Air and Vapor Barriers | 3M

Building Protection.

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3M™ Air and Vapor Barrier Solutions

Tough air and vapor barriers that are also easy to install and self-seal around fasteners? We’ve got you covered.

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Build smarter, even in the toughest conditions

Energy efficiency is more important than ever. 30% of energy waste is caused by losses through the building envelope, and air tightness codes around the world are demanding a fix. We’re here to help with solutions that protect better, last longer and install more easily so you can meet the standards that lead to energy savings. Our membranes and tapes use 3M acrylic adhesive technology to perform in the toughest conditions on the tightest deadlines – giving you faster installation with less labor and better results. Let’s build smarter.

  • Icon of a snowflake to represent cold-weather application
    Goes on from 0° to 150°F

    Stay productive through cold spells and hot stretches so you can keep projects moving and get more of them completed.

  • Icon of a paint brush in a barred circle representing no-primer application
    No primer required

    Priming isn’t just an extra step: weather conditions can also make it difficult. 3M acrylic adhesive technology eliminates the need.

  • Icon of arrows pointing both in and out of a circle representing compatibility with other materials
    Highly compatible with other materials

    You need to reliably stick and seal on common building materials. Our acrylic adhesive technology does just that, even adhering to most flashing and sealing products.


Types of Air and Vapor Barrier Systems

  • Image of a Non Vapor permeable Air barrier on the exterior of a building
    Non-permeable Membrane

    Engineered to help control indoor climate by reducing air leakage and uncontrolled airflow through the building envelope and by preventing moisture ingress.

  • Image of a Non Vapor permeable Air barrier on the exterior of a building
    Vapor Permeable Membrane

    Designed to prevent water penetration while allowing your building to breathe.

  • Image of a flashing accessory on a building exterior
    Flashing Accessories

    Designed for multidirectional applications in commercial buildings, enabling fast and easy detailing of windows, doors and penetrations.


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3M Building Protection featured on the Emmy-nominated TV show Tomorrow's World Today.

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3M™ Air and Vapor Barrier 3015NP helps you build smarter
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A smarter approach to air and vapor control

  • Image of a roll of 3M™ Air and Vapor Barrier 3015NP

    NEW 3M™ Air and Vapor Barrier 3015NP provides building protection that installs quickly and easily even under extreme conditions without sacrificing performance. 3M acrylic adhesive technology allows for primer-free application from lightweight rolls that saves you up to 40% on installation time* compared to traditional air and vapor barriers that require a primer.
     

    • Increased opacity - provides a clean look and visibility of screw heads to minimize chances of missing the stud.
    • Compatible with most sealants and building materials.
    • Meets AAMA 711-13 Voluntary Specification for Self Adhering Flashing Use for Installation of Exterior Wall Fenestration Products.
    • Seals around screws, nails, and staples to further reduce moisture intrusion. It passes ASTM D1970 both before and after thermal cycling.

    More product details

3M™ Air and Vapor Barrier products - now ABAA Evaluated

3M™ Air and Vapor Barrier 3015 and 3M™ Air Barrier with Permeable Backing 3015VP have gone through the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) Material Evaluation Process. Both products are now listed by ABAA as an Adhesive Backed Commercial Building Wrap.


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See how 3M™ Air and Vapor Barrier products help solve construction challenges

  • Video still of someone working on a wall
    Keep working in winter. And summer. And winter again. (2:00)

    The project architect and materials suppliers talk about the weather and UV advantages of using 3M™ Air Barrier Membranes on an extended building project in Bozeman, Montana.

    3M Build Smarter Walls of Fame - Langlas & Associates (PDF, 1.53 MB)

  • Video still of a construction worker walking past a wall covered with a 3M Air Barrier Membrane
    Advantages of 3M™ Air Barrier Membranes (1:55)

    Customers and 3M specialists talk about the benefits of using 3M™ Air Barrier Membranes, including ease of application with no primer, low-temperature application, UV resistance and more.


Learn more about 3M™ Air and Vapor Barrier solutions

  • Image of Birkshire Developments founder Mike Young in front of a building where a 3M air barrier membrane has been applied

    Birkshire Development, Nova Scotia

    "3M™ Air Barrier with Permeable Backing 3015VP was great to work with in the winter time. The consistency of 3M 3015VP remained the same whether it was -15°C or warmer..."

    -Mike Young, Birkshire Developments Nova Scotia

    Read the full customer testimonial:

    3M Build Smarter Walls of Fame - Halifax (PDF 1.25 MB)Arrow

  • Image of two construction workers discussing a set of plans on a job site

    Technical Library

    Looking for information such as safety and technical data, installation guides, CAD drawings or case studies? Visit the Air Barrier Technical Library.

    Go to the technical libraryArrow

  • Get ‘Building Knowledge’

    Building Knowledge is your 3M link to explore systems and products for the commercial construction industry. We point you to how-to videos, technical data and more related to 3M products and systems and how they work in your projects.

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We're here to help.

Need help finding the right product for your project? Contact us if you need product, technical or application advice or want to collaborate with a 3M technical specialist, or give us a call at 1-800-831-0658.

Learn more and apply for a 3M Air Barrier Products limited 10-year warranty.

Need help finding the right product for your project? Contact us if you need product, technical or application advice or want to collaborate with a 3M technical specialist, or give us a call at 1-800-831-0658.

Other Building and Construction solutions

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  • *As compared to traditional primer-applied air barriers. Independent Observation and White Paper written by Lee Durston, Director of Building Science and Dani Ittner, Building Envelope Architect, BCRA Inc., September 2012.
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