Airtight Solutions for Open-joint Cladding

Last updated on April 6th, 2023 | By Peter Barrett | No comments

Open-joint cladding design elements are being applied by the world’s most advanced building professionals designing some of the most cutting-edge buildings. However, they require extra attention to manage the infiltration of exterior weather. While enhancing the visual aesthetics of a building, this design can expose structural components within the wall to wind, water, and sun, ultimately jeopardizing building performance if not properly protected.

To ensure optimal protection for facade systems with open-joint cladding, there are two key factors building professionals must consider when building a perfect wall system – airtightness and water resistance. Historically in these systems, a water-resistive barrier (WRB) has always been installed in front of the continuous insulation (ci), with a designated air barrier located in a protected area to prevent damage, in front of the structural sheathing as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1 A water-resistive barrier installed in front of the continuous insulation (ci), with a designated air barrier located in a protected area to prevent damage, in front of the structural sheathing

A WRB is designed as a part of the primary cladding to channel bulk water from wind-driven rain and snow to the outside of the structure – keeping the wall dry and protecting the insulation from the effects of wind-washing. An air barrier provides a separation between controlled indoor air and uncontrolled outdoor air. According to Judd Peterson, president of the Judd Allen Group, uncontrolled air flow is the greatest source of moisture and condensation damage in exterior walls, as compared to simple vapor transmission. And uncontrolled moisture is the greatest cause of building materials deteriorating.

If the right materials aren’t selected for facade systems with open-joint cladding, the wall system could prematurely fail.

One-Step Air and Water Tightness

Build better and more efficiently with a new, innovative WRB solution in DELTA®-FASSADE SA – an air- and water-resistive barrier developed by Dörken, leaders in the vapor permeable construction membrane industry. At Dörken, we take pride in responding to unique industry needs with superior-performing solutions. Think of us as the air- and water-resistive barrier know-it-alls of open-joint cladding.

Offered alongside DELTA®-FASSADE S, the new DELTA®-FASSADE SA is a four-layer, self-adhered air- and water-resistive barrier with industry-leading UV stability to ensure product performance and longevity. Its two outer layers are made of a high-strength, spun-bonded polypropylene (PP) fabric and are thermally bonded to a highly vapor permeable, watertight polymeric middle layer, offering a hybrid between the industry-proven DELTA®-VENT SA and DELTA®-FASSADE S. On top of all of this, the new product features an innovative UV-resistant acrylic coating that is proven to provide true UV protection.

Figure 2 This installation shows DELTA®-FASSADE SA acting as the complete air- and water-resistive barrier behind open-joint cladding

Applied much like DELTA®-VENT SA, DELTA®-FASSADE SA is self-adhering for simple, secure, and proper application that is straightforward without any fasteners required. Meeting specific IRC and IBC requirements, this membrane is lightweight, highly durable, and tear resistant—tough enough to stand up to the demands of the jobsite, and fulfilling application, energy, and building code requirements.

The inherent air and water tightness of the product protects building enclosures from air leakage and water penetration, even amidst harsh weather and wind-driven rain. And because the product is fully adhered, lateral movement of air and water is eliminated.

UV Protection

Leveraging the proven capabilities of DELTA®-FASSADE S, the only UV-resistant barrier solution for open-joint cladding available on the market that has been tested to and passed ICC-AC38, DELTA®-FASSADE SA is highly stabilized against damage from UV exposure. It is designed for use in cladding systems that have open joints up to 2” (50 mm) wide, which expose up to 40 percent of the entire facade surface. It acts as a durable drainage plane, channeling bulk (liquid) water from wind-driven rain and snow to the outside of the structure. The watertight membrane helps protect the building enclosure from the damaging effects of moisture infiltration, and its high vapor permeability allows moisture within the cavity to escape swiftly. It is an air barrier that meets the industry’s most stringent standards.

Superior Performance

DELTA®-FASSADE S and DELTA®-FASSADE SA: for the way you build.

At a time when building professionals were left deciding between design integrity and protection, the original DELTA®-FASSADE S was introduced to provide an advanced solution that allowed for architects to be innovative with open-joint cladding, while knowing their buildings were set up for success.

With the introduction of new DELTA®-FASSADE SA, Dörken now offers the full open-joint solution for buildings. Leveraging the extensive research, trialing, and testing that went into the development of DELTA®-FASSADE S, DELTA®-FASSADE SA provides the same superior ability to protect buildings, resist UV rays, maintain the integrity of the insulation underneath, and complement any open-joint cladding design.

Self-adhering DELTA®-FASSADE SA air barrier is completely unique for the market. Specifically, DELTA®-FASSADE SA is suitable for:

Buildings under International Residential Code (IRC)
Type V-B construction under International Building Code (IBC)
Buildings under 40’ with no plastic foam insulation under IBC

In comparison to DELTA®-FASSADE S, DELTA®-FASSADE SA is made of polypropylene, has a PP center layer and a UV-stable acrylic coating, and is self-adhering, applied much like DELTA®-VENT SA, a product long trusted by industry professionals.