Stucco Cladding Systems Compatibility

The sealing or treatment of cladding fasteners (ex. for siding and other claddings) is unnecessary when using the DensElement^™ Barrier System.

Extensive water penetration and air infiltration testing was performed on the DensElement^™ Barrier System for code compliance for use as a water-resistive and air barrier. The DensElement^™ Barrier System passed the ASTM E331 for water penetration testing and ASTM E2357 for air infiltration testing.

In addition to the required testing, the DensElement^™ Barrier System was tested under ASTM E331 with two additional untreated brick ties installed through the sheathing. Even with the chamber air pressure increased three and one half times what is required by code, the system did not leak. Additional air leakage testing was done using ASTM E2178 where multiple brick ties were installed through the DensElement^™ Sheathing component of the system. All brick ties were left untreated with each brick tie penetrating through the sheathing four times.

The test results demonstrated that even with multiple brick ties, the DensElement^™ Barrier System exceeded code air infiltration requirements. These results confirm the sealing or treatment of cladding fasteners is unnecessary when using the DensElement^™ Barrier System.

The DensElement^™ Barrier System consists of three system components: DensElement^™ Sheathing, PROSOCO R-Guard^® FastFlash^® liquid flashing and R-Guard^® PorousPrep^® water-based primer. When properly installed, the DensElement^™ Barrier System is a vapor permeable water-resistive and air barrier (WRB-AB) when the joints, sheathing fasteners, penetrations, openings and transitions are properly sealed with PROSOCO FastFlash^® liquid flashing. The system solution eliminates the need to cover the face of the sheathing with traditional WRB-AB systems, such as building wrap, fluid-applied membranes or self-adhered membranes.

For installation details and full limited warranty details, visit the DensElement page.