Laura Bashaw will present on SGH’s experience to date with fluid applied air barrier membranes, focusing on SGH’s self-funded research. Fluid applied air barrier/water-resistive barrier membranes for use in exterior wall systems are increasingly specified by designers. Because these products are relatively new, their long-term performance is not well established. They have also been observed failing in the field during construction. Laura will discuss the status of industry standards, results of internal testing and identification of important performance characteristics.

Laura Bashaw joined Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) in 2008 as part of the Building Technology group. She is experienced in building enclosure investigations, construction litigation support, building enclosure repair designs and subsequent construction administration. She has been involved in investigations and design of repairs for low-slope roofing, windows, curtainwalls, EIFS cladding, brick veneer, mass masonry walls, steep-slope roofing and plaza waterproofing.