Another survey cycle, another increase.

That’s the gist of the latest report on construction delays from the National Multifamily Housing Council. What makes this report newsworthy is that it includes an all-time record: 83% of respondents reported delays, up from the previous record of 75% set during the last survey cycle.

The news is no surprise. Residential construction, for example, is slammed by crushing demand and scarce new home inventory. Builders can’t build homes fast enough.

For architects of multifamily, mixed-use, education, health care, retail, and other low- and mid-rise structures, sticking to a budget and meeting delivery timelines is increasingly difficult. There are many sources of potential delays, including stubborn labor shortages (also at NMHC record levels). The good news: some relief is on the way, as building product manufacturers step up their game through innovation.

For example, could exterior wall assemblies be simplified?

John Chamberlin thinks so.

The veteran director of product management for Georgia-Pacific has given the subject a lot of thought. He believes simplifying exterior wall construction can help.

“We want higher performing buildings, of course. But chasing higher performance may mean we’re making things more difficult. The question is, can we simplify and still achieve high performance?” Chamberlin asks.

He cites water and air barriers as a case in point. “Traditional building wrap obviously holds out more wind-driven water than, say, 15-pound felt. The industry has even used things like self-adhered membranes that are very thick, up to 40 millimeters thick,” he says.

Chasing high performance doesn’t mean you have to surrender to complexity, Chamberlin insists. One way forward may be to embrace sheathing solutions that don’t rely on wood, like a complete system that includes an integrated gypsum water-resistive barrier and air barrier (WRB/AB). A few reasons why:

  • No Wrap Required. An air- and water-resistive barrier is integrated with the gypsum. One solution simultaneously covers fire-, water-, and air-resistance.
  • Diverse Substrates. “A single-source system will offer products and accessories to address diverse substrates like concrete to guarantee a holistic solution across the entire building. No more guessing,” Chamberlin says.
  • All-Weather Installation. A glass-mat faced, Gypsum-based integrated WRB/AB sheathing speeds dry-in, installs in wet weather, and will stand up to 12 months of outdoor exposure.
  • Easier NFPA 285 Compliance. “Traditional water-resistive barriers may have combustible components. Foam-based exterior insulation is combustible. We’re literally adding gas to the fire with things that are meant to improve performance,” Chamberlin reports. “Contrast that with exterior gypsum sheathing, which is a non-combustible material according to UL. An integrated WRB/AB gypsum-based sheathing can offer a much easier path to NFPA 285 compliance.”
  • Fewer Trips Around the Building. No need to install an additional WRB/AB. “Use liquid flashing or a transition membrane to seal any break in continuity,” Chamberlin says. Installation is easy.
  • Installer Friendly. Integrated WRB/AB gypsum sheathing requires minimal training and installs just like traditional fiberglass mat gypsum sheathing.

For materials-challenged builders, Chamberlin says DensElement Barrier System, a gypsum-based integrated WRB/AB barrier system, addresses architects’ concerns and is in good supply across the country.

Specifying products that are easy to install and support timely project completion are one way to mitigate project issues seen elsewhere in the construction lifecycle. As you consider your options, keep sheathing solutions like DensElement Barrier System in mind as one way to keep projects moving and owners happy.

Learn more about the WRB/AB sheathing solution trusted in over 800 projects nationwide.