stuccos may require reapplication as often as every 18 months in order to retain their antimicrobial properties.