Stop Water From Getting Into Your Walls During Construction

Big Idea

Proper protection of the top of walls is crucial to prevent water ingress and subsequent damage to air barrier installations, as failure to do so can lead to delamination, blistering, and loss of adhesion of air barrier materials, necessitating costly removal and replacement, highlighting the importance of ensuring substrate protection through specifications, pre-construction meetings, and temporary measures during construction.

Overview

• The substrate condition, including moisture content, temperature, cleanliness, and surface prole, significantly impacts the effectiveness of air barrier systems.

• Failure to protect the top of walls during construction can lead to water ingress, causing severe damage like delamination and blistering of air barrier materials, necessitating costly removal and replacement.

• To mitigate risks, ensure the project’s specification mandates wall protection, conduct pre-construction meetings to outline responsibilities, and implement temporary measures such as self-adhered membranes or completing roof installation in relevant areas.

Conclusion

Failing to protect walls from moisture during construction poses a significant risk to the performance and durability of the installed air barrier system.