Fluid Applied Air and Vapor Barriers offer a number of performance advantages over polymeric weather resistive barriers (building wraps), and traditional asphalt-impregnated felt or paper barriers. Fluid applied air and vapor barriers are used in all types of wall construction including over gypsum and cement-based sheathings, OSB, plywood, CMU, and prepared concrete. Most fluid applied barriers consist of:
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Joint and fastener treatment products that include options for treating sheathing joints, rough openings, inside and outside corners, and small cracks;
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Fabrics, meshes and tapes used in conjunction with the joint and fastener treatment products to reinforce the treated areas;
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A coating that is spray, roller, or trowel applied over the entire substrate.
When properly installed fluid applied air and vapor barriers:
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Effectively block air leakage, reducing energy cost and increasing occupant comfort;
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Reduce condensation through the wall ;
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Provide a seamless moisture barrier with no tears, holes, or lap joints;
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Protect the sheathing and rough openings from weather damage during and after construction;
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Will not lose their effectiveness due to long-term weather exposure;
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Will not blow off the wall during wind events.
Fluid applied air and vapor barriers provide the owner an effective and economical means of protecting the structure long-term. The use a fluid applied air and vapor barriers are recommended for a number of construction conditions and provide significant performance advantages. While fluid applied barriers offer a number of advantages, it’s important to understand that self-adhering membranes also offer benefits that should also be considered when determining the appropriate barrier for the project. Those advantages will be addressed in a future post.
Contact the air and vapor barrier experts at Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing for project specific questions, details and applications guidance. They may be reached at 888-229-2199 or technicalservices@ccw.carlisle.com .
For straight-forward information about how new wall assemblies containing plastic foam insulation and combustible weather barriers can meet tough new NFPA 285 standards, please visit fireresistccw.com.