Story at a glance:
- GCP products are increasing energy efficiency by controlling air flow in and out of structures.
- Products like the Vycor env-S house wrap prepare homes for a changing climate while saving on utilities.
Brian Chang has been in the building industry for 17 years and has worked with a variety of building product manufacturers in the areas of sustainability and innovation. His work in sustainability continued when he joined GCP more than three years ago as GCP Product Management Leader for Residential Specialty Building Materials.
“At GCP we believe it is our responsibility as a leading manufacturer of speciality building materials to make a positive sustainable impact with every product and on every project,” Chang says. “GCP has invested in products that last longer and make construction—and the manufacturing of its materials—more energy-efficient and less wasteful.”
GCP focuses on increasing energy efficiency by controlling the air flow in and out of homes, while also improving the durability of structures to reduce waste. VYCOR® enV-S™ water and air resistive barriers from GCP improve home energy performance by protecting against air leakage as well as wind-driven rain. These barriers allow the wall system to breathe and reduce heating and cooling costs, prevent mold, and protect the home’s structural integrity.
We recently caught up with Chang to get more detail about VYCOR enV-S and GCP’s overall commitment to sustainability.
What is special about VYCOR enV-S?
VYCOR enV-S represents the next generation of weather resistive barriers for residential homes and is designed to provide superior weather protection and improved energy performance. The membrane brings together the weather protection benefits of a self-adhered membrane with the breathability of traditional housewraps.
How is it installed?
Self-adhered building products complement the modular construction process. Photo courtesy of GCP
Unlike conventional building wraps, installation of VYCOR enV-S weather resistive barrier requires no mechanical fastening or taping of seams. The membrane bonds to the sheathing, self seals at overlaps, and seals around fasteners used to install siding and other wall elements. This results in exceptionally low levels of air leakage and improved energy efficiency of the building.
Why is this needed?
There are several factors, one is that our weather is changing. Areas historically known for bad weather seem to get more severe every year, and even mild climates can no longer rely on that to be the case. VYCOR enV-S weather barrier provides enough protection to ensure the integrity of houses that regularly experience severe wind-driven rain—while ensuring that those same homes remain warm, dry, and comfortable within.
It boasts an air leakage rate that is seven times lower and provides 56% more energy savings than a traditional housewrap.
Another factor is being more mindful of the energy we use in our homes. VYCOR enV-S has proven to reduce utility bills. The well-respected Oak Ridge National Labs tested the VYCOR enV-S membrane and found that it boasts an air leakage rate that is seven times lower and provides 56% more energy savings than a traditional housewrap.
Lastly, keeping walls dry is the key to preventing rot of structural elements and mold growth. VYCOR enV-S fully-adhered barrier protects against wind driven rain. VYCOR enV-S vapor permeable membrane allows the wall system to “breathe,” and vapor to escape.
How do products like these improve the longevity of structures?
VYCOR enV-S contributes to a well-built home. As it is a highly durable membrane that protects walls from moisture to prevent rot of structural elements and mold growth, VYCOR enV-S improves the longevity of a home. It also stands up to the new Mother Nature, by protecting it against wind-driven rain, resisting water infiltration.
As it is a self-adhered housewrap, it provides a monolithic cover around the exterior of the home. This is closed clothings around the house, while mechanically fastened housewraps will have a lot of gaps in overlap and penetration around fasteners.
Are there any misconceptions about Vycor env-S?
I think some contractors have a misconception that VYCOR enV-S is too sticky so it is hard to handle on the job site. Actually, it is true that VYCOR enV-S has a very strong adhesive backing, but it is also repositionable in the initial installation phase with the right technique.
What else does GCP offer?
Photo courtesy of GCP
We go beyond our products. Our Technical Services team advises home builders and architects on specifying and installing products that maximize energy savings and lower home heating and cooling costs for the future homeowners.
Unlike traditional housewrap, VYCOR enV-S is very easy to install without any special tools or joint treatment. This reduces any potential installation errors. Considering the current industry challenge of lack of skilled labor, this product will help by providing less call backs to architects because the product is designed to be more forgiving.
