Multifamily Weather Barrier, 2.0

Executive Viewpoint with Benjamin Meyer, DuPont™ Tyvek®

Perhaps there was a time when it required exceptional effort and expense to construct a tight, high-performing multifamily building. But those days are in the past says licensed architect and LEED™ AP® Benjamin Meyer, a member of the DuPont team of building scientists, and an active voice within the construction and building code community. He should know. Meyer has worked closely to communicate to the industry the value in DuPont™ Tyvek® Building Envelope Solutions and their long-respected name in weather barrier (WB) products. To underscore that, DuPont officials recently announced an upgrade to their DuPont™ Tyvek® Fluid Applied WB+™ system. What does the upgrade represent to multifamily architects, owners, developers, builders, and consultants? How does it change the game for WB installers? Meyer offers these insights:

DuPont already has a highly regarded WB system. Why change it?

The current DuPont™ Tyvek® Fluid Applied WB+™ system has an outstanding performance reputation. The recent update only builds on that success. The upgrade is based on silyl-terminated polyether polymer (STPE) technology. There’s nothing like it for breathability and substrate adhesion.

Acrylic and bitumen-based air and water barrier products don’t compare with the kind of leakage air, bulk water, and water vapor management STPE offers. The big breakthrough is on the installation side. We believe anyone who funds, designs, specifies, engineers, or builds multifamily communities, or advises those who do, will be delighted by how the improved product saves time and money.

How so?

We understand the cost pressures multifamily owners and developers are under. On the one hand, they’re expected to deliver affordable, attractive housing within a constrained budget and at a density that makes financial sense. On the other hand, the pressure is on to meet demanding construction and energy code standards. The building has to be tight. That’s a lot of balls to juggle. We’re working hard to help multifamily professionals. Our next innovative weather barrier, for example, now supports standard, everyday spray equipment. No extra-high PSI spray gun pressure rate is required. A single sprayed coat of just 25 mils works great. Fast one-pass WB coverage is a big advantage in Type III mid-rise construction.

What’s more, product open time is now up to 90 minutes. That gives installers plenty of time before curing. Better yet, all the familiar attributes of the DuPont™ Tyvek® Fluid Applied WB+™ quality remain, like nine-month UV resistance and liquid water resistance. The enhanced product is being launched nationwide throughout the third quarter of 2017.

How else is it a difference-maker?

Peace of mind. I think when architects, engineers, consultants, and builders weigh their WB options, they’d prefer to deal with a trusted, single-source supplier. It just makes sense to specify DuPont™ Tyvek® CommericalWrap® or DuPont™ Tyvek® Fluid Applied WB+™. under a common warranty and supported by our acclaimed DuPont™ Tyvek® Specialist Network.