Introduction
Blueskin VP100 is a high-performance, self-adhered water-resistive barrier (WRB) engineered for wood-framed residential and multi-family buildings. Designed to provide a durable first line of defense against water and moisture intrusion, it offers advanced sealing around fasteners and ensures long-term air and moisture control. This article provides a detailed overview of the product’s technical features, installation guidelines, and integration with complementary components within the Henry 1-2-3 Moisture Control System™. The information is drawn exclusively from the provided source material, including official installation guidelines and product details.
Technical Overview of Blueskin VP100
Blueskin VP100 is constructed using an engineered film and a patented permeable adhesive technology, paired with a split-back poly-release film. This combination allows the product to self-adhere to substrates while remaining vapor permeable, ensuring that moisture can escape from the building envelope without compromising the protective barrier.
The product is available in multiple roll sizes, including widths of 6 inches, 9 inches, 12 inches, and 48 inches, with a standard roll length of 100 feet. These dimensions allow for flexibility in application across a variety of construction scenarios.
Key technical features include:
- Self-sealing capability around nails and fasteners, which ensures that the barrier remains intact and water-tight, even after installation penetrations.
- Greater than 95% drainage efficiency, which helps manage water runoff and prevents accumulation that could lead to structural damage.
- Elimination of uncontrolled air leakage, which contributes to energy efficiency by reducing thermal bridging and air infiltration.
- Improved indoor air quality by reducing the risk of mold proliferation due to moisture accumulation.
- Peel-and-stick installation system, which simplifies application and reduces labor time.
When used as part of the Henry 1-2-3 Moisture Control System™, Blueskin VP100 is supported by an industry-leading 15-year warranty that covers both materials and labor. Repairs are facilitated through a single point of contact, streamlining the maintenance process.
Installation Guidelines
The installation of Blueskin VP100 must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The following sections outline key installation considerations, including surface preparation, application techniques, and specific methods for various components such as windows, doors, and construction joints.
Surface Preparation and Application Conditions
Before applying Blueskin VP100, the substrate must be clean, dry, and free of debris such as dust, dirt, or construction residue. The product adheres best to smooth, non-porous surfaces, though it is also compatible with wood sheathing and other typical building materials.
Installation should be performed in temperatures above 40°F (4.4°C) and in dry conditions. The product must be protected from UV exposure during installation and storage, as prolonged exposure can degrade the adhesive and affect performance.
Application Techniques
The peel-and-stick system is central to the ease of installation. The poly-release film must be removed before applying the adhesive side of the membrane to the substrate. The film should be split back carefully to avoid tearing the membrane or damaging the adhesive layer.
Blueskin VP100 is applied in overlapping laps to ensure continuous coverage and to allow for proper drainage. The manufacturer recommends a reverse lap method in certain scenarios, where the lower sheet is overlapped by the upper sheet to direct water downward.
Specific Installation Methods
The installation process varies depending on the component or feature being sealed. The following are some of the key installation methods detailed in the source documentation:
VPWRB-1A Wall Foundation Slab Below Grade: This method outlines the installation of Blueskin VP100 at the transition between the wall and the below-grade foundation slab. The membrane must be applied to the vertical wall surface and extended down to the slab, ensuring a continuous barrier.
VPWRB-1B Wall Foundation Slab on Grade: This method applies to foundations where the wall is installed on grade. The barrier must be applied to the wall surface and extended across the slab to prevent moisture migration.
VPWRB-1C Wall Foundation Transition No Brick Ledge: This method addresses the transition between the wall and the foundation when no brick ledge is present. The membrane must be applied in a manner that ensures a continuous and sealed barrier across the joint.
VPWRB-2A and 2B Pipe Penetrations: These methods cover the sealing of pipe penetrations with gap widths of up to 0.5 inches and 0.75 inches, respectively. The membrane must be applied around the pipe and overlapped to create a watertight seal.
VPWRB-3A, 3B, and 3C Corners: These methods address the installation of Blueskin VP100 at inside and outside corners of different substrates, including sheathing, CMU (concrete masonry unit), and soffits. The membrane must be applied with overlapping laps to ensure full coverage and proper sealing.
VPWRB-4A and 4B Substrate Transitions: These methods outline the application of the membrane at transitions between different substrates. Care must be taken to ensure that the barrier remains continuous and that laps are properly overlapped.
VPWRB-5A Thru-Wall Flashing: This method involves the installation of Blueskin VP100 at through-wall flashing locations. The membrane must be applied to the flashing and extended across the wall to maintain the water-resistive barrier.
VPWRB-6B1-P2 Flanged Window Sequence Installation Method B - Pan Flashing at Sill: This method outlines the installation of the barrier at flanged windows with pan flashing at the sill. The membrane must be applied around the window frame and extended over the flashing to ensure a continuous barrier.
VPWRB-6C Hollow Metal Door: This method addresses the application of Blueskin VP100 at hollow metal doors. The membrane must be applied around the door frame and overlapped to ensure proper sealing and drainage.
VPWRB-7A Reverse Lap: This method is used in sloped applications where the reverse lap technique is necessary to direct water downward and prevent pooling.
VPWRB-8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D Construction Joints: These methods cover the application of the membrane at construction joints with varying maximum gap widths (0.5 inches, 1 inch, and 2 inches). The membrane must be applied in a manner that allows for proper overlap and sealing across the joint.
VPWRB-8D Deflection Joint: This method outlines the installation of Blueskin VP100 at deflection joints, where movement between building components must be accommodated.
VPWRB-9A, 9B, and 9C Air Barrier Transitions: These methods address the application of the membrane at air barrier transitions, including sloped roofs, parapets, and roofing wrapping. The membrane must be applied in a manner that ensures a continuous air and moisture barrier.
Integration with the Henry 1-2-3 Moisture Control System™
Blueskin VP100 is designed to function as part of the Henry 1-2-3 Moisture Control System™, a comprehensive approach to building envelope protection. The system includes complementary products such as Blueskin ZeroFlash, FortiFlash Fusion, Moistop® Corner Shield, and Moistop® Sealant. Together, these components create a coordinated and integrated solution that enhances the performance of the building envelope.
The 15-year warranty provided with the system is a key benefit, offering coverage for both materials and labor. This warranty is supported by a single point of contact for repairs, ensuring a streamlined process for maintenance and issue resolution.
Conclusion
Blueskin VP100 is a high-performance, self-adhered water-resistive barrier designed to provide long-term protection against water and moisture intrusion in wood-framed residential and multi-family construction. With its advanced sealing technology, vapor permeability, and ease of installation, it offers a reliable solution for maintaining air and moisture control in the building envelope.
The product is supported by a comprehensive set of installation guidelines and technical documentation, ensuring that it can be applied effectively in a variety of construction scenarios. When used as part of the Henry 1-2-3 Moisture Control System™, it benefits from an industry-leading 15-year warranty, further enhancing its value for builders and property owners.
For those seeking to understand the full scope of Blueskin VP100’s capabilities and application methods, the manufacturer’s official documentation provides a wealth of information that can be used to guide installation and ensure optimal performance.