When you’re developing a specification, it’s easy to rely on the materials you’ve used in years past. Or maybe you’re using an office master that is long overdue for updating. In either case, it’s easy to overlook new products that have substantial performance improvements while also saving the GC’s, building owners and subcontractors who rely on your specifications time and money.
Blaine Brownwell an Architect from the Journal of AIA gave us insight in his article in January entitled “Material Trends to Watch in 2017”. From Rice University’s programmable cement that carbonizes carbon dioxide over time to reimagine its environmental footprint, to solar-harvesting roads from Solar Roadways and Colas- the world of building materials is advancing.
A little over a year ago, Georgia-Pacific’s DensElement™ Barrier System with AquaKor™ Technology was introduced. It’s an integrated gypsum sheathing water-resistant barrier and air barrier. Since then, over 200 projects nationwide have specified it. It has achieved listing with the Air Barrier Association of America. It has been recognized as an approved WRB-AB sheathing for EIFS with drainage. And Masterspec®, a trusted product of Avitru, has recently announced the creation of a customized specification section – 061656 Air and Water Resistive Sheathing Board – to precisely specify the DensElement™ Barrier System.
Protection of the building envelope has experienced a quantum leap. The layered construction of DensElement™ Barrier System contributes to its performance success. The WRB-AB is integrated within the gypsum core, beneath the fiberglass mat, to create a consistent, performance-tested WRB-AB. No building wrap, fluid-applied membranes or peel-and-stick membranes are required- simply apply Prosoco R-Guard® FastFlash® on joints, seams, rough openings and penetrations.
With the advances in sheathing technology, building a specification that invites substitution is respectfully, outdated. It is incumbent on you, the architects who shape our future infrastructure, to take advantage of the advancement the industry has experienced with products that are proven innovative solutions. No one says it better than Malcom Gladwell, “The visionary starts with a clean sheet of paper, and re-imagines the world.” We look forward to the dreams you dream transforming into the reality we have the pleasure to experience.
