The Quikrete Companies, the leading manufacturer of pre-blended commercial-grade concrete products, is helping maximize jobsite productivity and profitability with the introduction of Quikrete Lightweight Fiberglass Reinforced Stucco (FRS). Recently granted IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) Evaluation Report ER-0455, Quikrete Lightweight FRS is 35 percent lighter than traditional pre-blended stuccos making it easier and faster to transport, stage, mix, pump, place and finish. In addition, Quikrete Lightweight FRS is one-hour fire rated and contributes to U.S. Green Building Council LEED credits.

“The issuance of ER-0455 is a significant milestone for Quikrete and the plastering industry as a whole,” said Mike Griffin, National Sales Manager Wall Systems for The Quikrete Companies. “This code approval allows architects, contractors, specifiers, and designers to construct high-quality wall systems more efficiently using the lightest and most sustainable stucco on the market. Working with lighter bags decreases fatigue, increases speed and prevents mistakes improving overall productivity on jobs. Combined with unmatched durability, flexibility, workability, coverage area and ease-of-application, Quikrete Lightweight FRS will keep jobs on time and in budget with minimal call backs. It’s truly a game-changing new product.”

Quikrete Lightweight FRS is a Portland cement-based plaster blended with recycled, coated Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) beads, uniformly graded sand, and alkali-resistant glass fibers. Ideal for expediting any residential, commercial or industrial stucco project, Quikrete Lightweight FRS is available in 50-pound bags and 1,950-pound bulk bags that can be troweled or spray applied on traditional three coat scratch, brown and finish systems from 3/8 inch to 7/8 inch as well as one coat systems. One 50-pound bag yields the equivalent coverage area of a traditional 80-pound bag of pre-blended stucco.

Products recognized with an IAPMO UES Evaluation Report have successfully undergone evaluation based on applicable requirements within the Uniform Family of Codes and the International Family of Codes, as well as codes published by other entities. ER-0455 refers to the 2015, 2012, 2009 and 2006 editions of both the International Building Code (IBC), and the International Residential Code (IRC), along with the 2016 edition of the California Building Code (CBC) and California Residential Code (CRC) for Quikrete Lightweight FRS in applicable code requirements.

“Quikrete can now reference its ER-0455 for their Quikrete Lightweight FRS to ensure that code officials quickly have the information required for their decision on approval. Our program also stands out because of stellar customer service and the utilization of in-house staff along with the technical expertise of professional engineering firms, who are leaders in each area of recognition,” explained UES Vice President Richard Beck, PE, CBO, MCP.

Quikrete commercial-grade stucco materials have been used on many high-profile, landmark building and refurbishing projects like SeaWorld Pacific Point Preserve, Omni Nashville Hotel, The Broadmoor, U.S. Capitol and Statue of Liberty. More information on Quikrete stucco products is available at

Built upon IAPMO’s more than 70 years of experience in evaluating products for code compliance, the UES program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and operates under ISO/IEC Guide 65, “General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems.” IAPMO’s UES offers a full range of recognition opportunities, including recognition for the applicable national model codes, as well as Florida, California, and various other state codes. By combining all of these recognitions into one concise report prepared by an internationally recognized product certification body, the UES program reduces cost and increases value.