Intensive Testing Gives Approval for Use Under Multiple Exterior Claddings. Anaheim, CA – August 20, 2009 – ParexLahabra, the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra , El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko, today announced the expanded usage of their Water-resistive Barrier (WRB) line of products. Previously, ParexLahabra WRB products were limited to use under their EIFS and stucco assemblies only with limited substrates. After successfully conducting multiple tests, the use for these products has been approved for use under other exterior claddings and opening the range of substrates that can be used. "This is a major leap forward for our business," said Quenton Roehricht Brand Manager. "The significant advancement allows ParexLahabra to market its WRB and air barrier products to a larger range of customers. The liquid, water-resistive barrier, and air barrier markets are seeing phenomenal growth right now and we are excited to participate." "With the advancement of substrates and the excellent quality of raw materials used, in ParexLahabra products, we are excited to give warranties for the use of ParexLahabra Water-resistive Barriers under other façades and over many different substrates e.g. plywood, OSB, Densglass Gold(TM), etc.", said Robert Dickson, Technical Director for ParexLahabra. ParexLahabra liquid applied water-resistive barrier products are far superior to sheet based products. There is no risk of ripping or tearing, as with paper products, and liquid water-resistive barrier products are applied in a continuous layer. "These products may be used on a number of substrates including OSB," Roehricht commented. "This is a significant shift from ParexLahabra's prior position and a benefit for the applicator. We believe we have the best liquid applied water-resistive and air barrier products on the market". ParexLahabra's Water-resistive Barrier products are available in 5 gallon pails. About ParexLahabra Inc. ParexLahabra Inc. is the US based parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, La Habra Stucco, El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko. The product lines of ParexLahabra Inc. are designed for the, new/retrofit, construction of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. The 2002, ISO 9001-2000 certification of Parex helped to substantiate ParexLahabra Inc. as a leader in the building materials industry with over 80 years of combined experience in the US construction industry. For more information regarding ParexLahabra visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.parexlahabra.com.

Rapid Drying, Waterproofing and Crack isolation Membrane Saves Time & Money with the Environment in Mind. Anaheim, CA – August 18, 2009 – ParexLahabra, the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra , El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete Systems and Mer-Ko, today announced the launch of Mer-Krete Hydro Guard SP-1, a "Green" waterproofing membrane. Hydro Guard SP-1, a rapid-drying thin, load bearing waterproof and crack isolation membrane, is composed of modified elastomeric co-polymers. With excellent elongation, adhesion and high strength properties, the product is light green when applied and develops to a emerald green when dry. Hydro Guard SP-1 provides a 100% waterproof membrane that limits the transfer of substrate cracks to the finished ceramic or stone tile surface. Hydro Guard SP-1 is installed in a liquid state and can be applied to practically any form or irregular shape forming a monolithic waterproof barrier. "Hydro Guard SP-1 is a GREEN, low VOC, rapid drying waterproofing membrane developed to provide installers with application ease, LEED complaints, project versatility, and speed in both drying and flood testing", said Mark Cooke, Brand Manager for Mer-Krete Systems. "Hydro Guard SP-1 is the only product you need to achieve waterproofing and crack isolation protection. You can save time, save cost and literally go Green". Hydro-Guard SP-1 is for use in commercial buildings, residential housing and other areas requiring positive waterproofing like pools, fountains, spas, hot tubs, kitchens, countertops, balconies, tub surrounds, shower stalls and pans, under terrazzo, quarry, ceramic and stone tile. This membrane can be installed over any sound substrate, vertically or horizontally, interior and exterior. "There has been a lot of excitement for the launch of Hydro Guard SP-1". remarked Tim McDonald, Vice President of Sales for Mer-Krete Systems. "We didn't take out what made our products good. We added new technology that makes our products great!" About Mer-Krete Systems Mer-Krete Systems is a brand of ParexLahabra, Inc., the US based parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, La Habra, El Rey, Teifs, Surewall, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko. Under these brands ParexLahabra, Inc. manufactures EIFS, stucco, acrylic finishes, tile-setting and waterproofing materials for the construction of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. The 2002, ISO 9001-2000 certification helped to substantiate ParexLahabra, Inc. as a leader in the building materials industry with over 150 years of combined experience in the US construction industry. For more information regarding Mer-Krete Systems or ParexLahabra, Inc. visit www.merkrete.com and www.parexlahabra.com respectively.