Finch Cambridge

• Majvest 500 SA and Wigluv could tackle three different substrates without primer
  • Finch Cambridge has three different substrates (CMU, wood and DensGlass). The previously spec’d WRB required multiple different products, primers and a termination sealant.
  • By switching to SIGA, installers were able to use just two products for all three substrates - the Majvest 500 SA and Wigluv. No primer necessary.
  • The simplicity of the SIGA system allowed for a faster, higher quality installation.

• Semi-permeable window flashing solution
  • Another key consideration was the desire for semi-permeable window flashing taped on all four sides of the window. The semi-permeability of Wigluv allows any residual moisture trapped in the wall to evaporate without leaving gaping holes in the air barrier.
  • In contrast, the previously spec’d material featured an impermeable butyl-based product to treat the rough opening and a backer rod and sealant to connect the window to the butyl flashing. This requires two weep holes to allow moisture to exit the assembly, but also allows acts as a penetration in your air barrier.

Installers were able to install 4,000-5,000 sq. ft each day. In fact, the subcontractor in charge of the WRB install decided to offer a labor credit to the building owner because the install was so much faster than estimated.

• Two field-adhesion tests were conducted with SIGA support on the jobsite. A SIGA application trainer was on site for an initial adhesion test and 24 hours later for a second visit because the Majvest 500 SA’s bond strengthens over time. This gave the Finch Cambridge team confidence not only in the product’s abilities, but also in SIGA’s dedication to site support.
• A SIGA application trainer met multiple times with Michelle Apigian and Gabrielle Aitcheson, Icon Architecture, to review details and talk through opportunities for simplifying the install process and proper sequencing.
• SIGA acted as a resource beyond product supplier, acting as a knowledge base for best practices where the team could pick our brains on where to put things, how to detail, etc. in order to maximize air barrier efficiency.
• Three window tests were completed on the project, each time a SIGA application trainer and member of our application engineering team was on site to troubleshoot if necessary.
• Jobsite application training was conducted for every member of the install team to reduce opportunities for human error.

By detailing the window flush with the sheathing and applying an extension buck after the window was flashed in, this simplified the rough opening and window flashing details.

Building better means continuously learning, not only for installers, but product manufacturers as well. The installers on the team blew us away with their idea to install tape behind the membrane and leave the release liner on the tape so that they could tuck the next layer of membrane under the existing layer at the staggered joints. This eliminated inverse laps and provided protection for the adhesive during the time between install sequences.