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Rapid Set® Eisenwall® — FAQs
Premium Cement for Exterior Plastering
Q: What is EISENWALL® and what makes it a "premium" grade plastering cement?
A: EISENWALL® premium plastering cement is a proprietary hydraulic cement blend used in exterior plastering applications where accelerated set times, higher strength, superior durability, enhanced impact resistance, and reduced cracking are desired.
Q: When / Why should EISENWALL® be used?
A: Any time it is desirable to save time and money and achieve a high quality, durable, crack-resistant exterior plaster finish is an ideal time for the use of EISENWALL® premium exterior plastering cement. Many contractors realize significant time savings on their construction schedule when using EISENWALL® cement. EISENWALL® is ideal for schools and other "high traffic" public institutions that require a highly durable and impact resistant exterior finish. See Cost Analysis, Technical Data, and Impact Resistance Testing.
Q: What special equipment/procedures are required for the application of EISENWALL®?
A: EISENWALL® is applied in much the same way as traditional plastic cements or Portland and lime. However, EISENWALL® has a shorter setting time and certain precautions need to be taken for optimum application. See Guidelines.
Q: Can EISENWALL® be mixed with Portland based plastic cement to enhance its properties?
A: While the Rapid Set® Cement used in the manufacture of EISENWALL® is compatible with virtually all Portland based plastic cements, mixing EISENWALL® with other plastering cements will decrease its performance and is not recommended.
Q: Can EISENWALL® be used for crack repair or window/door installation?
A: EISENWALL® is ideal for patching holes and cracks and repairing damaged plaster areas from installation and retrofit of new windows and doors. Remodeling contractors can achieve significant time savings when using EISENWALL®.
Q: Is EISENWALL® a "waterproof" plastering material?
A: The special chemistry of the Rapid Set® Cement used in the manufacture of EISENWALL® makes it highly water resistant. EISENWALL® also has very low permeability and is highly resistant to sulfate attack, outperforming typeV portland cements.
Q: Do I need special training or approval to use EISENWALL®?
A: While EISENWALL® is applied in much the same way as traditional plastic cements, minor training is desirable and applicators must be manufacturer approved. See our list of Approved Applicators.
Q: Can EISENWALL® be machine applied (sprayed)?
A: EISENWALL® can be applied by hand (trowel) and by machine. EISENWALL® contains special additives that make it easily workable by hand and ideal for pumping and gun spraying.
Q: What is the minimum/maximum placement thickness and associated coverage areas of EISENWALL®?
A: EISENWALL® can be placed in thicknesses from 3/8 in. to 2 in.+ in one coat. When gun applied it is sometimes desirable to place one coat and "double back" to achieve the desired thickness as soon as the first coat has achieved sufficient rigidity. Approximate coverage area for each 88-lb bag is 5 square yards at 7/8 in. thickness.
Q: Is EISENWALL® an approved plastering material?
A: EISENWALL® premium plastering cement is fully approved. EISENWALL® conforms to UBC 25-1 and is approved by ICC/ICBO ER-5102 and ICC/ICBO ER-5528. EISENWALL® is also approved by the city of Los Angeles, one of the most stringent approvals available. See the ICC/ICBO and UBC Approvals.
Q: What is the working time of EISENWALL® and can it be extended?
A: Under normal conditions (70 degrees F) the working time of EISENWALL® is approximately ninety minutes. During warmer weather or unusually windy conditions or when longer working time is needed the setting time of EISENWALL® can be extended with the addition of Rapid Set® Set Control®, or by using cooled sand and water. Use of warm or hot sand and water can will decrease the working time of EISENWALL®. See Rapid Set® Set Control®.
Q: Should I add lime to EISENWALL®?
A: Under no circumstances should lime be added to EISENWALL®. Lime significantly decreases the performance of EISENWALL® and could cause adverse effects.
Q: Are there any special requirements for sand or water?
A: Sand should be clean and free from deleterious amounts of loam, clay, silt, soluble salts and organic matter. High quality washed plaster sand is required. Water should be clean and free from deleterious amounts of silt and dissolved salts. For more details see Specification.