DuPont's New Quality Assurance Services Help Reduce America's $31 billion Construction Rework Problem

DuPont Building Knowledge Center (BKC) Quality Assurance Program helps mitigate costly construction issues before they happen; industry-exclusive 15-year warranty builds confidence

DuPont introduced the DuPont Building Knowledge Center (BKC) Quality Assurance Program created to raise the bar in manufacturer quality control and help further reduce the $31 billion waste caused by installation rework in the US. The BKC is a team of trusted DuPont advisors for installation guidance, training, field support and inquiries related to the DuPont building envelope portfolio.

The new BKC Quality Assurance Program features expanded support and design review services for general contractors. Upon passing the technical review, customers may be eligible for an exclusive 15-Year Product and Labor Limited Warranty for select DuPont Tyvek Commercial Wrap and DuPont Self-Adhered Flashing Products.

"With DuPont's new BKC Quality Assurance Program, we benefit even more from the added services, minimizing our potential for risks and mitigating future potential issues," said Jim Driggs, President, Quality Assurance, Trammel Crow Residential. "The 15-year extended warranty creates increased value with pre-project equity partner's perception of quality, and at sale for the new buyer's long-lasting asset value."

Used as weather barriers for commercial building envelopes, DuPont Tyvek Commercial Wrap Products are designed to control air leakage, stop water infiltration, and help prevent mold by allowing water vapor to escape. These weather barriers – part of a powerhouse product portfolio that helps protect all six sides of the building envelope – make a significant difference in energy efficiency and overall building performance.

According to the 2018 FMI Construction Disconnected Report, contractors spend 35% of their time – more than 14 hours per week – on nonproductive activities, including resolving conflicts and dealing with installation mistakes and installation rework, accounting for more than the average profit margin in the construction industry.

Providing installation guidance and review services can help mitigate costly rework by prioritizing quality control and supervision of product installations. Additionally, by the project conforming to the requirements of the BKC Quality Assurance Program from DuPont, projects gain eligibility for the company's new 15-year warranty, enabling building owners to help reduce long-term risk of building failure and gain the confidence of extended warranty benefits.

The program's expanded support and design review services feature a wide range of services tailored to meet project needs, including:

Custom Building Envelope Detail Review
DuPont Installation Literature Conformance Review
Continuous WRB/AB Drawing Review
ICC IECC/ASHRAE 90.1 Prescriptive Opaque Wall R-value Compliance Evaluation
Vapor Barrier Code Compliance
NFPA 285 Wall Compliance Check
Hourly Rated Wall Conformance Review
Dew Point Analysis

Products eligible for the program include:

DuPont Tyvek Commercial Wrap Products, including DuPont Tyvek CommercialWrap and Tyvek CommercialWrap D
DuPont Self-Adhered Flashing Products, including DuPont Flashing Tape, StraightFlash, VersaFlange (formerly StraightFlash VF), FlexWrap EZ and FlexWrap

Contractors and building owners can learn more about the benefits of the DuPont Building Knowledge Center (BKC) Quality Assurance Program and request a quote at building.dupont.com/BKCQA