200820 - 072726-FLUID-APPLIED MEMBRANE AIR BARRIERS.pdf

SECTION 07 27 26

FLUID-APPLIED MEMBRANE AIR BARRIERS

05/17

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 REFERENCES

The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are referred to within the text by the basic designation only.

AIR BARRIER ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (ABAA)

ABAA Accreditation Accreditation

ABAA QAP Quality Assurance Program

ASTM INTERNATIONAL (ASTM)

ASTM C836/C836M (2015) High Solids Content, Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane for Use With Separate Wearing Course

ASTM D412 (2016) Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers - Tension

ASTM D4263 (1983; R 2012) Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method

ASTM D4541 (2017) Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers

ASTM D5590 (2000; R 2010; E 2012) Standard Test Method for Determining the Resistance of Paint Films and Related Coatings to Fungal Defacement by Accelerated Four-Week Agar Plate Assay

ASTM E2178 (2013) Standard Test Method for Air Permeance of Building Materials

ASTM E2357 (2017) Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies

ASTM E283 (2004; R 2012) Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen

ASTM E331 (2000; R 2016) Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference

ASTM E84 (2018a) Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

ASTM E96/E96M (2016) Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA)

NFPA 285 (2012) Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components

1.2 MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS

For fluid-applied membrane air barriers provide the following:

1.2.1 Mockup

Provide a mockup of the fluid-applied membrane air barrier. Apply product in an area designated by the Contracting Officer. Apply an area of not less than 54 square feet. Include all components specified as representative of the complete system. Notify the Contracting Officer a minimum of 48 hours prior to the test application. Select a test area representative of conditions to be covered including wall to ceiling transitions, and penetrations, as applicable.

1.2.2 Test Reports

Submit test reports indicating that capillary moisture tests and field peel adhesion tests on all substrate materials have been performed and the changes made, if required, in order to achieve successful and lasting adhesion. Submit test reports for flame propagation of wall assemblies tested in accordance with NFPA 285. Submit test reports for flame spread and smoke developed index ratings of barrier materials tested in accordance with ASTM E84.

1.3 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

1.3.1 Delivery

Deliver and store materials in sufficient quantity to allow for uninterrupted flow of work. Inspect materials delivered to the site for damage and store out of weather. Deliver materials to the jobsite in their original unopened packages, clearly marked with the manufacturer's name, brand designation, description of contents, and shelf life of containerized materials. Store and handle to protect from damage.

1.3.2 Storage

Inspect materials delivered to the site for damage; unload and store out of weather in manufacturer's original packaging. Store only in dry locations, not subject to open flames or sparks, and easily accessible for inspection and handling. Protect stored materials from direct sunlight.

1.4 CAPILLARY MOISTURE TEST

Perform a capillary moisture test by plastic sheet method in accordance with ASTM D4263 on the construction mockup and substrate materials.

Perform test after curing period as recommended by the air barrier manufacturer. Record mode of failure and area which failed in accordance with ASTM D4263. Once the air barrier material manufacturer has established a minimum adhesion or moisture level for the product on the particular substrate, indicate on the inspection report whether this requirement has been met. Where the manufacturer has not declared a minimum adhesion or moisture value for their product and substrate combination, the inspector must record actual values.

1.5 FIELD PEEL ADHESION TEST

Perform a field peel adhesion test on a construction mockup. Test the applied product for adhesion in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Perform test after curing period recommended by the manufacturer. Record mode of failure and area which failed in accordance with ASTM D4541. When the manufacturer has established a minimum adhesion level for the product on the particular substrate, the inspection report must indicate whether this requirement has been met. Where the manufacturer has not declared a minimum adhesion value for their product/substrate combination, the inspector must record actual values.

1.6 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1.6.1 Qualifications of Manufacturer

Submit documentation verifying that manufacturer of fluid-applied membrane air barrier is currently accredited by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA Accreditation https://www.airbarrier.org/).

1.6.2 Qualifications of Installer

Submit documentation verifying that installers of the fluid-applied membrane air barrier are currently certified in accordance with the ABAA QAP Quality Assurance Program (https://www.airbarrier.org/qap/).

1.7 PRECONSTRUCTION MEETING

Conduct a preconstruction meeting a minimum of two weeks prior to commencing work specified in this Section. Agenda must include, at a minimum, construction and testing of construction mock up, sequence of construction, coordination with substrate preparation, materials approved for use, compatibility of materials, coordination with installation of adjacent and covering materials, and details of construction. Attendance is required by representatives of related trades including covering materials, substrate materials, adjacent materials, and materials and components of the fluid-applied membrane air barrier.

1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

1.8.1 Temperature

Install fluid-applied membrane air barrier within the range of ambient and substrate temperatures as recommended in writing by the fluid-applied membrane air barrier manufacturer. Do not apply fluid-applied membrane air barrier to a damp or wet substrate. Do not apply during inclement weather or when ice, frost, surface moisture, or visible dampness is present on surfaces to be covered, or when precipitation is imminent.

1.8.2 Exposure to Weather

Protect fluid-applied membrane air barrier products from direct exposure to rain, snow, sunlight, mist, and other extreme weather conditions. Replace, at no additional cost to the government, barrier products that have been exposed to ultraviolet (sun)light longer than allowed by manufacturer's written requirements.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.1 FLUID-APPLIED MEMBRANE AIR BARRIER

Provide a fluid-applied, vapor retarding, air barrier. This barrier must exhibit no visible water leakage when tested in accordance with ASTM E331.

Provide products suitable for use within temperature ranges specified by manufacturer for the location of the project.

2.1.1 Physical Properties

a. Air Permeance (ASTM E2178): less than 0.004 CFM per sf at 1.57 psf.

b. Air Leakage (ASTM E2357, ASTM E283): Less than 0.04 CFM per sf at 1.57 psf at one inch.

c. Water Vapor Permeance (Vapor Impermeable Membrane) (ASTM E96/E96M, desiccant method A): 0.1 perms or less.

d. Tensile Strength (ASTM D412): Not less than 138 psi.

e. Elongation (ASTM D412): Not less than 300 percent.

f. Low temperature Flexibility and Crack Bridging (ASTM C836/C836M): Pass at minus 15 degrees F.

g. Solids by Volume: minimum 50 percent.

h. Flame propagation of wall assemblies (NFPA 285): Pass

i. Surface Burning Characteristics (ASTM E84):

(1) Flame Spread Index Rating not higher than 75.

(2) Smoke Developed Index Rating not higher than 150.

j. Resistance to Mold, Mildew and Fungal Growth (ASTM D5590): 0, No growth.

2.2 PRIMERS, ADHESIVES, AND MASTICS

Provide primers, adhesives, mastics, sealants and other accessories as recommended by manufacturer of fluid-applied membrane air barrier for a complete installation.

2.3 TRANSITION MEMBRANE

Provide as specified in Section 07 27 19.01 SELF-ADHERING AIR BARRIERS.

2.4 JOINT SEALANTS

Provide as specified in Section 07 92 00 JOINT SEALANTS.

2.5 REINFORCEMENT

Provide fiberglass mesh tape, or fluid-applied air barrier manufacturer's approved comparable equal product, reinforcement at seams, edges, projections and penetrations. Reinforce all joints exceeding1/4 inch with fiberglass mesh.

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION

Before installing fluid-applied membrane air barrier, examine substrates, areas, and conditions under which fluid-applied membrane air barrier assemblies will be applied, with installer present, for compliance with requirements. Ensure the following conditions are met:

a. Surfaces are sound, dry, even, and free of oil, grease, dirt, excess mortar or other contaminants detrimental to the adhesion of the membranes.

b. Concrete and masonry surfaces are cured and dry, smooth without large voids, spalled areas or sharp protrusions. Do not proceed with installation until after minimum concrete curing period recommended by fluid-applied membrane air barrier manufacturer.

c. Fill voids, gaps and spalled areas in substrate to provide an even plane. Strike masonry joints full flush.

d. Verify substrate is visibly dry and free of moisture. Test for capillary moisture by plastic sheet method in accordance with ASTM D4263 and take suitable measures until substrate passes moisture test.

e. Verify sealants used in substrates, and in joints between substrates, are compatible with fluid-applied membrane air barrier.

3.2 PREPARATION

Clean, prepare, and treat substrate in accordance with manufacturer's written instructions. Ensure clean, dust-free, and dry substrate for fluid-applied membrane air barrier application.

a. Remove dust, dirt and other contaminants from joints and cracks before coating surfaces.

b. Prepare, treat, and seal vertical and horizontal surfaces at terminations and penetrations through fluid-applied membrane air barrier.

c. At changes in substrate plane, provide transition material (bead of sealant, mastic, extruded silicone sealant, membrane counterflashing or other material recommended by manufacturer) under transition membrane to eliminate all sharp 90 degree inside corners and to make a smooth transition from one plane to another.

d. For concrete and masonry substrates, fill all voids and holes, particularly in mortar joints, with non-shrinking grout.

e. Mask off and cover adjacent surfaces to protect from spillage and overspray.

3.3 INSTALLATION

3.3.1 Installation of Transition Membrane

Install transittion membrane materials in accordance with the details on the drawings, Section 07 27 19.01 SELF-ADHERING AIR BARRIERS, and the following:

a. Install transition membrane at all required locations prior to installation of the fluid-applied membrane air barrier.

b. Verify transition membrane is fully adhered to substrate and that its surface is clean, dry and wrinkle free prior to installation of the fluid-applied membrane air barrier.

c. Verify transition membrane completely covers all transition areas and will provide continuity of the finished fluid-applied membrane air barrier without gaps or cracks.

3.3.2 Installation of Fluid-Applied Membrane Air Barrier

Install materials in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and the following:

a. Apply fluid-applied membrane air barrier in single or dual coat application by spray or roller. Apply fluid-applied membrane air barrier within manufacturer's recommended temperature range for application.

b. Apply fluid-applied membrane air barrier at rate recommended by manufacturer to yield a wet film thickness of 90 mils.

c. Apply fluid-applied membrane air barrier around all penetrations ensuring a complete and continuous air barrier. Lap fluid-applied membrane air barrier a minimum of 3 inch over transition membrane to seal leading edge.

d. Seal membrane terminations, heads of mechanical fasteners, masonry tie fasteners, around penetrations, and other assemblies penetrating the fluid-applied membrane air barrier with a termination sealant recommended by the fluid-applied membrane air barrier manufacturer.

e . Do not allow materials to come in contact with chemically incompatible materials.

3.3.3 Installation of Reinforcement

Install reinforcement at projections, corners, joints, and penetrations where applicable.

3.4 PROTECTION AND CLEANING

3.4.1 Protection

Protect fluid-applied membrane air barrier assemblies from damage during application and remainder of construction in accordance with manufacturer's written instructions.

Coordinate installation, testing, and inspection procedures to ensure exposure period does not exceed that recommended by the product manufacturer. Remove and replace, at no additional cost to the government, membrane products that exceed manufacturer's allowed exposure limits.

3.4.2 Cleaning of Adjacent Surfaces

Clean excess product from adjacent construction using cleaning agents and procedures as recommended in writing by the manufacturer of each type of affected construction and as acceptable to same.

3.5 CLEANUP OF SPILLS

Conduct cleanup of uncured product spillage in accordance with manufacturer's written safe handling instructions.

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