Different Kinds and Features of Weather-Resistant Barriers

Building materials need to be well protected to avoid water damage. Weather-resistant barrier systems can be used to provide this protection by acting like a shell around buildings.

Weather-resistant barriers prevent liquid water from penetrating the exterior materials of a building while also allowing water vapor to escape. This keeps building materials dry so that they have a longer lifespan.

When liquid water penetrates through building materials, it can reduce the durability and may lead to moisture-related problems, such as the growth of mold or the rotting of the materials. Using an effective weather-resistant barrier can reduce maintenance costs and improve the safety of buildings.

What Are the Different Types of Barriers?

There is a range of different barrier types that can be used to protect buildings from poor weather conditions and moisture.

Building paper may be used to increase water resistance and prevent moisture. A material known as housewrap may also be used to reduce the amount of water that is able to penetrate through building materials.

Lead and other water-resistant metals can also be used to increase the weather-resistant properties of a building. Most commonly, these metals include lead, aluminum, copper, zinc alloy, and stainless steel, but additional metals may be used in some cases.

Lead weather proofing, also known as flashing, uses thin pieces of metal. These water-resistant metals are woven into the building structure to create a weather-resistant barrier system. They are required for any area within a building that is moisture-prone. For example, weather-resistant barrier materials may be required in chimneys, ventilation systems, and door openings. Flashing is also commonly used in the installation of solar panels.

Interestingly, there are certain metal combinations that are not appropriate for use as a weather-resistant barrier. This is due to various reactions that can occur between these metals.

For example, copper and lead metals cannot be used above zinc or aluminum as this can lead to corrosion. Therefore, builders and other professionals must be careful with the combination of metals that they use in the protective barriers of their constructions.

There are a few different methods of lead weather proofing, including:

• Roof flashing – The metals are placed on the roof of a building to protect it from wet weather conditions.
• Wall flashing – The moisture-proof metals may be woven into the materials of the wall, particularly around windows and points of structural support.
• Sill flashing – Sill flashing involves using weather-resistant metal is around windows and doors, which are common places for moisture entry into a building.

For weather-resistant barrier materials, contact Canada Metal today.