With the complexity of commercial buildings and demand for energy efficiency on the rise, interest in high-performance air and water-resistive barrier systems (or AWBs) is growing. Architects naturally want to choose the most effective AWB for their projects. But with so many options, it can be difficult to discern which solutions will perform and protect long into a building’s future. This presentation explores the distinct benefits of fluid-applied 100% silicone AWBs, and the reasons they make an excellent choice for many building projects. We discuss the basics and benefits of air barriers, as well as codes and requirements to follow in order to reduce risk. We explain the key properties that set 100% silicone apart from other fluid-applied chemistries. We also cover installation details for 100% silicone AWBs.

This course, focused on silicone sealants, will cover topics related to the use of sealants in commercial construction. The discussion reviews what silicone is, where it is used and what are its benefits. Numerous design topics are covered as well how sealant choice affects project cost, performance and life expectancy. Fundamental behaviors of silicone sealants are also discussed.

Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG) is an advanced construction technique for facade systems where a silicone sealant is utilized for glass bonding and transferring wind loads to the curtainwall. SSG systems have offered architects and owners the ability to design a façade with unique aesthetic features with improved thermal performance since the 1970’s.

This presentation discusses the benefits of the SSG technique and explores its history and future prospects. In addition, the benefits of silicone are reviewed and the reasons they make an excellent choice for many building projects.