Tag Archives: Vapor barrier

Specifying metal rainscreen assemblies

Metal can be formed into several shapes, sizes, colors, and textures to meet almost any aesthetic. If specified correctly, the assembly will last for the life of the building with very few issues. Three broad categories—composites, insulated metal panels (IMPs), and single-skin—of metal rainscreens are widely used.

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The air/vapor barrier must die

As manufacturers introduce materials with new properties and attempt to push the boundaries of building envelope construction, it is crucial the industry agrees on terminology for communicating the specific functions and purpose of these materials to avoid confusion and costly errors. In this regard, the term ‘air/vapor barrier’ is misleading and should be replaced with more appropriate terminology.

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Employing PSA tapes in HVAC applications

Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape is actually a multifaceted and versatile product with usage going beyond its more understood “stickiness.” PSA tape technologies have properties for insulating a building from environmental events such as precipitation, vapor ingress, extreme cold and heat, as well as external noise.

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Washington child care center mitigates risk of vapor intrusion

As is the case with many buildings, a national chain of early childhood education centers chose the location of its Washington D.C. project on a site known to have soil and groundwater contamination as a result of the property’s former uses. The specifier included a vapor intrusion mitigation system in the project’s design plans to ensure the safety of the buildings’ occupants.

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