Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing has unveiled its new state-of-the-art, fully automated Sustainable Building Solutions Test Facility.
The facility is designed for controlled testing of air and moisture infiltration/exfiltration in air barrier systems and building enclosures. Such penetrations lead to energy loss, structural deterioration, and poor indoor air quality. Developed in collaboration with the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) and working in conjunction with building scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Sustainable Building Solutions Test Facility is a technically advanced and fully automated laboratory designed to measure energy loss and sustainability of the built environment.
“This test facility is a testament to Tremco’s commitment to the sustainability of the built environment,” said Chuck Houk, president of Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing. “Most building envelope problems are moisture-related, either caused by air leakage or exterior moisture penetration. The testing done at this facility will help to ensure building materials are performing at optimal levels and eliminate some of the trial and error as well as risk associated with building design and construction.”
Components tested at the facility will be exposed to different levels of wind conditioning and moisture to determine resistance to specific elements, including rain, high winds, and other environmental conditions. Specifically the facility will conduct ASTM E2357, E283, and E331 tests. It will do so using 300 to 400 channels for simultaneous data control, precise measurement devices, and infrared photography.
In addition to testing air barrier assemblies, the facility has the capability to test the following connection points between air/vapor building protection systems to assure continuity throughout the building enclosure:
- Roof-to-wall tie-ins
- Foundation-to-wall tie-ins
- Corners
- Window-to-wall interfaces
- Penetrations
Related Stories
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
| Oct 5, 2021
Weather barrier protects Brooklyn high-rise from the elements
The building team for the 20-story 22 Chapel Street project selects GP DensElement and DensDefy to ensure the building withstands the extremes of New York weather.
Sponsored | Voice of the Brand | Jul 2, 2020
Solving the Building Envelope Challenge
Today, solutions for the building envelope need to meet exacting standards on two equally important fronts – long-term performance and enduring aesthetic appeal. In this article, CENTRIA demonstrates how its products meet the standard in two different scenarios – construction of a new hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, and the addition to a popular museum in Pittsburgh.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 16, 2019
101 Top Products for 2019
Building Design+Construction readers and editors select their top building products for the past 12 months in the fourth-annual 101 Top Products report.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 12, 2019
Top Building Envelope Products for 2019
Sto's beetle-inspired exterior coating and Dörken Systems' UV-resistant vapor-permeable barrier are among the 28 new building envelope products to make Building Design+Construction's 2019 101 Top Products report.
Sponsored | Moisture Control/Building Envelope | Aug 24, 2018
Redundant waterproofing systems: a solution for zero lot line construction
With more complex foundations and building owners’ desire to use shotcrete, many waterproofing consultants believe that creating redundancy will increase the chances for success.
Sponsored | Moisture Control/Building Envelope | Jun 28, 2018
Why protect the below-grade building envelope?
Sponsored | Moisture Control/Building Envelope | Jun 25, 2018
Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business Case Study
The Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business qualified as an ABAA project and was checked for continuity, proper mil thickness, and sufficient adhesion testing.
Sponsored | Moisture Control/Building Envelope | Apr 23, 2018
Eagle’s Landing Apartments: Expanding student housing when space is at a premium
Complex student housing project features minimal space to work and 600 exterior windows
Sponsored | Moisture Control/Building Envelope | Dec 13, 2017
Campus community management firms, beware!
An increasing number of legacy buildings, including aging student housing complexes, are experiencing water intrusion and mold-related damage that can be traced back to fundamental design and construction defects.
