Finding Design and Construction Efficiencies with Integrated Weather Barrier Systems
The components of integrated weather-resistive barrier (WRBs) sheathings
Sponsored by Georgia-Pacific Building Products
Innovative integrated weather barrier systems that combine structural oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing with an air- and water-resistive barrier not only result in a high-performance building envelope, but they also allow project teams to find efficiencies in design and construction. This course will discuss the components of integrated weather-resistive barrier (WRBs) sheathings, important design details you must be aware of to meet stringent building codes, and how these products can extend a building’s life cycle and maximize its energy efficiency. We will also examine a new time and labor study that demonstrates how an integrated air- and water-resistive barrier sheathing system can be installed more efficiently than a typical building wrap over OSB sheathing and how this system results in a more energy-efficient structure.
Photo courtesy of Wingman Imagery LLC
Drone footage of ForceField Weather Barrier System, an integrated WRB system, being used on 26 buildings, each with multiple units, in this multifamily development project in San Antonio, TX.
Georgia-Pacific Building Products has a legacy of creating strong, durable, sustainable building materials from exterior sheathing products to drywall in walls and ceilings to industry leading roof products and supporting products from lumber to subfloors to fire doors. We help members of the building community build quality commercial and residential construction projects all over the world. GP Building Products is the largest producer of structural wood panels (plywood and OSB) in North America and is a leading producer of gypsum building products, lumber and composite panels.
We support commercial and residential architects, designers, building material dealers, contractors and builders with tools, education and supporting resources that help the building community advance their knowledge, hone their craft, and make the best product decisions for their projects.
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in August 2024
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- List the different control layers that make up a building envelope and explain how the components, and their installation, affect building performance.
- Describe traditional methods of achieving air and water control and the challenges they pose in achieving a high-performance building envelope.
- Explore the installation and performance benefits of integrated air- and water-resistive barrier sheathing systems over traditional control layers.
- Examine a blower door study that demonstrates how an integrated air- and water-resistive barrier sheathing system results in a more energy-efficient structure.
