A new technical bulletin from BASF Wall Systems describes a key test and two Acceptance Criteria that should be considered when evaluating air/water-resistive barriers. The purpose and procedures of each qualification are concisely outlined. Results of tests conducted on BASF’s Enershield air/water-resistive barriers are also included, as well as summary discussions of the meaning of the results.

ASTM E2357 Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies is a key test designed to determine whether air barrier products, when used with other typical wall components, collectively function as an air barrier assembly. The Acceptance Criteria covered in the document are ICC-ES AC148 Acceptance Criteria for Flexible Flashing Materials and ICC-ES AC212 Acceptance Criteria for Water-Resistive Coatings used as Water-Resistive Barriers over Exterior Sheathing. Both were completed according to test methods established by the International Code Council for demonstrating the effectiveness of water-resistive barrier and flexible flashing materials. The bulletin recommends that specifiers require the results of these rigorous tests along with testing required by the Air Barrier Association of America to qualify acceptable materials for their specifications.

“We developed a complete set of performance data to help designers create continuous, monolithic air barriers for all wall assemblies and penetrations,” said Richard Martens, market manager for the Enershield product line for BASF Wall Systems. “Eliminating unnecessary material transitions simplifies project execution and facilitates high quality air/water-resistive barrier installation. The ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria results provide designers with recognized, third-party confirmation of compliance with building code requirements.”

The bulletin and other technical literature are available as downloads at www.enershield.basf.com.