Fluid Applied Membrane Air Barrier

A fluid applied membrane air barrier from Henry Company will help you accomplish one of the essential priorities of a building – to keep the outside out and the inside in. Our fluid applied membrane air barriers help protect buildings from many of the problems that can impact their lifespans, such as moisture, air leakage, and more.

Advantages of fluid applied air barriers

There are a number of advantages associated with choosing to specify or install a fluid applied air barrier. Fluid applied air barriers create a monolithic membrane that eliminates the possibility of seams. They provide ease of installation when buildings include complex geometries, angle changes, multi-plane construction conditions and even embedded or pre-applied veneer anchors.

Also, fluid applied members are more ideal for substrates that might be rough or irregular. Many fluid applied membranes can also be spray applied, which can lead to easier and faster installation. Additionally, fluid applied membranes can even help keep a project on schedule or accelerate project timelines, as there are now products available with quick cure times and physical properties that prevent wash off when rain may be in the forecast.

Other considerations of fluid applied air barriers

One should also consider other characteristics of fluid applied air barrier membranes as it relates to your particular project. For example, the thickness of the application is dependent on the installer. While manufacturers offer mil gauges to help ensure material thickness requirements are met, at the end of the day this is still an operator dependent vulnerability. Additionally, weather can impact the installation time if there is impending rain in the forecast because cure times can be long, depending on the particular physical properties of the product being specified and installed.

Other considerations when selecting a fluid applied membrane are centered around spray application practices and equipment, such as operator expertise, spray equipment requirements and overspray to neighboring surfaces.

Choosing the right air barrier system

Making the right choice for an air barrier system can help speed construction and reduce costs. While choosing between a fluid applied and self-adhered membrane is one factor, one must consider other factors, including:

Climate zone – You must consider the climate zone in which the air barrier system will need to function, as each zone poses unique challenges.

Wall assembly design – With a variety of air barrier products designed to enhance indoor comfort in all climates, you will also have to factor wall assembly design into your decision. Important aspects of wall assembly design to consider include building performance requirements, substrate to which the air barrier will be applied, location of insulation, complex geometries and rough surfaces, compliant in various NFPA 285 assemblies, and avoiding condensation in the wall assembly.

Permeable or non-permeable – Both climate and wall design will play a role in deciding between a vapor impermeable or non-permeable air barrier.

A Henry Company trusted advisor can help you determine whether a self-adhered or fluid-applied air barrier will be better for your specific building. We will help you weigh the pros and cons to help you make the best decision.

If you have any questions regarding fluid applied membrane air barrier products from Henry Company, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Complete the form below to schedule a meeting, a schedule a meeting directly with one of our reps today.