HOW WEATHER AFFECTS AIR BARRIER INSTALLATIONs IN THE midwest

The moisture and temperature limitations of some air barriers can each be problematic enough on their own. But the combination of the two, can wreak havoc a construction schedule.

The impact of moisture and temperature on the construction schedule

Percentage of days with either 0.1" of precipitation or temperatures below 40°F in the past year.

The combination of moisture and temperature takes its toll on construction sites in the Midwest

We looked at data from across the country to see how many days out of the year have either 0.1" of precipitation or has a temperature that reaches 40°F or lower (see below on why that temperature limit is important). Here is what it looks like from throughout the Midwest.

Air barrier installations in cities in the Midwest region are impacted by moisture and temperature an average of 63% of the year.

Upper midwest cities like Minneapolis (68% at the time of writing), Detriot (67%), Chicago (64%), and Indianapolis (60%) get a double whammy of moisture and cold temps and they have some of the highest rates of weather impact among major cities in the U.S.

All counties in the Midwest are impacted by moisture and temperature factors over 50% of the year.

Most air barriers have low temperature limitations that aren't that low

What to look out for

Many air barriers like this acrylic emulsion air barrier state that the product should not be applied when temperatures are below 40°F.

Excerpt from a leading acrylic emulsion air barrier

To avoid temperature limitations

PROSOCO's FastFlash system is a complete, monolithic building envelope system that can be applied even in temperatures below 32° F.

The impact of temps below 40° on the construction schedule

Percentage of days with temperatures below 40° in the past year

Most air barriers cannot be installed in wet conditions

What to look out for

Traditional air barrier chemistry, like acrylic emulsion technology, is made to keep water out when fully cured. But any introduction of moisture into the process before the air barrier is fully cured can cause lots of problems. Here is a common statement from acrylic emulsion air barrier literature stating that not only can they not be installed in wet conditions but cannot be installed if there is a chance of rain in the forecast. If it does happen to rain within the 16-hour window listed on the technical data sheet below, the air barrier can literally wash right off the wall.

Excerpt from a leading acrylic emulsion air barrier

To avoid moisture limitations

PROSOCO's FastFlash system is a complete, monolithic building envelope system that can be applied in damp conditions and it is immediately waterproof so it can withstand rain right after application.

Most air barriers cannot be applied to damp surfaces

What to look out for

Watch out for air barriers that can only be applied on a dry substrates. In reality, if an air barrier can only be applied in dry weather conditions to completely dry substrates, you may have to wait several days or even several weeks to make sure everything the substrates are dry, current conditions are dry and the forecast is dry as well.

Excerpt from a leading acrylic emulsion air barrier

To avoid moisture limitations

PROSOCO's Fast Flash system is a complete, monolithic building envelope system that can be applied in damp conditions and it is immediately waterproof so it can withstand rain right after application.