Masonry Magazine July 2004 Page. 48
Air Barriers
Depending upon the size of your company and the amount of work available to you, it is important to select a barrier system that is not only approved and accepted, but also fits your budget.
business to see significant revenue and profit increases per project. Other advantages include:
* Mason contractors are already under contract to build the masonry walls.
* Mason contractors offer a single-source responsibility for the soundness and tightness of the walls.
* There are less scheduling conflicts.
* No questions about wall preparation.
How do we learn to install air barriers?
Most manufacturers of air barrier products offer training and technical support to the customers. The Air Barrier Association of America offers a complete certification course for installers, teaching them the principles and techniques for proper installation.
What air barrier system should we choose?
Since air barriers come in various forms, mason contractors should choose the system that best fits their needs. Spray-applied systems offer the most productive product application. As an installer, it would be beneficial to align with one manufacturer as special equipment and specific techniques are usually required of each individual product and/or system.
What are the start-up costs associated with becoming an air barrier installer?
Depending upon the size of your company and the amount of work available to you, it is important to select a barrier system that is not only approved and accepted, but also fits your budget. Start-up costs range from nominal amounts for installing sheet goods, roller or trowel-applied products up to $25,000 for special equipment to apply spray-on systems.
How much revenue can we expect to make as an air barrier installer?
The price per square foot of an air barrier has a dramatic range depending upon the system specified, the amount of detail work and the size of the project. On a 50,000 sq. ft. building that could mean 5.50-$1 per sq. ft. profit that goes into someone else's pocket.
What if air barriers are not required in my area?
If they are not required now, there is a very good chance that they may be soon. A previous article in Masonry (page 26, November 2003) states that 21 states are considering air barrier requirements for their respective codes.