An Airtight Defense

Air infiltration is a significant cause of energy loss. Air sealing the wall assembly creates a tighter building, which helps optimize energy savings, manage moisture intrusion, reduce demand on the heating and cooling system, and minimize carbon footprint.

The air barrier component of the THERMAX™ Wall System, STYROFOAM™ Brand Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) (CM Series), is extremely effective at blocking air infiltration when applied properly on the interior of the steel stud cavity.

Several regions of the United States have air barrier requirements for commercial walls – a growing trend in the industry. A number of air barrier material characterization test methods have been used for many years; however, there are few air barrier assembly tests.

The THERMAX™ Wall System has passed ASTM E2357 – "Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies," a relatively new standard in the industry that has strong support from industry associations such as the Air Barrier Association of America and the U.S. Department of Energy.

To pass this test, the air leakage rate following the test must be below the required level, and there must be no evidence of cracks, buckles or visible damage of any kind. Extreme wind loads – beyond the force of Hurricane Katrina – were performed on the opaque and penetrated THERMAX™ Wall System to a pressure greater than 130 psf with no visible signs of damage.

Additional complementary air sealing products from Dow include WEATHERMATE™ SILL SEAL Foam Gasket, GREAT STUFF PRO™ Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant and GREAT STUFF PRO™ Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant.

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