Home / Air Barriers
AIR-SHIELD: Designing for the 21st Century
Uncontrolled air leakage through the building envelope will affect the performance of the building materials within the wall assembly. You've made a major investment in your facilities and that investment deserves the very best protection available. That very best protection is offered by the AIR-SHIELD line of air barriers from W. R. MEADOWS. The AIR-SHIELD line includes fluid-applied air barriers, sheet membranes, and vapor-permeable formulations.
Vapor Permeable Air Barriers
NEW FROM W. R. MEADOWS – AIR-SHIELD SMP
New from W. R. MEADOWS comes AIR-SHIELD SMP sheet membrane vapor permeable air/liquid moisture barrier. It is a self-adhesive membrane that is designed to be fully bonded to the substrate without the use of an adhesive or primer, saving time and money by removing this additional step. AIR-SHIELD SMP is tough, durable, and exhibits excellent resistance to air leakage and liquid intrusion, while at the same time allowing the wall assembly to dry through its vapor permeable material.
AIR-SHIELD SMP has been specifically formulated to act as an air and liquid moisture barrier, allowing vapor to pass through it. It may be applied to most common surfaces and integrated into various wall assemblies. AIR-SHIELD SMP is suitable for both new construction and retrofit applications and works equally well as an air barrier on precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, masonry (concrete block), interior and exterior gypsum board, Styrofoam, primed steel, aluminum mill finish, anodized aluminum, primed galvanized metal, drywall, and plywood.
AIR-SHIELD SMP can be left exposed to UV rays for up to 90 days. It can be installed in a wide range of temperatures from 14° – 140° F (-10° – 60° C). AIR-SHIELD SMP offers a controlled thickness membrane that is highly flexible with the ability to bridge cracks.
Air Barrier White Paper
The rationale for non-permeable air barriers (fluid-applied or self-adhered sheet) is based on a number of factors. The most notable of these is the code-driven mandate for exterior continuous insulation in many climate zones. This white paper explains how this decision is made based on many factors, including insulation, the International Building Code, climatic conditions, etc.
White Paper: The Air Barrier Debate – Permeable or Non-Permeable?
AIR-SHIELD Animation
About Air Barriers
FACT: Uncontrolled air leakage through the building envelope will affect the performance of the building materials within the wall assembly. W. R. Meadows has consistently helped owners protect their buildings against uncontrolled air leakage which can result in:
Indoor air quality issues
Inflated energy costs
Efflorescence
Degradation of building components
For over 95 years, W. R. MEADOWS has been recognized as the leader in developing and producing quality products for the construction industry. We have built a coveted reputation among architects, engineers and contractors for producing the highest quality products backed by 90+ years of experience.
Remember, air barriers are required in all new federal construction. Choose W. R. MEADOWS air barrier systems – we have the right product for your application requirements.
How does air move through my building?
Air will move through the building if there is a pressure difference across the building envelope. As a result, any hole or penetration in the building envelope can allow moisture-laden air to move through the wall.
Air is moved by:
Building location and wind
Stack (or chimney) effect
Mechanical means (HVAC systems)
Featured Air Barrier Products
AIR-SHIELD
AIR-SHIELD self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier is part of a total W. R. MEADOWS system to complete the building…
AIR-SHIELD LM
AIR-SHIELD LM is a single-component, liquid-applied, water-based, polymer-modified air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LM cures to form a tough,…
AIR-SHIELD ALUMINUM FLASHING
AIR-SHIELD ALUMINUM FLASHING is a self-adhering flexible membrane flashing with an aluminum facer. It is a roll-type product that is…
AIR-SHIELD SMP
AIR-SHIELD SMP is a self-adhering, vapor permeable, air/liquid moisture barrier that is designed to be fully bonded to the substrate…
AIR-SHIELD ALUMINUM SHEET MEMBRANE
AIR-SHIELD ALUMINUM SHEET MEMBRANE self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier is part of a total W. R. MEADOWS system to…
AIR-SHIELD LMP
AIR-SHIELD LMP is a water-based air/liquid moisture barrier that cures to form a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane. AIR-SHIELD LMP exhibits…
AIR-SHIELD LSR
AIR-SHIELD LSR (liquid synthetic rubber) is an asphalt-free, single-component, synthetic rubber based liquid air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LSR…
AIR-SHIELD TMP
AIR-SHIELD TMP is a water-based air/liquid moisture barrier that cures to form a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane. AIR-SHIELD TMP exhibits…
AIR-SHIELD Video
AIR-SHIELD LMP Video
So how do we prevent air movement?
AIR-SHIELD air/liquid moisture barrier from W. R. MEADOWS is available in six different versions, based on what your building needs entail.
AIR-SHIELD self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier is a part of a total system to complete the building envelope. It is a roll-type product that is nominally 40 mils thick. This unique, self-adhesive membrane, protected by a special release paper, is strong and durable. It remains flexible when surface mounted and will adhere to most primed surfaces at minimum temperatures of 40° F (4° C). [A low-temperature version for applications between 20° F (-7° C) and 60° F (16° C) is also available.]
AIR-SHIELD LM is a liquid applied, water-based, polymermodified air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LM cures to form a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane, which exhibits excellent resistance to air and moisture transmission.
AIR-SHIELD LM (ALL SEASON) is also a single component, liquid applied, polymer-modified air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier, but unlike AIR-SHIELD LM, it can be applied at temperatures as low as 10º F (-12º C) . AIR-SHIELD LM (ALL SEASON) still maintains its low permeability and excellent adhesion, even in low temperatures.
AIR-SHIELD LMP is also a single component, liquid applied, vapor-permeable air/liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LMP stops the movement of air, while at the same time, allowing the passage of vapor. The product is designed for wall assemblies that need a vapor-permeable air barrier.
AIR-SHIELD LSR (liquid synthetic rubber) is an asphalt-free, single-component, synthetic rubber based liquid air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LSR cures to form a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane, which exhibits excellent resistance to air and moisture transmission. AIR-SHIELD LSR has been specifically formulated to act as an air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier within the building envelope. It may be applied to most common surfaces and integrated into various wall systems. AIR-SHIELD LSR is suitable for both new construction and restoration.
AIR-SHIELD THRU-WALL FLASHING is a self-adhering, flexible membrane flashing. It is a roll-type product that is nominally 40 mils thick. This material is an air, vapor, and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD THRU-WALL FLASHING is a concealed flashing for masonry concrete, wood/steel frames and roofing applications – door and window lintels, sills, spandrel beams, caps, and parapets. AIR-SHIELD THRU-WALL FLASHING is designed for use as a thru-wall flashing and dampproofing course.
Drawings are for illustration purposes only and may not be suitable for use in all climate zones.
Air Barrier Accessories
Our AIR-SHIELD accessory products are designed and developed to work together to complete a total air barrier system.
AIR-SHIELD 25 MIL FLASHING TAPE – Flexible Flashing, 25 Mils Thick
AIR-SHIELD ALUMINUM FLASHING – Aluminum-Faced Flexible Flashing
AIR-SHIELD LIQUID FLASHING – Liquid Flashing Membrane
AIR-SHIELD THRU-WALL FLASHING – Flexible Flashing
BEM – One-Component Waterproofing Membrane
DETAIL STRIP – Self-Adhering Elastomeric Tape
POURTHANE NS – Non-Sag Polyurethane Joint Sealant
MEL-PRIME – Solvent-Based VOC Adhesive
MEL-PRIME N.E. – Solvent-Based VOC Adhesive
MEL-PRIME W/B – Water-Based Adhesive
POINTING MASTIC – Cold-Applied Sealing Compound
TERMINATION BAR – Multi-Purpose, Preformed Attachment Plastic
Cavity walls
Masonry walls
Cast-in-place concrete
Interior and exterior gypsum board
You can make a difference!Developed to be used as a complete air and air vapor barrier system, the components, whether liquid or sheet, are designed to work together to help make your building more energy-efficient and combat indoor air quality issues. By controlling excessive airflow from your building, you can have a direct impact on our environment. A properly designed air barrier system will reduce the use of energy, which in turn reduces fossil fuel consumption and thus reduces the greenhouse effect.
Air Barrier Materials
AIR-SHIELD LM (ALL SEASON)
AIR-SHIELD LM (ALL SEASON) is a single-component, liquid-applied, polymer-modified air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LM (ALL SEASON) cures to…
AIR-SHIELD XLT
AIR-SHIELD XLT extra-low temp self-adhering air barrier is part of a total W. R. MEADOWS system to complete the building…
AIR-SHIELD LOW TEMP
AIR-SHIELD LOW TEMP self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier is part of a total W. R. MEADOWS system to complete…
AIR-SHIELD LIQUID FLASHING
AIR-SHIELD LIQUID FLASHING is a high-quality, gun grade, low-odor, elastomeric, polyether, liquid-applied flashing and detailing membrane. It bonds to most…
AIR-SHIELD THRU-WALL FLASHING
AIR-SHIELD THRU-WALL FLASHING is a self-adhering, flexible membrane flashing. It is a roll-type product that is nominally 40 mils thick.…
AIR-SHIELD 25 MIL FLASHING TAPE
AIR-SHIELD 25 MIL FLASHING TAPE is a self-adhering, flexible membrane flashing. It is a roll-type product that is nominally 25…
To contact your local W. R. MEADOWS representative or for general correspondence, please click here. If you need immediate assistance, please call (800) 342-5976. Thank you!
AIR-SHIELD Brochure
Air Barriers Handbook
Air Barrier Testing (Code Compliance)
AIR-SHIELD Installation Guidelines
AIR-SHIELD LSR Spraying Information
Controlling Moisture Movement in Buildings Catalog
Building A Standout Education Facility (Case Study)
This installation featured our new AIR-SHIELD ALUMINUM SHEET MEMBRANE product.