FLUENCY Fragments | Fluid Applied Weather Barriers

As Architects our goal is to not only design beautiful, functional buildings, but also ensure that they stand the test of time. At a base level, a building is meant to keep outside elements (weather, water, etc.) out and inside elements (warm air, cool air, etc.) in. One of the biggest factors affecting the longevity of your building is damage stemming from moisture and air leakage. When we’re designing your commercial building, we will frequently recommend a fluid applied weather barrier as opposed to a traditional building wrap despite cost increases due to the protection it can offer.

Traditional polymeric weather barriers or building wraps are typically installed by tacking/nailing the material to the building, causing numerous penetration points for moisture and air to get in. When this happens, the building is exposed to the elements which can often lead to mold issues, or a “sick building” later down the road. Installation methods are of the utmost importance. Building wraps may perform similarly to fluid applied membranes, but this often requires rigorous efforts and field monitoring, particularly when sealing attachments.

Fluid applied weather barriers create a monolithic membrane that eliminates the likelihood of leakages from overlapping seams. It is typically installed by rolling or spraying directly onto the building’s exterior sheathing. Fluid applied products offer some level of self-healing benefits when additional facade elements are installed. 

We find it reassuring while waiting for subsequent sequencing and trades, that the fluid applied barrier is solidly in place and impacted less by the elements than traditional building wraps. To be fair, in any system its success is equally dependent on its flashing - at corners, edges, windows, doors, etc. We recently observed a very successful installation of

fluid applied weather barrier and self-adhearing flexible flashing by Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing, Inc. overseen by Precision Contractors at the Veterinary Center of Parker. Seams, edges, and fasteners were all well covered and the building was ready to receive its insulating and finished façade layers.

Veterinary Center of Park: Example of a fluid applied weather barrier

Example of traditional building wraps

Furthering our education on building enclosure methods is important to us at FLUENCY. We are striving to increase our knowledge on the topic and are proud members of ABAA (Air Barriers Association of America). If you would like to learn more, we are happy to connect you to resources or go to https://www.airbarrier.org/.

At the end of the day one of our missions is to provide you with a construction product that performs well, and better protects your investment. We do this by suggesting methods to reduce common building defects seen during the lifespan of a project.

Veterinary Center of Parker