An Air and Water-Resistive Barrier (AWRB) is a critical component of a building envelope system that prevents the intrusion of air and liquid water while allowing water vapor to escape. Installed behind cladding or façade systems, AWRBs help maintain indoor air quality, thermal performance, and moisture control.
These barriers can be made from fluid-applied membranes, mechanically fastened sheets, or self-adhered products. A properly installed AWRB works in tandem with flashing, sealants, and structural sheathing to create a continuous protective layer around the building enclosure.
An effective AWRB system is essential to:
In both commercial and residential construction, AWRBs are foundational to high-performance, weather-tight building envelopes.
In high-performance façades, such as curtain wall or rainscreen systems, AWRBs are placed behind cladding layers to manage wind-driven rain and reduce uncontrolled air leakage. On mass timber projects, fluid-applied AWRBs provide air- and water-tight protection without relying on fasteners that compromise the structure.
An AWRB is like a breathable raincoat for your building. It blocks wind and water, but still lets moisture escape, keeping the structure dry, durable, and efficient.
The D.TO platform enhances envelope detailing by ensuring that AWRB layers are logically and spatially integrated into the design model. D.TO also supports envelope assemblies that involve layered conditions (such as rigid insulation over WRB) by clarifying sequencing and constructibility. This helps architects, engineers, and façade consultants produce better-coordinated designs that are ready for high-performance, air- and water-tight construction.
Discover how D.TO enhances your daily design workflows on D.TO’s key features page, or schedule a demo to explore them in more detail!!
