Silicone Air and Water Barrier System for a Mission-Critical Data Center in California

A large-scale data center outside Los Angeles required a durable, high-performance building envelope solution to help protect critical infrastructure within a fast-moving construction programme.

With multiple building levels and complex façade requirements, the project demanded a system that could support tight environmental control, manage moisture risk, and integrate efficiently into an accelerated installation schedule.

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Why a High-Performance Building Envelope Was Needed

The facility was designed to house server equipment that generates significant heat, making internal environmental control a key consideration throughout the build.

A high-performance air and water barrier system was therefore selected to help maintain stable indoor conditions and support moisture management across the building envelope.

The structure combined insulated metal panels with a glazed office façade, requiring careful coordination across multiple construction systems and trades.

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A Coordinated Approach to Off-Site Application

To help support programme efficiency, the air and water barrier system was integrated into an off-site panel fabrication process.

Insulated panels were coated prior to delivery to site using a controlled application process designed to help maintain consistency and quality across assemblies.

Elemax™ 2600 air and water-resistive barrier coating was applied by roller, with Elemax 5000 Liquid Flashing used to detail fasteners and joints. RF100 Reinforcing Fabric was embedded at transitions to help improve durability at critical junctions.

Each panel was subject to quality control checks and documentation to help ensure consistent coating thickness and detailing prior to installation.

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Fast-Track Installation and Programme Efficiency

Once delivered to site, panels were installed in a coordinated sequence using hoisting systems.

The prefabricated approach helped support rapid installation, with approximately 98% of insulated panels installed within one month, contributing to an accelerated construction programme.

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Silicone-Based Air and Water Barrier Performance

The selected vapor-permeable AWB system was designed to help allow moisture vapor to pass through the assembly, reducing the risk of trapped moisture and condensation within the building envelope.

Elemax Liquid Flashing detailing was used to help maintain continuity across joints and transitions, supporting overall air barrier performance across the enclosure.

Compared with many alternative AWB technologies, the silicone-based system helps deliver high solids content and resistance to pinholing during application, which can help reduce required material build and support more consistent application.

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Key Benefits of Silicone Air Barrier Systems

Silicone-based air and water barrier systems can help support improved building envelope performance in several ways:

• ‍Energy efficiency support: Helping reduce uncontrolled air and water movement through the building envelope, which may reduce demand on HVAC systems and support more stable internal conditions.
• ‍Moisture management: Vapor-permeable properties help support moisture movement through the assembly, reducing the risk of trapped moisture.
• ‍Durability and movement accommodation: Silicone materials are designed to help accommodate building movement caused by thermal change and structural activity without compromising performance.

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Partenaires du projet

Developer: Goodman‍

Architect: HKS

General Contractor: Whiting-Turner

Enclosure Subcontractor: Anning-Johnson Company

Enclosure Consultant: CDC

Third-Party Testing: Field Verified

Distribution Partner: Sunshine Supply

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Foire aux questions

What is a silicone air and water barrier system?

A silicone air and water barrier (AWB) system is a building envelope solution designed to help control air and moisture movement through a structure. It supports improved durability, energy efficiency, and moisture management.

Why are air and water barriers important in data centres?

Data centres generate significant internal heat from server equipment, which requires stable environmental control. Air and water barrier systems help support airtightness and moisture management, reducing the risk of condensation within the building envelope.

How does a vapour-permeable air barrier work?

A vapour-permeable air barrier allows moisture vapour to pass through the building assembly while still helping to restrict uncontrolled air and water movement. This helps reduce the risk of trapped moisture and condensation.

Can air barrier systems be installed off-site?

Yes. Air barrier systems can be applied during off-site panel fabrication. This approach can help improve quality control, consistency, and installation speed once panels arrive on site.

What are the benefits of silicone-based air barrier systems?

Silicone-based air barrier systems are designed to offer flexibility, durability, and resistance to weathering. They can help accommodate building movement and support long-term performance of the building envelope.

What is an AWB system in construction?

An AWB (air and water barrier) system is a layer within the building envelope that helps control air leakage and moisture ingress. It is used to support energy efficiency and protect the building structure.

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Performance results are those of customer reported accounts, and are not to be relied upon as typical or expected under any other circumstances. Performance results will vary depending upon a number of process-related factors. Prospective customers should rely solely upon their own evaluative techniques to determine what processing parameters are attainable and optimal to their specific needs. Further note that Momentive is not endorsed by or affiliated with any ownership authority of LAX01 Data Center.