DensElement® Barrier System is the result of innovative science called AquaKOR™ Technology, which features a proprietary formulation that integrates the gypsum core and the fiberglass mat to form a hydrophobic, monolithic surface that blocks bulk water but allows vapor to pass through. By retaining high permeability, DensElement Barrier System enables moisture to pass through the wall in both directions in any climate. This allows wall assemblies to dry out if they get wet, helping to avoid mildew, mold, and deterioration. Because DensElement Barrier System is a continuous WRB-AB, no separate WRB-AB is needed.
Specifiers can use the system to address fire-, water-, and air-resistance needs with a single product. This innovative 3-in-1 solution eliminates builders’ need to finish the sheathing with a wrap, peel-and-stick, or fluid-applied barrier — greatly reducing misapplication risks.
Because of the complexity of how moisture carried in the air can intrude into the application, there is a common misunderstanding that code only allows for the use of impermeable WRBs in cold climate zones, which may not be the case.
Thanks to its high vapor-permeability (20 perms), DensElement Barrier System offers excellent drying capability. Using a high-perm, fast-drying WRB may significantly reduce the moisture damage potential in wall assemblies that have taken on moisture. High-perm WRBs will allow for drying if there is continuous insulation outbound of the sheathing. This configuration can also shift the location of the dew point outbound of the sheathing. With its high permeability, DensElement Barrier System aids in vapor diffusion and drying potential moisture intrusion.
DensElement® Barrier System is uniquely able to withstand exposure to normal weather for 12 months, enabling installation in wet conditions for on-time or accelerated dry-in. Just like the DensGlass® Sheathing that you know and trust, the DensElement Barrier System incorporates the same high quality and performance you would expect from Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. The premium nature of the DensElement Barrier System merits a premium limited warranty. Our competitive warranty includes both a 10-year manufacturer’s defect limited warranty and a 12-month limited warranty against delamination or deterioration of the DensElement Sheathing from exposure to normal weather.
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When independently tested, DensElement® Barrier System’s performance speaks for itself. Our Testing Matrix demonstrates a sampling of the specific experiments performed on the system to replicate potential real-world exposure. This exhaustive testing resulted in the evidence needed for the International Code Council to confirm the performance of the DensElement Barrier System as a combination exterior wall sheathing, water-resistive and air barrier (WRB-AB) system (ESR-3786).
Download the Testing Matrix
RDH Building Sciences tested cladding attachments over DensElement® Sheathing versus other high-performance WRB systems, demonstrating the cladding fastener attachment’s bearing on wall assembly water leakage. RDH recommended best practices to reduce the potential for leaks. When combined with drying potential to address instances of small amounts of water getting into the wall assembly, this provides the highest level of performance.
'Cladding Attachments Put to the Test' Whitepaper
DensElement® Barrier System with AquaKor™ Technology is listed with the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). This listing is achieved by DensElement Barrier System completing the ABAA evaluation process, meeting the ‘Factory Bonded Membranes to Sheathing’ air barrier requirements listed by ABAA. ABAA is the center of excellence in the air barrier industry. They are dedicated to raising the industry’s standard of proficiency.