Preparing for what’s possible
Architects and contractors share a hefty responsibility – to deliver buildings that help protect the people who live and work inside. But the challenges to building safety are persistent, from the threat of extreme weather to the potential for household accidents.
Dupont makes construction materials designed with safety in mind, so you can create structures that will resist the hazards posed by wind, water and fire.
Fire protection is a package deal. Because a wall assembly is a composite of building products, Dupont air and water barriers are tested as part of complete wall systems to prove they make the grade for fire resistance, as set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)..
It doesn’t take a hurricane for wind to pack a costly punch. Not only will gusts of 50-60 miles per hour inflict damage on a building, but even a modest breeze that seeps inside cracks and openings can drain up to 40 percent of the insulation’s original R-value.
Closed-cell foam, such as Styrofoam XPS, is rated as highly flood resistant. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, that means it’s capable of withstanding contact with flood water for up to 72 hours and come away with damage that only requires cosmetic repairs.
Building on the safe side
Achieving high performance under pressure
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Keeping water at bay
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Fighting fires from wall to wall
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Holding up against the wind
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency reminds us, “Anywhere it can rain, it can flood.” And the impact can be both immediate – water damage – and lingering – rot and mold. DuPont products can confront both challenges.
As a closed cell spray foam, Froth-Pak™ Foam Insulation not only resists floodwater, it promotes drying – making clean up easier. And Tyvek® DrainVent™ Rainscreen’s honeycomb design promotes drainage to protect against moisture damage in exterior walls.
Styrofoam™ Brand XPS Foam Insulation
Fighting fires from wall to wall
Structure fires occur nearly every minute. And each second matters for people to get to safety before the flames spread. Consequently, the right wall assemblies can be the first step in saving a life.
Today, modern energy efficiency standards demand insulation and water and air barriers in wall assemblies. But that typically means using combustible components. That’s why DuPont products are tested to comply with the latest fire safety codes. That means a safer place to live and work.
Great Stuff Pro™ Gaps & Cracks
On its own, wind provides a steady test of a building’s integrity. And when that wind packs driving rain or debris, it adds to the potential for damage.
An emerging strategy for defending against wind damage is the Fortified™ certification program, a standard for resiliency that can also lower insurance rates. DuPont products such as FrothPak™ Foam Insulating Sealant, Tyvek® HomeWrap® and StraightFlash™ (tape) are key ingredients for achieving Fortified status, by building sturdier roofs and walls or reinforcing doors and windows.
FrothPak™ Foam Insulating Sealant
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