Online exclusive: Additional products are featured in this online version of an article that appeared in the September/October 2021 issue.
Georgia-Pacific Adds a New Fluid-Applied WRB to Its Lineup
DensDefy Liquid Barrier (shown above, main image) is the latest addition to Georgia-Pacific’s DensDefy product line. The single-component, fluid-applied, air- and water-resistive barrier produces a seamless, durable membrane on a range of exterior surfaces. The Liquid Barrier also cures quickly (and in wet conditions and temperatures as low as 32° F), and is vapor permeable, so damp surfaces can dry. It can be roller- or spray-applied, will bond to most common materials without priming, and is compatible with many sealants and waterproofing accessories, the company says.
Sprayable WRB From Prosoco
The new versions of Prosoco’s R-Guard Cat 5 and Cat 5 Rain Screen for use on above-grade wall assemblies are spray-applied and cure faster, the company says, producing a durable, seamless, elastomeric, weatherproof membrane on exterior sheathing in less time. R-Guard Cat 5 WRB protects the building envelope from water penetration in winds of up to 155 mph, adheres to most surfaces without priming, won’t shrink, is solvent-free, and is compatible with most sealants and WRB components. Cat 5 Rain Screen is designed for use behind open-jointed or vented rainscreen cladding.
CertainTeed Underlayment for Asphalt Shingles
CertainTeed DryRoof SA is a self-adhering, lightweight underlayment for use with asphalt shingles that serves as a valley liner, water penetration defense, and rain guard, creating watertight seals around fasteners and roof penetrations. DryRoof SA features a split-release backing for quick, secure installation, is resistant to UV-exposure for up to six months, adheres to most surfaces, and has a slip-resistant sand surface. Currently available in the Southeast, South Atlantic, and South-Central regions of the U.S.
Self-Adhered, Drainable WRB From Benjamin Obdyke
Benjamin Obdyke’s HydroGap SA combines the benefits of its HydroGap drainable housewrap with the air-sealing ability of a 100% continuous acrylic adhesive for the industry’s first self-adhered drainable WRB, the company says. Unlike most self-adhered wraps, the adhesive has no gaps and provides additional sealing around fasteners to maintain air barrier integrity. The product is breathable, making it suitable for all climates, and its drainage space enables it to shed water efficiently. A reinforcing scrim helps hold HydroGap SA tight during application to mitigate wrinkles.
VaproShield's One-Step Flashing Product
BlockFlashing, a self-adhered, non-asphaltic, air, water, and vapor barrier flashing product from VaproShield, is AAMA-13 compliant, requires no primer, and can be installed in temperatures as low as 0° F. Impermeable to air, moisture vapor, and water, it offers contractors a one-step rough-opening flashing system: simply apply the membrane, roll to activate the pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the rough opening or transition is ready for the next step, the company says. Featuring a multilayer elastomeric film, the product seals around nails and staples to prevent moisture intrusion and is compatible with many building sealants, including synthetic rubber, butyl, polyurethane, and silicone.
Huber Engineered Woods Adds New High-Performance Flashing
Zip System Vapor Permeable (VP) Tape is the latest addition to Huber Engineered Woods’ line of Zip System integrated sheathing and sealing solutions. Used for panel seam sealing and flashing applications to create a continuous water-resistive barrier in Zip System wall assemblies, VP Tape offers all of the benefits of standard Zip System flashing tape, Huber says, such as a high-powered acrylic adhesive and broad temperature application range, but with a higher permeance for teams seeking to increase this factor for unique designs, extreme climate zones, and high-performance, above-code assemblies.
One-Step RainScreen Wall Assembly by VaproShield
RainScreen SA from VaproShield offers contractors one-step installation of three critical building envelope elements: air barrier, WRB, plus rainscreen drainage plane to create a robust, energy-saving wall assembly. The self-adhered product features a new adhesive that even sticks to OSB, the company says, and is compatible with conventional siding, stucco, stone, trim, and windows. RainScreen SA’s factory-installed drainage matrix is available in either 3mm or 7mm, and the product is zero-VOC, does not require primer, and can be exposed for up to six months before final cladding is installed. Compatible with all VaproShield rough-opening flashing accessories.
