The project team for Monarch at Waugh Chapel needed a commercial-grade building wrap with high tear strength and ease of install.
Challenge:
When construction began on the new Monarch at Waugh Chapel multifamily development in Gambrills, Md., protecting the building from the elements was a primary concern. A water- and air-tight wall assembly is vitally important for controlling issues such as mold growth, protecting indoor air quality and maximizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Water can find its way into a wall in numerous ways, such as vapor diffusion and wind-driven rain. A high-performance weather barrier is an important tool in guarding against these elements.
Influence:
Located in Maryland’s Anne Arundel County, roughly midway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the $45 million Monarch at Waugh Chapel development includes a 246-unit apartment building with an attached clubhouse, fitness center, courtyard pool, outdoor communal space and detached parking garages.
The project’s initial specification called for a commonly-used building wrap, but the installing subcontractor, RPM Construction, knew that not all commercial building wraps are created equal. Drawing on previous experience with what had proven to be a higher-performing option, the project’s weatherproofing contractor spearheaded a change in spec to the TYPAR Weather Protection System.
“We’ve been pushing TYPAR, and we were happy to realize the general contractor would be receptive to changing the spec,” said Rick Murphy, owner of RPM Construction. “I think they have multiple jobs coming where they will use TYPAR because Waugh Chapel turned out so well.”
Solution:
RPM installed the complete TYPAR Weather Protect System consisting of 175 rolls (175,000 sq. ft.) of TYPAR MetroWrap, 1,000 flashing panels, 600 rolls of 4” straight Butyl Flashing, 140 rolls of 9” Flexible Flashing and 525 rolls of construction tape—all designed to work together to create a water- and air-tight building envelope. Ben Gilstein, assistant project manager for Bozzuto Construction, said this project was the first time he had worked with TYPAR and he came away impressed in the product’s performance and ease of installation.
Because the development is four stories, the team needed a commercial-grade building wrap that could withstand high wind loads. TYPAR MetroWrap has a tear strength five times greater than other commercial building wraps, ensuring it would hold tight for the duration of the project. And because it is available in larger rolls, the installation crew was able to cover more square footage per pass without having to come down out of the lift bucket.
“It’s just a heavier-duty product that really holds up to the elements,” Gilstein said. “In terms of commercial construction where you have a lot of moving parts, it’s certainly a pleasure to see a product that is durable, that can stand up to a construction site and is super easy to install.”
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