Barricade® Wrap Plus achieves all five of the important features of a commercial building wrap: durability, moisture-resistance, permeability, control of air infiltration, and ease of installation.
The primary purpose of a high-performing commercial building wrap is the long-term protection of the structure against air and water infiltration. Preventing air and water infiltration is vital to creating a comfortable, durable and energy-efficient commercial building.
1. Durability of a Commercial Building Wrap
A high-quality commercial building wrap will withstand damage before, during and after construction. Essential elements of a durable commercial building wrap are tear-resistance, ultraviolet (UV) stability, and surfactant- and cold-resistance.
Tear-Resistance of a Commercial Building Wrap
Choosing a commercial building wrap with high tear-resistance can protect it from damage before and during the construction process and also from the impact of weather events like severe wind storms during a tornado or hurricane. ASTM D1117 measures tear resistance of commercial building wraps.
UV Stability
Exposure of a commercial wrap to the UV rays from the sun, particularly after installation and before the application of the sheathing, can cause the wrap to deteriorate rapidly, depending on its UV stability based on its UV rating. UV rating is the length of time a commercial building wrap will maintain its integrity when exposed to the sun.
Surfactant-Resistance
Exposure to surfactants (like oils and soap) will weaken the integrity of commercial building wrap. Therefore, surfactant-resistance is a critical feature needed for the long-term durability and performance of a commercial building wrap.
Cold-Resistance
Another important feature of a durable commercial building wrap is cold-resistance. An appropriate cold-resistance, as measured by the AC38 Section 3.3.4, ensures the building wrap will not crack at low temperatures.
2. Moisture Resistance of a Commercial Wrap
One essential and primary feature of a commercial building wrap is its ability to prevent moisture infiltration and accumulation within the wall system. Moisture within the wall system can lead to mold, which is unhealthy to the occupants of the building and can damage the integrity of the structure.
Moisture can infiltrate a wall system by convection. Convection happens when warm air (containing moisture) outside the wall system is attracted toward the colder air inside the wall assembly. When the warm vapor touches the cooler interior walls, the vapor turns to liquid by condensation. A high-performance commercial building wrap resists the flow of air and minimizes, if not stops, moisture intrusion into the wall system by thermal convection.
3. Vapor Permeability of a Commercial Wrap
Vapor permeability (perms) is the level of vapor transmission that a commercial building wrap permits over time. The ASTM E96 (Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials) measures US perms. A high-quality building wrap has a permeability between 10 and 20 perms. A perm in this range allows moisture to escape but does not allow moisture to infiltrate from the outside into the wall assembly.
4. A Commercial Building Wrap Controls Air Infiltration
Another important feature of a commercial building wrap is to lessen or restrict heat gains and losses through convection. A building wrap’s air resistance is a continuous system that stops the flow of air across the building envelope, as measured by the ASTM E2178, ASTM E1677, or Gurley Hill tests. Controlling air infiltration is vital to a commercial building’s energy efficiency and the comfort of those inside the structure.
5. Ease of Installation of a Commercial Building Wrap
The final important feature of a commercial house wrap is ease of installation. Proper installation of a commercial building wrap according to manufacturer instructions is crucial to its performance. Incorrect installation of the wrap can affect a building’s ventilation and cause a buildup of moisture in the wall system. Therefore, the simpler the wrap is to install, the less likely problems will occur that can diminish the performance of the commercial building wrap.
Barricade® Wrap Plus Provides All the Important Features of a Commercial Building Wrap
Using Barricade® Wrap Plus will give you all the important features of a commercial building wrap.
- Barricade® Wrap Plus is durable, with superior strength, tear-resistance, UV stability (nine months), and surfactant- and cold-resistance.
- Barricade® Wrap Plus is moisture-resistant against both convection and bulk water intrusion;
- Barricade® Wrap Plus has an optimal vapor permeability of 16 US perms.
- Barricade® Wrap Plus is air-resistant and controls heat gains and losses within a commercial building. It is also compliant with IRC and IBC as an air barrier.
- Barricade® Wrap Plus’ ease of installation reduces potential problems due to errors during installation. Wrap Plus is semi-transparent, which gives a view of the sheathing surfaces and studs, making it easier to install than non-transparent building wraps.
Please contact us today to learn why Barricade® Wrap Plus is the best choice for commercial building wraps.