Weather-resistant barriers play a crucial role in the protection and energy-efficiency of today’s commercial buildings. Weather-resistant barriers can both protect a structure’s walls from air and water infiltration and keep moisture from accumulating in the wall systems. High quality weather-resistant barriers are not only air-resistant, but also prevent moisture and vapor. This can ensure that a commercial building remains energy-efficient and protected by barriers, such as asphalt-felt, Grade D building paper and plastic building wrap.
Toward the end of the 1990s, environmental concerns and rising fuel costs led to a need for more energy-efficient structures. This is where weather-resistant barriers first became popular. However, it was not a smooth transition at first. The original designs of weather-resistant barriers were airtight but were not permeable. Since they were not permeable, moisture was trapped in the walls, leading to rot and mold. This made it obvious that weather-resistant barriers needed to be vapor permeable, which would let water escape from wall systems and prevent deterioration or damage to the building.