LEEDing the way
By Carol Park
Following a tradition of excellence and innovation, Orange-based Merlex Stucco Inc. is proud to present Poly Prep green, its newest product in a line of quality adhesives and coatings.
Materials used in Poly Prep green are 90 percent extracted within 100 miles of Orange. That makes the adhesive qualified for LEED credit. Poly Prep is also made with 10 percent recycled content.
"I knew that going green was going to be the next big thing in our industry and having renewable and recyclable resources was going to be important," said Susan VerBurg, Merlex Stucco president and chief executive officer. "We're working very hard on building all of our products into green products."
Poly Prep is a coating and adhesive for EPS shapes. When those shapes are coated with Poly Prep, they have a higher strength and a high bond. Poly Prep is versatile and can be applied by hand or machine. The coating comes in one bag and all that needs to be added is water.
"It's easy to use," VerBurg said.
Although Poly Prep is used mainly as a coating and adhesive, it can be used as a base coat for stucco or lime plasters to ensure a perfect finish.
"It's not the normal thing to do, but it has been done," VerBurg said. "Poly Prep can also be used as another coat to apply Merlex Stucco's Santa Barbara Finish; it gives a better look with the smooth coat stucco."
Poly Prep can be used in tilt up buildings, precast panels and concrete blocks. The adhesive will be the first of many green products Merlex plans to offer in the future.
"We've always been a leader in introducing new colors and new products and keeping our company up-to-date and always looking for new ways and new products to enhance our industry," VerBurg said. "We're dedicated to that."
Merlex is one of the largest suppliers of stucco, waterproofing and restoration materials in Southern California. Merlex also boasts one of the finest color labs in the industry. Merlex can match any color as long as there is a physical sample.
The company was founded in 1963 by Susan's father, Merle VerBurg.
Not only has Susan followed in her father's footsteps, she expanded the company in 2001 when she founded subsidiary Vero-Rialto. Vero provides the finest Venetian plaster products.
Today, Merlex Stucco operates light manufacturing facilities and a warehouse in Banning and Pacoima as well as its main offices in Orange.
"We are very committed to our products and services," VerBurg said. "We are always looking for smarter, better ways to do business but not at the expense of the quality of our products."
To find out more about Poly Prep green visit www.merlex.com or call Nick Brown at 714-637-1700. Or you can e-mail Merlex Stucco at service@merlex.com.
April 2008 Issue