Selection of Air Barrier Membranes – What to Consider

Track 2: Design Professionals

Wednesday, March 27, 1:00 – 2:00pm

Air barrier membranes have become a common component in modern construction.  However, there are a variety of options, differing in method of installation as well as performance properties.  This presentation focuses on some of the selection criteria that should be considered when determining which air barrier membrane should be used for your project, focusing on installation methods and basic properties.  Additionally, the presentation will review several “rules of thumb” such as minimum mil thickness, vapor retarder location, and material compatibility that are often misconstrued.  Lastly, the presentation will touch on the importance of evaluating air barrier properties in the context of the material properties of the overall wall assembly.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to identify recent Code changes that should be considered when selecting air barrier membranes.
  2. Participants will be able to identify common building conditions that should be considered when determining the air barrier materials for a project.
  3. Participants will be able to examine components of wall assemblies to identify material properties that should be considered when evaluating air barrier properties.
  4. Participants will be able to analyze material properties of air barrier membranes to determine important characteristics that should be included in Project Specifications.
Level of content:
Basic
100%
Audience:
Construction
0%
Design Professionals
100%
Testing & Inspection
0%

Andrew Wagner

WDP & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Mr. Andrew Wagner is currently the Charlottesville, Virginia Divisional Manager with WDP & Associates Consulting Engineers. He performs and manages architectural, structural and material engineering activities. He specializes in facade restoration and repair, building envelope design and detailing, fenestration specification and testing, submittal and construction document review, construction observation and review, air barrier audits for the Air Barrier Association of America and a member of ASTM E06 committee on the Performance of Buildings. Mr. Wagner’s education includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering in 2007 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and is currently licensed as a civil engineer in the state of Virginia.