Weather Resistant/Water Resistive Barriers

Air and vapor resistive barrier in wall assemblies
Minimizes and controls condensation through vapor transmission
Part of the inner leaf of the rain screen wall assembly in design principles
Placement is controlled by building use and climate zone
In rain screens, it is the last and most critical line of defense against water infiltration

Provide architects with sources and product reps for proper selection of WRB’s – WRB network
Understand the total wall assembly
Be aware of potential integration issues and design concerns for our wall panel systems
Typically responsibility lies with the architect and HVAC engineering principal
Coordination with structural and HVAC disciplines plus computerized modeling are used to ensure that design and project requirements for WRB’s are met
ATAS is not responsible for WRB products nor their placement within wall assemblies

Durable design of air and water resistive barriers is a prime design consideration for achieving energy efficiency, managing humidity, reducing sound transmission and improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ)
Minimize and control air/water infiltration through the wall assembly
Some WRB’s allow water vapor transmission
WRB’s act as waterproofing for walls when installed correctly

Air and water control are often two separate entities requiring different solutions based upon WRB selected
Not all vapor retarders are durable enough to resist air movement, and not all air barriers resist vapor drive
Improper placement or improper type of WRB can lead to trapping moisture within or across wall cavities and can result in condensation problems
Inadequate detailing almost always results in failure

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