Stucco-Shield less than 1" in thickness must be installed over solid backing. Use code accepted shear or corner bracing in all cases such as 1x4 let-in or steel strapping. Stucco-Shield should be placed with the printed side toward the building and with the longest edge in a vertical position with edges on stud centers. Stud wall spacing of 16" o.c. does not require horizontal support; however, 24" o.c. stud spacing should have a horizontal 2" x 4" at mid-height to support the Stucco-Shield. Each board must be attached with galvanized or other corrosion-resistant fasteners with minimum 11/4" diameter rigid washer caps. Suitable fasteners should be placed no closer than 3/8" to the perimeter edges of Stucco-Shield, spaced 12" o.c. on all perimeters, including the top and bottom, as well as in the field of the board. Because the washer caps may extend beyond the edge of the board, it is better to butt the second board to the first board prior to nailing either one of the adjacent edges. Do not overdrive fasteners. Smooth shank fasteners (12 gauge min.) must penetrate wood studs a minimum of 11/2". Wood screws and ring shank nails (12 ga. min.) must penetrate wood studs a minimum of 1". Metal studs must be penetrated 3/4" with self tapping screws.

Caulking (as specified by the EIFS system manufacturer) should be used to seal field cut irregularities at joints and around wall penetrations to ensure a closed surface for the polymer stucco base coat. All requirements for control of thermal, mechanical, and/or structural movement must be as required by the synthetic stucco coatings manufacturer. Horizontal control joints are needed at floor junctures to compensate for construction lumber shrinkage. Be sure to consult the coating manufacturer.

Although Stucco-Shield is weather resistant, it should be coated with the system base coat within 2 weeks of installation. In the event Stucco-Shield becomes moist prior to application of the base coat, it must be allowed to completely air dry to ensure proper adhesion of the base coat. Keep dust and all other contaminants off the surface of Stucco-Shield.

Avoid unequal stress on the exterior walls by making sure all roofing materials are distributed equally on the roof and distribution of all interior gypsum board is completed prior to application of the base coat.

Atlas requires full mesh reinforcement in the base coat for best impact resistance and total system performance. Follow coating manufacturerÕs instructions regarding reinforcement mesh application. Expansion control joints are required at each floor level to accommodate the inherent movements of the framing materials.

SPECIAL NOTICE: When building in areas of high humidity, and where building codes require it, a code-approved vapor retarder should be used. Typical vapor retarders used include kraft-faced batt insulation or polyethylene sheeting of a specific thickness. Review your local building codes and model energy codes to determine the requirements in your area.

While Atlas´ sheathings are weather resistant, they are not designed for long term exterior exposure. Atlas recommends that they be covered with the permanent siding within 60 days of installation.

WARNING: These Products Will Burn. Do Not Leave Exposed. Atlas sheathing must have 1/2" gypsum wallboard, or other code-approved fire barrier, installed between it and the occupied area of a building.