The Greener Exterior Finish: With zero VOCs, TESS Finish exceeds strictest air
quality requirements
Green building refers to sustainable building practices that demonstrate a commitment to
protecting the health of our environment. Chief among green building concerns
is the use of naturally renewable or recycled materials that are obtained
locally, do the least possible environmental harm throughout the life cycle,
and perform well over time. Green building yields immediate and long-term
benefits in care and cost. Not surprisingly, these practices also increase the
value of any building.
TESS Finish, when used in EIFS and One Coat Stucco applications, offers a
greener alternative to synthetic (acrylic) stucco finishes. TESS cladding has
been designed from the ground up to eliminate or substantially reduce
environmental hazards, transportation, storage and maintenance costs, and
performance problems associated with acrylic and stucco finishes.
So why is TESS Finish the greener alternative to synthetic stucco finishes?
Zero VOCs, zero solvents,
non-toxic
TESS Finish is cementitious. It is made without harmful solvents and “cures” without emitting any VOCs at all. Even “low VOC” acrylic finishes can release up to 2 pounds of VOCs per pail while “drying”. Acrylic finishes often contain environmentally harmful solvents, glycols,
coalescent agents and poisonous biocides that can leach into the environment.
The antimicrobial coating in acrylic finishes kills fungi by releasing poisonous
biocides from the curing film; when the biocide has leached out, all protection
is lost. To maintain antimicrobial protection, new coatings must be reapplied
in 2-5 years, and sometimes in as little as 18 months—and each recoating emits more VOCs into the atmosphere.
TESS Finish and Primer contain a non-toxic antimicrobial agent that protects for more than 10 years without leaching into the environment.
Formulated Solutions LLC • 25-44 Borough Place • Woodside, NY 11377 • Tel 1 718 267 6380
® TESS and Duracide are registered trademarks and the Green by Design symbol is a
trademark of Formulated Solutions LLC. © 2010 Formulated Solutions LLC.
