ExoAir 230 Application Instructions - Tremco Sealants

Application Instructions
ExoAir ® 230
Fluid-Applied Vapor-Permeable, UV-Resistant
Air Barrier Membrane
1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this document is to establish uniform
procedures for installing ExoAir ® 230 Air Barrier Membrane.
1.2 The techniques involved may require modifications to
adjust to jobsite conditions. Tremco recognizes that site
specific conditions, weather patterns, contractor preferences
and membrane detailing may require deviation or alteration
from these prescribed installation procedures. When such
circumstances exist on a project, Tremco recommends that the
local Tremco Sales Representative or Tremco Technical Services
be contacted for assistance and approval as required.
2. Scope
2.1 This document will provide the necessary instructions for
the application of ExoAir 230 Air Barrier Membrane to qualify
for the manufacturer’s warranty.
4. Materials
ExoAir 230 Fluid-Applied Vapor-Permeable, UV-Resistant
Air Barrier: A monolithic air barrier membrane.
ExoAir 110 and 110LT (Low Temperature) Self-Adhered
Air & Vapor Membranes: 36 mils of self-adhering SBS
rubberized asphalt laminated to a 4 mil white cross-laminated
high-density polyethylene film with a siliconized release liner.
ExoAir 110 can be used as a detailing or transition membrane
or as the complete air and vapor barrier membrane itself.
ExoAir 110 is for use when application temperatures are 40˚F
(5˚C) and above. ExoAir 110LT is for use when application
temperatures are 25˚F (-4˚C) to 60˚F (15˚C).
ExoAir TWF (Thru-Wall Flashing): 40 mils of self-adhering
SBS rubberized asphalt laminated to an 8 mil cross-laminated,
high-density polyethylene film with a siliconized release liner.
3. Conditions
3.1 ExoAir 230 may be applied to concrete, concrete masonry
unit (CMU), exterior sheathing, plywood, OSB and metal
surfaces. OSB composition will vary by geographic location.
Application of ExoAir 230 to OSB must be approved by the
local Tremco Sales Representative prior to application.
3.2 Surface to be coated must be clean, smooth, firm, free of
dust, mud, loose mortar, wires, fins, metal projections or any
other substances that might prevent placement and bonding of
a continuous film or cause damage to the membrane.
3.3 Concrete and CMU walls may be damp. All other surfaces
must be dry. Excessive moisture content within substrates
may compromise adhesion and lead to delamination of the
membrane from the substrate. Ice or frost is unacceptable on
all surfaces.
3.4 CMU walls shall have all joints filled and struck flush.
Any voids shall be patched with non-shrinking grout or other
approved patching material.
3.5 All penetrations shall be secured and/or sleeved with a
metal collar.
3.6 Coordinate installation of ExoAir 230 with the roofing
trade to ensure compatibility and continuity with the roofing
system. Roofing systems should be capped and sealed or top
of walls protected in such a way to lessen the ability of water
to saturate the wall or interior space both before and after air
barrier system installation. Connecting the air barrier system to
adjacent building envelope systems such as the roofing system,
below-grade waterproofing system or curtain wall system
should be addressed.
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ExoAir Primer: A rapid-curing adhesive primer formulated to
prepare and promote adhesion to surfaces that will receive
ExoAir 110/110LT and ExoAir TWF.
ExoAir Termination Mastic: A single-component, low-VOC
mastic formulated from polymers, plasticizers and select
additives. It is carefully blended to ensure elasticity, weather
resistance and durabililty with ease of application.
Spectrem ® 1: An ultra-low modulus, high-performance, onepart
neutral-curing silicone joint sealant. This sealant can be
adhered to ExoAir 230 as well as the high density polyethylene
film side of ExoAir 110/110LT and ExoAir TWF.
Tremflex 834: A pure acrylic latex sealant formulated to
provide a fast-setting pliable seal with minimal shrinkage.
It can be used on the board joints of sheathing panels and
any other joints or gaps that will be under the ExoAir 230
membrane.
Dymeric ® 240FC: Dymeric 240FC is a non-sag general purpose
sealant providing flexible, long life, durable weathertight seals
for both new construction and renovation projects in many
types of buildings. This sealant can be used as a cant bead on
horizontal to vertical transitions, to fill voids or cracks and in
expansion joints.
ExoAir LEF: A one-component, polyurethane foam, available in
straw grade or gun grade aerosol can. It is designed specifically
for dispensing as a bead for filling cracks, crevices and small
cavities on flat or irregular surfaces.
Proglaze ® ETA Connections: A 40 durometer dense
translucent silicone sheet used to bridge joints in building
construction.
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Tremco 2011: An open-weave fabric consisting of glass fiber
yarn saturated with synthetic resins that may be used to
reinforce ExoAir 230 around corners and over gaps.
5. Detail Work
5.1 Construction Gaps and Board Joints: It is best practice
to have all construction gaps detailed with sealant. However,
construction gaps in exterior substrates less than 1/16”
(1.6mm) do not have to be detailed when applying ExoAir
230. Construction gaps between 1/16” and 1/4” (1.6mm and
6mm) need to have a detail coat of ExoAir 230 or need to be
filled with Tremflex 834 and tooled flush. As an option, the
joints may be taped with mesh reinforcing tape and sealed
with Tremflex 834 or ExoAir 230. Tremflex 834 and ExoAir 230
may be coated over once the detail work has developed a skin,
approximately 1 hour, depending on temperature and relative
humidity.
5.2 Expansion joints greater than 1/4” (6mm) may be treated
in three ways.
5.2.1 Method 1: Transition Sheet
Prime the area extending 4” (10cm) on either side of the
expansion joint using ExoAir Primer. Prime only as much
substrate as will be covered in the day’s work. Primed
substrates left exposed overnight will need to be reprimed the
following day. ExoAir Primer should be allowed to dry to a nontransferable
tacky film, approximately 15 minutes at 75˚F (23˚C)
and 50% relative humidity. ExoAir Primer can be applied with a
roller or brush. Apply a strip of ExoAir 110/110LT to the primed
area, extending 3” (7.6cm) on either side of the joint and
looped into the joint as necessary to allow for joint movement.
Use a laminate roller or similar to apply pressure to the entire
surface to remove all air pockets and assure positive contact to
the substrate. Terminate the edges of ExoAir 110/110LT with a
bead of ExoAir Termination Mastic.
5.2.2 Method 2: Sealant (CMU/Concrete walls only)
Mix Dymeric 240FC in accordance with instructions on the
pail, using the entire pre-measured curative packet and your
selected Universal Color Pak. One color pack should be used
with 1.5 gallon pails and 2 color packs should be used in the
3 gallon pail. Mix all three parts for a minimum of 6 minutes,
scraping the sides of the pail until there are no color striations.
A color pack is not required for the pretint version.
Ensure the backer rod is friction fitted properly. Apply sealant
with conventional caulking equipment filling the joint from the
backer rod up. The depth of sealant may be equal to the width
of joints that are less than 1/2” (3mm) wide. For joints ranging
from 1/2” to 1” (13mm to 25mm), the sealant depth should be
approximately one-half of the joint width. The maximum depth
of any sealant application should be 1/2”(13mm). For joints
that are wider than 1” (25mm) , contact Tremco’s Technical
Service Department or your local Tremco Sales Representative.
Allow Dymeric 240FC to cure for a minimum of 24 hours prior
to application of ExoAir 230.
5.2.3 Method 3: Silicone Sheet
Install a 4” (10cm) detail coat of ExoAir 230 on either
side of the expansion joint. Allow ExoAir 230 to skin over,
approximately 2 hours, depending on temperature and relative
humidity. Cut Proglaze ETA Connection into easy to handle
lengths. Lift edge of silicone sheet and apply a 1” (25mm)
bead of Spectrem 1 approximately 1/2” (12mm) from the outer
edge of the silicone sheet. Use a laminate roller or similar to
apply pressure to the entire surface to remove all air pockets
and assure positive contact to the substrate. Terminate the
horizontal edges of Proglaze ETA Connections with a bead of
Spectrem 1.
5.3 Fasteners:
Exterior gypsum sheathing fasteners should be flush with the
surface of the substrate. Fasteners which are either protruding
from or sunk below the face of the exterior sheathing must
be treated with a detail coat of ExoAir 230 or Tremflex 834.
Tremflex 834 and ExoAir 230 may be coated over once the
detail work has developed a skin, approximately 1 hour,
depending on temperature and relative humidity.
5.4 Corners: Corners may be treated in two ways.
5.4.1 Method 1: Sealant
Seal all inside corners with a 1/2” x 1/2” (13mm x 13mm)
cant of Tremflex 834 or ExoAir 230. On outside corners use
a combination of reinforcing mesh extending 3” (7.6cm) on
either side of the corner and either a detail coat of ExoAir 230
or Tremflex 834. Tremflex 834 and ExoAir 230 may be coated
over once the detail work has developed a skin, approximately
1 hour, depending on temperature and relative humidity.
5.4.2 Method 2: Transition Sheet
Prime the area extending 4” (10cm) on either side of the corner
using ExoAir Primer. Prime only as much substrate as will be
covered in the day’s work. Primed substrates left exposed
overnight will need to be reprimed the following day. ExoAir
Primer should be allowed to dry to a non-transferable tacky
film, approximately 15 minutes at 75˚F (23˚C) and 50% relative
humidity. ExoAir Primer can be applied with a roller or brush.
Apply a strip of ExoAir 110/110LT to the primed area, extending
3”(7.6cm) on either side of the corner. Use a laminate roller or
similar to apply pressure to the entire surface to remove all air
pockets and assure positive contact to the substrate. Terminate
the edges of ExoAir 110/110LT with ExoAir Termination Mastic.
5.5 Penetrations:
Existing penetrations, such as pipes, conduits or brick ties,
which are tightly fitted to the substrate and under 4” (10cm)
in diameter, should be detailed with a 1” x 1” (25mm x 25mm)
cant of ExoAir 230 or Tremflex 834. If a large gap exists
between the substrate and penetration, fill the void with ExoAir
LEF. Follow with a 1” x 1” (25mm x 25mm) cant of ExoAir 230
or Tremflex 834. If ExoAir 230 will be roll applied, install a
40-mil detail coat around all brick ties using either a brush or
trowel. If ExoAir 230 will be spray applied, sealing of brick ties
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can be accomplished during membrane application. Contact
Tremco Technical Services for penetrations exceeding 4” (10cm)
in diameter.
5.6 Transition Membranes
5.6.1 Method 1: Transition Sheet
Transition Membranes shall be used at all beams, columns,
windows and doors as indicated in the drawings as well as at
substrate changes. Prime the area to be detailed using ExoAir
Primer and allow to dry. Ensure that exterior sheathing panels
receive an adequate amount of primer and/or multiple coats,
allowing for complete drying between coats, to achieve bond
required to substrate. Use pre-cut, easily handled lengths for
each location. Remove release paper and position membranes
carefully before placing them against the surface. ExoAir
110/110LT should extend a minimum of 3” (7.6cm) onto wall,
window, door frame and other substrates. Use a laminate roller
or similar to apply pressure to the entire surface to remove
all air pockets and assure positive contact with the substrate.
Seal the edges with ExoAir Termination Mastic. Overlap edge
seams a minimum of 2” (5cm) and end seams a minimum of
4” (10cm).
5.6.2 Method 2: Fluid
ExoAir 230 may be used as a liquid-applied flashing for
openings such as windows or doors. For exterior sheathing
walls, apply a minimum 30 wet mil detail coat extending a
minimum of 3” (7.6cm) onto wall and into opening. Embed
a layer of glass mesh into the detail coat. Completely cover
the glass mesh with an additional 40 wet mil detail coat.
For concrete or CMU walls, apply a 70 wet mil detail coat
extending a minimum of 3” (7.6cm) onto wall and into
opening. The use of glass mesh is not required.
5.7 Thru-Wall Flashing: Use ExoAir TWF on all façade ledges
or as indicated in the project details. Prime the area to be
detailed using ExoAir Primer and allow to dry. Prime only as
much substrate as will be covered in the day’s work. Primed
substrates left exposed overnight will need to be reprimed
the following day. Place ExoAir TWF such that it is recessed
1/2”(13mm) back from the exposed face of the wall. ExoAir
TWF shall not be permanently exposed to sunlight. Remove
release paper and position membranes carefully before placing
them against the surface. Use a laminate roller or similar to
apply pressure to the entire surface to remove all air pockets
and assure positive contact with the substrate. Seal the edges
with ExoAir Termination Mastic. Overlap end seams a minimum
of 4” (10cm).
6. Membrane Application
6.1 ExoAir 230 should be applied at a rate of 70 wet mils
(23 ft. 2 /gal; 0.57m 2 /L) using a minimum 3/4” (19mm) nap roller
or spray applied. Please refer to the Technical Bulletin Spraying
Guide at www.tremcosealants.com for more information on
spraying ExoAir 230. Use a wet film mil gauge as well as
staging of material to ensure proper application thickness. Seal
around brick-ties and other penetrations as work progresses.
Use caution when applying around brick ties to ensure uniform
coverage. Prime any ExoAir 110/110LT or ExoAir TWF with
ExoAir Primer and allow to dry. Carry ExoAir 230 approximately
2” (5cm) onto ExoAir 230 detail coats, ExoAir 110/110LT or
ExoAir TWF transition membranes. It is not recommended to
fully encapsulate the ExoAir 110/110LT or ExoAir TWF. If Tremco
Silicone Extruded Sheet is used, carry ExoAir 230 2” (5cm) onto
previously applied detail coat.
6.2 Inspect the surface of the ExoAir 230 thoroughly for
pinholes, blisters or other voids in the membrane. If any are
detected, reapply until a monolithic coating at the specified
minimum thickness is achieved. If the membrane has already
been completely cured, prepare the surface with a mineral spirit
wipe or xylene to clean and soften the surface of the ExoAir
230 membrane. Reapply at the minimum specified thickness
with ExoAir 230, extending out 4” (10cm) in all directions.
6.3 Nail sealability of the ExoAir products has been evaluated
and it has been found acceptable practice to penetrate the
material with self-tapping screws (1/4” (6mm)) or nails. If a
nail or screw is removed, the area should be detailed over with
Spectrem 1. It is best practice to have these areas approved in
terms of quality and design acceptance prior to installation.
6.4 Remove any masking materials after installation. Clean
spillage and soiling on adjacent construction that will be
exposed in the finished work using cleaning agents and
procedures recommended by manufacturer of the affected
construction.
6.5 Protect membranes to avoid damage by other trades and
construction materials during subsequent operations. Insulation
and/or protection products may be installed after membranes
have cured, 16-24 hours or firm and dry to the touch.
7. Inspection, Testing And Repair
7.1 Inspect ExoAir membranes before covering and repair any
punctures or damage areas. All repairs should extend 4” (10cm)
beyond the puncture or damage.
7.2 If on-site adhesion testing is required, Tremco recommends
ASTM D4541 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of
Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers. ExoAir 230 should be
allowed to dry for a minimum of 72 hours prior to conducting
test.
Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing
3735 Green Road, Beachwood, OH 44122 // Phone: 216.292.5000 // 800.321.7906
220 Wicksteed Avenue, Toronto, ON M4H 1G7 // Phone: 416.421.3300 // 800.363.3213
1451 Jacobson Avenue, Ashland OH 44805 // Phone: 419.289.2050 // 800.321.6357
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