SWRInstitute Releases Air Barrier Technical Bulletin

The Sealant, Waterproofing & Restoration Institute (SWRInstitute) released the latest addition to its Technical Bulletin Series about air barriers.

Like the other bulletins in the Technical Series, this issue outlines basic principles to help the end-user understand each component involved in various sealant, waterproofing and restoration systems. Specifically, Technical Bulletin #16: Air Barriers describes:

• How drainage water can move between a building’s exterior and interior components.

• Components of an air barrier system and how they impact a building’s health.

• Types of air barriers and how they work.

• Vapor retarders and the impact/role of vapor diffusion.

• Water-resistive barriers and their critical placement.

• Proper placement of air barriers, vapor retarders and water-resistive barriers.

• Construction considerations.

Each bulletin uses easy-to-understand language and incorporates tables and photos to explain details. To purchase copies of Technical Bulletin #16: Air Barriers (or any others in the SWRInstitute’s Technical Bulletin series), contact the Institute at www.swrionline.org, or call 816.472.7974.

Henry Co. Integrates Antimicrobial Agents With Air Barriers

Henry Co. is the first to integrate antimicrobial agents into spray-applied air barrier technology. Air-Bloc 31MR, Air-Bloc 32MR and Air-Bloc 33MR fluid-applied air and water barrier membranes incorporate a universally dispersed biocidal agent throughout the cured membrane, which helps to resist exponential proliferation of mold, mildew and fungus on the membrane’s surface. The antimicrobial technology that Henry has built into its line of air barrier products works by inhibiting enzyme reactions that mold cells use to produce energy for growth and reproduction. These products will supersede Air-Bloc 31, Air-Bloc 32 and Air-Bloc 33 air and water barrier membranes.

The resistance of the new Air-Bloc MR air and water barrier membranes to mold proliferation was determined using the industry-recognized test procedure ASTM D5590 and resulted in a zero-growth rating for all products developed. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that inhibiting the exponential proliferation of mold protects people who are sensitive or allergic to mold, as well as the respiratory health of all.