A Look at the Downsides of Liquid Air Barriers
Climate concerns, heightened installation requirements, and overall costs are just some of the disadvantages to liquid air barriers.
Resource Type: Article
The Damaging Effects of UV Exposure on Air- and Water-Resistive Membranes
Despite ‘manufacturer recommendations,’ the long-term durability of most air- and water-resistive barriers is significantly reduced by heavy UV exposure.
How To Avoid Problems When Installing Wood Flooring Over Concrete
Improper planning and other factors can lead to major damage in floors. What many people don’t realize is that a high-quality and durable floor doesn’t start with the flooring material itself, but instead with the foundation. Using techniques to seal moisture out of the foundation is the first step to building up a home or […]
Ashrae 90.1 Standard for Building Envelopes
First appearing in 1975, an updated Ashrae 90.1 energy standard for all but low-rise residential buildings comes out every 3 years. Taking into account current technology and life cycle cost, Ashrae 90.1 establishes minimum energy efficiency requirements for building design and operation including building envelopes (as of 2007). Ashrae 90.1 Currently, the Ashrae 90.1 uses the 8 […]
Overcoming House Wrap Issues With Self-adhered Membranes
Many businesses might not be in the habit of sharing the benefits of a competitor’s product. Occasionally, however, they offer information of which one should consider. We’ve been lauding the benefits of using self-adhered air barriers as opposed to mechanically-attached house wraps for some time now. We’d like to refer you to an infographic posted by Grace Construction Products, […]
5 Common House Wrap Problems and How to Overcome Them
Just because mechanically-fastened house wrap is one of the most common moisture barriers used, doesn’t mean it’s one of the best methods.
Building Envelope and Air Barrier Systems Technical Guide
Most people think of technical guides as just information about products. However, the new air barrier systems technical guide, from Dörken, is full of educational information about air barrier systems that can be used by anyone. It is a valuable educational tool for people in the industry, including architects, contractors, and specifiers. The guide starts […]
Don’t Let Windows Become a Weak Point for Your Rain Penetration Systems
Regardless of which rain penetration systems are used, windows and doors must be drained. Most failures to control rainwater occur at windows. Some windows come with drainage pans or tracks which are part of their design. These alone are not enough to stop rainwater penetration. Most leaks occur between the window frame and the window […]
The Architect’s Guide to Air Barrier Systems
Architects are busy. Not only do they have to design buildings, envision their performance, and specify products that help them meet their design goals, they also have to keep up with building industry developments. Architects must also take classes, workshops, and seminars in order to maintain their professional license. Even a layperson can see that […]
The Perfect Wall; Applying Science to the Building Enclosure
In High Performance Building Enclosures, Dr. John Straube outlines the ‘ideal’ wall for the purpose of helping designers conceptualize how a building enclosure’s components should work together as a system. The sequence of layers represents a conceptual, climate-neutral approach with a scientific placement of the control layers that shows designers clearly how they interact and […]
