Henry Blueskin VP100 is a premium, self-adhered vapor permeable water-resistive barrier (WRB) designed to provide superior air and moisture control in wood-framed residential and multi-family construction. Its patented peel-and-stick technology and permeable adhesive system eliminate the need for mechanical fastening, significantly reducing air and water intrusion. When installed correctly, Blueskin VP100 enhances building longevity, improves energy efficiency, and ensures occupant comfort by preventing uncontrolled air leakage and moisture accumulation.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to install Blueskin VP100, drawing on information from Henry's official product documentation, technical installation guidelines, and real-world application examples. The instructions are tailored for U.S. construction standards and emphasize best practices for achieving a continuous, durable, and high-performance building envelope.
Overview of Blueskin VP100
Blueskin VP100 is part of Henry's 1-2-3 Moisture Control System™ and is designed to function as both an air and water barrier. Its key features include:
- Self-sealing around fasteners and penetrations to maintain water tightness
- Vapor permeability to allow interior moisture to escape while blocking external water intrusion
- Drainage efficiency of more than 95%, reducing the risk of trapped moisture
- Compatibility with a variety of substrates and construction transitions
- Ease of installation using only hand tools
The product is supplied in rolls of varying widths (6", 9", 12", and 48") and 100' in length. It is typically installed horizontally from the bottom of the wall up to the top plate or to the roof line, depending on the construction type. Blueskin VP100 is also supported by an industry-leading 15-year warranty when used as part of the Henry 1-2-3 system.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before applying Blueskin VP100, it is essential to ensure that the building envelope is prepared properly. This includes inspecting the substrate for cleanliness, dryness, and structural integrity. The following steps should be taken:
Surface Preparation
- Ensure the substrate is clean and dry. Any dirt, dust, or debris should be removed using a brush, vacuum, or compressed air.
- Verify that the surface is structurally sound. Repairs should be made to damaged or uneven surfaces before installation.
- Avoid installation in wet or freezing conditions. The product adheres best to dry substrates and should not be applied in temperatures below 40°F (4°C) or in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Tools and Materials
The following items are typically required for installation:
- Blueskin VP100 rolls
- Butyl flashing tape, sealant, and primer (optional accessories)
- Hand tools such as utility knives, putty knives, and measuring tapes
- Ladders and safety gear as needed for elevated work
Access to Henry’s technical documentation is also recommended to review specific application scenarios, such as transitions, penetrations, and corners. Henry provides downloadable installation guides for various scenarios, including wall foundation slabs, pipe penetrations, and substrate transitions.
Installation Procedure
Blueskin VP100 is installed using a peel-and-stick method, which eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners and reduces air leakage. Below is a detailed step-by-step procedure for typical wall applications.
Step 1: Start at the Base
Installation should begin at the lowest point of the wall, typically at the base of the foundation or slab. This ensures that the material is applied in a continuous, horizontal manner and that any overlaps or laps are properly sealed.
- Peel the release liner from the roll and begin applying the material from the bottom up.
- Smooth the material over the surface using a putty knife or hand to remove any air pockets and ensure full adhesion.
- Ensure that the material is tightly adhered to the substrate without wrinkles or gaps.
Blueskin VP100 self-seals around nails and fasteners, which is one of its key advantages over traditional WRBs. However, care should still be taken to avoid creating unnecessary penetrations during installation.
Step 2: Overlap and Seal Laps
To ensure continuity and prevent water infiltration, the laps between rolls must be overlapped and sealed properly.
- Overlap the leading edge of the next roll over the trailing edge of the previous roll by at least 2 inches.
- Smooth the overlap to ensure that the adhesive bonds fully and that there are no gaps or wrinkles.
Henry’s technical documentation emphasizes that the material’s patented adhesive technology allows for self-sealing laps without the need for additional tape or sealant in most cases. However, in high-exposure or high-moisture areas, the use of butyl flashing tape may be recommended to reinforce the seal.
Step 3: Install Around Openings and Penetrations
Blueskin VP100 must be carefully installed around windows, doors, vents, and other penetrations to maintain its integrity.
- Cut the material around the opening using a utility knife, following the outline of the penetration.
- Smooth the material around the edges to ensure full contact with the substrate.
- Use butyl flashing tape or sealant to secure the edges and create a watertight seal.
Henry provides specific installation guides for pipe penetrations of varying widths (0.5 inch and 0.75 inch), as well as for substrate transitions and corners. These guides should be consulted to ensure that the application is appropriate for the specific type of penetration or transition.
Step 4: Install at Corners and Transitions
Blueskin VP100 should be installed around corners and transitions to maintain a continuous barrier.
- Apply the material around the corner so that it wraps both sides of the joint.
- Smooth the material to ensure full adhesion and that there are no gaps or wrinkles.
- Use butyl flashing tape or sealant to reinforce the corner if necessary.
Henry offers installation guides for inside and outside corners at sheathing, CMU, and soffit. These guides provide detailed instructions for different types of corners and transitions, including how to apply the material in a way that ensures durability and performance.
Step 5: Finish the Installation
Once the entire surface has been covered, the installation should be inspected for any gaps, wrinkles, or areas where the material has not adhered properly.
- Smooth any irregularities using a putty knife or hand.
- Inspect all overlaps, corners, and penetrations for proper sealing.
- Ensure that the material is fully adhered to the substrate and that there are no loose or wrinkled areas.
After the installation is complete, any additional accessories such as butyl flashing tape, sealant, or primer should be applied as needed to reinforce the barrier and ensure long-term performance.
Post-Installation Considerations
Once Blueskin VP100 has been installed, it is important to protect the barrier during subsequent construction phases to prevent damage or degradation.
- Avoid puncturing or tearing the material during the installation of siding, windows, or other components.
- Protect the material from UV exposure if the project will take an extended period to complete. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can affect the adhesive properties.
- Ensure that any penetrations made after installation are properly sealed using butyl flashing tape or sealant.
Henry recommends that the material be installed as early as possible in the construction process to minimize the risk of damage and to allow for proper integration with other building components.
Benefits of Using Blueskin VP100
Blueskin VP100 offers several advantages over traditional WRBs, including:
- Superior air and water resistance, reducing the risk of leaks and structural damage
- Improved energy efficiency by eliminating uncontrolled air leakage
- Enhanced durability and longevity, thanks to its self-sealing properties
- Ease of installation, requiring only hand tools and no mechanical fastening
- Compatibility with a wide range of substrates and construction types
Third-party blower door tests have confirmed that Blueskin VP100 performs better than traditional wraps and felts in terms of air leakage reduction. This translates to significant energy savings and a faster return on investment for builders and homeowners.
Conclusion
Henry Blueskin VP100 is a high-performance, self-adhered water-resistive barrier that offers a reliable solution for managing air and moisture in wood-framed construction. Its patented peel-and-stick technology, vapor permeability, and self-sealing capabilities make it an ideal choice for residential and commercial applications. When installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, Blueskin VP100 provides a continuous, durable barrier that enhances building performance, reduces energy costs, and improves occupant comfort.
Proper installation is critical to achieving the full benefits of the product. By following the steps outlined in this guide and consulting Henry’s technical documentation, installers can ensure that the material is applied correctly and that the building envelope remains protected against air and water intrusion.