Open-joint cladding is a hallmark of modern architectural design, offering a clean, minimalist aesthetic that allows a building to breathe and reveal a hint of its underlying structure. While visually stunning, this design choice introduces a unique challenge: the weather-resistive barrier (WRB) is no longer a hidden component. Exposed through the gaps in the cladding, it must be more than just waterproof—it must be UV-stable. The continuous exposure to sunlight, season after season, will relentlessly attack any material not designed for it. A standard white or translucent house wrap will quickly yellow, degrade, and become a visual distraction, compromising both the long-term performance and the intended aesthetic of the facade.

This is where standard house wraps fall short and specialized solutions like DELTA®-FASSADE SA become not just a choice, but a necessity.

The Hidden Danger of UV Exposure

Most traditional weather barriers are not designed to withstand direct, long-term exposure to sunlight. They are engineered to be covered by siding, their job ending once they are sealed away. The powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause a process known as photodegradation. Over time, this chemical reaction breaks down the material's polymer chains, making the membrane brittle, discolored, and ultimately, ineffective. A degraded barrier can crack, peel, and lose its ability to repel water and air, leaving the building's sheathing and interior vulnerable to moisture damage, mold, and rot.

 

 

What Makes DELTA®-FASSADE SA

Different?

DELTA®-FASSADE SA is a high-performance, self-adhered air and water barrier specifically engineered for open-joint cladding systems. It addresses the critical weaknesses of traditional barriers with a set of advanced features:

• Exceptional UV Resistance: The membrane is composed of a durable, spun-bonded polyester fabric with a highly UV-stable acrylic coating. This specialized layer is designed to withstand prolonged sun exposure, ensuring the integrity and longevity of the building's critical weather defense.
  
  
• Self-Adhered Application: Unlike mechanically fastened barriers that rely on staples or nails, DELTA®-FASSADE SA features a full-surface, aggressive adhesive. This eliminates thousands of potential puncture points and creates a continuous, airtight seal across the sheathing. This not only prevents air and moisture from penetrating but also stops any lateral water movement behind the membrane, which is a common failure point.
  
  
• High Vapor Permeance: Despite being completely watertight, DELTA®-FASSADE SA is highly vapor permeable. This means it allows moisture vapor from the inside of the wall cavity to escape to the exterior, preventing the accumulation of condensation that can lead to mold, mildew, and structural decay.
  
  
• Aesthetic Appeal: The matte black finish of the membrane is intentionally designed to be discreet. When viewed through the open joints, it recedes and creates a consistent, clean backdrop that enhances the visual appeal of the facade.
  
  

The Benefits for Your Building Project

Choosing a UV-stable barrier like DELTA®-FASSADE SA is an investment in your building's long-term health and performance. It ensures:

• Long-Term Durability: The entire wall assembly is protected from the elements for decades, drastically reducing the risk of costly repairs.
  
  
• Superior Energy Efficiency: A continuous, self-adhered air barrier eliminates air leakage, which is a major source of heat loss and gain. This can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort.
  
  
• Peace of Mind: You can be confident that the most critical component of your building envelope is up to the task of protecting against sun, wind, and rain, preserving the beauty and integrity of your facade for years to come.

When the long-term integrity of your facade is on the line, choosing the right material is paramount. Protect your investment and ensure your design lasts for decades.

CLICK HERE to explore the DELTA®-FASSADE SA product page and learn more about how it can protect your next project.

FAQs Section

• What is the difference between a standard house wrap and an open-joint WRB?
  Standard house wraps are designed to be covered by siding and have minimal UV resistance. Open-joint WRBs, like DELTA®-FASSADE SA, are specifically engineered to withstand long-term UV exposure and are ideal for rainscreen and open-joint cladding systems.

• How does a self-adhered barrier improve on mechanically fastened ones?
  A self-adhered barrier eliminates the thousands of nail holes and staple punctures common with mechanically fastened wraps, creating a more reliable and continuous air and water seal.

• Is DELTA®-FASSADE SA easy to install?
  Yes, the self-adhered nature simplifies installation, as it requires no mechanical fasteners and provides an immediate, secure bond to the substrate.

• Can this product be used with all types of cladding?
  While it is optimized for open-joint and rainscreen systems, its superior performance makes it an excellent choice for any type of cladding where maximum protection is desired.