Cut Install Time by 30% with Weather-Resistive Barrier, Continuous Insulation, and Seam Sealing in One Integrated Panel

The residential construction industry is driven by demands for energy efficiency and faster construction cycles, leaving builders challenged to deliver increasingly sophisticated solutions amidst a shortage of skilled labor. Ideally, builders need options that improve energy efficiency without adding installation complexity, making innovations in building envelope solutions critical.

To weatherize and insulate a home, builders typically install a weather-resistive barrier and continuous insulation separately, delivering necessary moisture and air leakage and thermal performance to the home. Each layer requires the construction team to make one full pass around the home for a total of two separate trips, each with its own installation requirements. Add to this the handling of related materials like seam tapes, the time and skill involved in properly applying the tape, and repairing any worksite damage, the process becomes intensely time-consuming.

To solve these challenges, we’ve developed an innovative building envelope solution. Blueskin® VPTech™ integrates a weather-resistive barrier (WRB), R5 continuous insulation, and pre-applied seam sealing in one panel. With this single-step product, builders can significantly improve home energy efficiency, meet or exceed code requirements, and reduce installation time by up to 30%.*

 The Tech Behind Blueskin VPTech

To create the Blueskin VPTech integrated panel, we joined Blueskin VP100 WRB with Type II nominal 1” R5 GPS insulation and added a micro-perforated metallicized polymeric facer to the inside of the panel.  Pre-applied seam-sealing tape completes the design. A closer look at the individual components illustrates the contribution each makes to the panel’s overall weatherizing, insulating, and time-saving abilities.

• Exterior-Facing Layer: Blueskin VP100 Weather-Resistive Barrier

This premium vapor semi-permeable layer eliminates air gaps and water and moisture intrusion while allowing walls to breathe. This next generation air and water barrier self-seals around fasteners to protects the integrity of the seal, providing greater than 95% drainage efficiency per ASTM E2273.

• Middle Layer: Type II Nominal 1” R5 GPS Insulation

Type II R5 GPS is a high-performance insulating material that combines the properties of Type II EPS insulation with the enhanced thermal resistance provided by graphite particles. These particles help reflect and absorb radiant energy and provide long-term thermal resistance.

• Interior-Facing Layer: Micro-Perforated Metallicized Polymeric Facer

This final layer allows moisture to escape from the wall cavity and adds balance to the panel. With an overall moisture vapor permeance value of 1.83, Blueskin VPTech provides an optimal amount of breathability and prevents condensation that can lead to mold growth and wall rot.

• Pre-Applied Seam-Sealing Tape and Release Liner

Patent-pending integrated horizontal and vertical seam-sealing flaps make it quick and easy to seal panel to panel and around corners. All the installer has to do is remove the backing to expose the adhesive and press the overlay onto the adjacent panel to create a uniform air- and watertight seal.

By creating a continuous air barrier, Blueskin VPTech can help lower a home’s HERS® (Home Energy Rating System) Score and contribute to ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program requirements. For contractors and builders, this is a significant leap forward in building envelope installation efficiency and a notable improvement in home energy performance.

Installation Advantages

Integrated panel installation is a straightforward, comfortable process for builders with experience applying weather-resistive barriers and continuous insulation with mechanical fasteners. The integration of weatherization, insulation and seam-sealing tape dramatically simplifies installation, making it easy to train novice contractors and quickly get them up to speed. For contractors with less experienced teams, this can make more team members available to perform the task. For experienced builders, it can make the work move up to 30% faster.

Key considerations in the panel’s time-saving installation:

• Blueskin VPTech is designed for mechanical fastening to fully-sheathed, wood-framed Type V residential and multi-family construction.
• Panels are installed horizontally, starting at the lower left corner with the seam-sealing flap facing downward, proceeding in an intuitive pattern with the seam-sealing flap covering the joint of the panel below.
• Follow Blueskin VPTech with the installation of exterior cladding materials.

For residential builders, Blueskin VPTech represents a leap forward in delivering the energy efficiency homeowners want and codes require while also solving their own challenges on the jobsite. From easing the installation process to maintaining profitability and protecting a competitive edge, Blueskin VPTech is an innovation that’s poised to take builders to the next level.

For complete system installation instructions, including installation considerations, Blueskin VPTech system components, and warranty information, view the Blueskin VPTech System Installation Manual.

*During trials with independent building contractors, VPTech installed 30% faster compared to continuous insulation and WRB installed as separate components.