Materials that Improve the Cost‐Effectiveness of Air Barrier Systems

1/3
3M has developed a primer-less self-adhered membrane that serves as an air, liquid water, and water vapor barrier. This technology installs in up to half the time of asphalt-based membranes, which will lead to installed costs that are similar or lower than that of asphalt-based membranes.
Photo courtesy of 3M
2/3
3M has developed a primer-less self-adhered membrane that serves as an air, liquid water, and water vapor barrier. This technology installs in up to half the time of asphalt-based membranes, which will lead to installed costs that are similar or lower than that of asphalt-based membranes.
Photo courtesy of 3M
3/3
Dow Chemical is developing a sprayable liquid flashing that serves as an air and liquid water sealant. This technology will have an installation time that is up to four times faster than that of peel and stick flashing tapes, while having a similar installed cost.
Photo courtesy of Dow Chemical

Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Oak Ridge, TN
Partners:
-- Dow Chemical - Midland, MI
-- 3M - Maplewood, MN
-- China Academy of Building Research - Beijing, China
-- Kelong Institution - China
DOE Funding: $355,000
Cost Share: $850,000
Project Term: January 2013 - December 2015

Project Objective

In the United States, 2.85 quads and 1.29 quads of energy are lost annually through residential and commercial buildings’ envelopes, respectively. This project aims to develop and demonstrate new air sealing technologies for residential and commercial buildings that have the potential to reduce that energy loss at an installed cost that is less than current technologies. Current products are not cost-effective because of the time and cost required to install them. These products are also often incorrectly installed because of complicated and costly installation procedures. Two pre-commercial technologies that require less time to install are a sprayable liquid flashing produced by Dow and a primer-less self-adhered membrane produced by 3M.

U.S.-China Partnership Project

Logo for the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center.

Click the logo to learn more about how the U.S. and China are working together to reduce building energy consumption.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Karma Sawyer
Performer: Diana Hun, Oak Ridge National Laboratory