7 Water-Resistant Products to Overcome Spring Showers

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also spell trouble on the jobsite.

4 MIN READ

Along with warmer temperatures and longer days, the spring and summer months usually mean increased rain, storms, and humidity—all of which can cause construction delays or damage if jobsite crews aren’t prepared. Homeowners can also suffer from leaks or mold if builders haven’t taken the proper precautions to prevent moisture intrusion, potentially leading to costly callbacks.

We’ve rounded up seven building products that will help you beat moisture during construction, and keep homes watertight well after you leave.

Grace Construction Products

Grace’s latest innovation in resistive barriers is the Vycor enV-S self-adhered weather resistive barrier. The durable membrane is an alternative to house wraps that adheres directly to the sheathing for quick installation without tears. The barrier keeps walls protected from water damage during construction by forming an air- and water-tight seal, including around the fasteners used to install exterior finishings. It also adheres to itself to provide increased protection around the laps, spots vulnerable to leaks, without the need for taping or joint treatment. www.grace.com

Amerimix

The newest addition to the company’s RainBloc system, Amerimix Water Repellent Mortar with RainBloc GP provides superior moisture for wall systems. The patented RainBloc is the only water repellent agent that is traceable and measureable in hardened mortar, the firm says, ensuring that every batch has the correct proportions for optimal water resistance and with additional steps needed at the jobsite. The product was also developed with third-party testing to ensure the mortar’s workability and ease of application was not negatively impacted, Amerimix says. www.amerimix.com

Composite Building Panel Systems

CBPS’s new composite structural building panels (C-SIP) are engineered to replace multiple building products and provide a tighter building envelope. Made from fiberglass reinforced thermoset polymer (FRT) skins bonded to rigid polyurethane foam, C-SIP wall panels are engineered to be ultra-durable to withstand construction pressures and provide waterproofing before finish materials are applied, CBPS says. The system also uses FRT channels to join materials, eliminating the need for wood or metal connecters that are often susceptible to moisture penetration. www.cpbsco.com

Atlas Roofing

WeatherMaster PolySeal SE roof underlayment will stand up to whatever conditions you’re working in: its unique adhesive can be applied in cold temperatures yet retains thermal stability under intense heat, the company says. WeatherMaster is self-adhering and forms a uniform seal around the roof substrate and nail penetrations, preventing moisture entry. For added water protection, the underlayment can be cut and used as a flashing tape to form a secondary barrier. Its 45-day exposure rating means the home will be protected even if extended bad weather hits before the metal roofing surface is installed. www.atlasroofing.com

GAF

Save valuable time on the jobsite with GAF’s M-Thane One-Part Pourable Sealant, a moisture cure polyether solution with no mixing required. The sealant, designed for use with the M-Curb Pitch-Pan System, cures and adheres to construction materials even with moisture in the air, making it suitable for application in damp weather. In addition to saving time by eliminating mixing, the sealant has only a 20-minute skin-over time and is paintable within 24 hours. GAF’s sealant is also solvent-free and self-leveling, so it won’t bubble up on damp surfaces, according to the company. www.gaf.com

Dri-Tac

The newest concrete moisture barrier from DriTac Flooring Products is hardy, fast-drying, and eco-friendly. DriTac Eco-DriBloc is a single-component moisture control system and adhesive isolation membrane with a short 3-hour dry time, so crews can apply the moisture mitigation system and install flooring on the same day, the company says. Eco-DriBloc can be used with nearly all types of resilient floor coverings, including vinyl, laminate, and floating floors, and is VOC-free. www.dritac.com

Simpson Door Co.

It’s no secret that a home’s entrances can be prime entry spots for moisture as well. WaterBarrier technology from Simpson Door Company helps reduce the impact of the elements by combining a moisture-resistant, medium-density overlay with a thermoset acrylic latex primer topcoat and PVC glazing beads, leaving the door waterproofed and ready to paint. The firm recently announced the technology’s expansion to be available on all of its door designs in any wood species, including those with raised panels, shaker profiles, and divided lites. www.simpsondoor.com

About the Author

Laura McNulty

Laura McNulty is senior managing editor for Remodeling and ProSales magazines. She formerly served as an associate editor for Hanley Wood's residential construction group. Contact her at [email protected].

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