Wall Section: vapor-permeable air barrier on ext sheathing
Last Post 17 Dec 2017 04:45 PM by smartwall. 4 Replies.
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kach22iUser is Offline
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22 Nov 2017 02:39 PM
I'm trying to develop a wall section after doing lots of research and even talking to a few reps and technical experts.

You can comment on any part of the single family wood frame wall assembly you like, but at this moment I'm just struggling on finding an vapor permeable air barrier on the outside face of the exterior sheathing (one step application and self-sealing of holes).

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Going from outside to inside:

4" face brick veneer with metal ties slightly less that the 4-1/2" max allowed by code (well vented T&B - almost rainscreen style)

2" air-space

2" mineral wood board mechanical attached (assume sinker nails with big washers) R-8

Air infiltration barrier - vapor permeable; can be peel & stick or roll/spray

1/2" CDX plywood (fearful of OSB even that Zip stuff)

Polyurethane caulk on all ext. face framing members (studs, plates, headers, rims boards, joints and intersections) - can this be done from the inside?

2x4 wood studs at 16" o.c. (several reasons for shying away from 24" o.c. - long story)

Mineral wool batts at 3-1/2" deep R-15

Vapor Barrier on inside (warm wall side - northern climate) by CertainTeed "MemBrain" (not sure how to seal electrical boxes yet)

1/2" drywall (gypsum board) - open to suggestions on alternates here too.

Paint (nothing special planned yet)

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As you have guessed this wall assembly allows water vapor to escape to the outside to the cold dry air, not to the inside where there is warm humidified air.

I've looked into a little bit into Henry's Blueskin VP-160 peel & stick as a vapor permeable air-infiltration barrier, but don't like the priming the seams aspect and possibly priming the whole building.  Makes more sense to use a liquid applied system if I had to get the rollers and brushes out.

Also what I don't like about many of the systems I've looked at is what to do all about the nail and brick tie penetrations/holes.  Tapes and caulk-like sealants are not to my liking, are there any self-sealing vapor permeable air-infiltration barriers designed to go over wood sheathing?

Anything like this coming on the market soon?

The intent of this wall section was a brick veneer wall kept to 12-inches depth, first started with 2x6's in Zone-5 but location very close to Zone-6 so I'm trying to comply with both zones.  Looked at ICF and SIP's, in the end the KISS Method won out, trying to keep it simple stupid.


George (Architect)
www.kachadoorian.com
Chris JohnsonUser is Offline
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16 Dec 2017 11:18 PM
Almost a month and no one has responded to you

I have used the VP 100 and 160, recommend it highly, priming is not that bad to do

Check out Hercuwall as well - Used that product as well in Canada and impressed with it
Chris Johnson - Pro ICF<br>North of 49
kach22iUser is Offline
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17 Dec 2017 12:20 PM
Thank you for the answer Chris, I've seen Blueskin used around town and looked into it, but must have looked at the SA version and not the two other Blueskins you mentioned.

Thanks.

Blueskin SA
https://us.henry.com/air-barrier-systems/commercial-water-resistive-air-barriers-and-accessories/commercial-water-resistive-air-barriers/blueskinsa

Blueskin SA is a self-adhering membrane consisting of an SBS rubberized asphalt compound laminated on a blue polyethylene film. Impermeable to air, moisture vapor and water, Blueskin SA is designed to install easily on a variety of prepared substrates.


And the winner is...................................commercial

Blueskin VP-160
Henry® Blueskin® VP160 is a self-adhered vapor permeable, water resistive air barrier membrane consisting of an engineered film and a patented, permeable adhesive technology with split-back poly-release film. Blueskin® VP160 is fully adhered to the wall substrates in a weatherboard method without mechanical attachment.


And the winner is...........................................residential

Blueskin VP-100
This next generation vapor permeable air barrier picks up where traditional polymeric wraps leave off. Ideal for wood frame construction, Henry Blueskin® VP100 is a fully adhered, peel-n-stick system that eliminates air leakage while functioning as a water-resistant barrier and rain barrier.


FYI: when I talked to the Henry technical rep last, their vapor barrier expert you have to call direct, he said Henry had plans to discontinue their vapor permeable spay on foam despite his pleas. I guess there are times when even the spay in foam might want to be permeable, just not enough times to be a high volume seller.

I will look into Hercuwall as well.


EDIT:

Is this the product?

Looks interesting, but not for me.



George (Architect)
www.kachadoorian.com
Chris JohnsonUser is Offline
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17 Dec 2017 03:20 PM
I'm in Canada and see no one using BlueSkin SA above grade like they use to, it's all VP 160/100 now

Don't discount Hercuwall, R-30/R-33 insulation value, much quicker install then most products as well, year round installation friendly, we did a 23 unit/4 story condo building as well as 2400' plus full basement walkout custom home





Chris Johnson - Pro ICF<br>North of 49
smartwallUser is Offline
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17 Dec 2017 04:45 PM
Looks like Hobbs did it first. Quick install with bond beam.
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