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AIR-SHIELD LM is a fluid-applied, vapor-retarding and water-resistive air barrier. This water-based, polymer-modified composition forms a tough, seamless elastomeric membrane with excellent resistance to air and water-vapor transmission. AIR-SHIELD LM can be applied in two ways – first, as a single-component product for spray and roller application. Alternatively, it can be applied as a co-spray, two-component system in combination with W. R. MEADOWS CURE-IT. Either method will achieve the required nominal 45 mils dry film thickness.
Data Sheets
Guide Specification
Application details
Product Data Sheet
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AIR-SHIELD™ LM
Liquid Membrane Air/Vapor and Moisture Barrier
DESCRIPTION
AIR-SHIELD LM is a fluid-applied, vapor-retarding and water-resistive air barrier. This water-based, polymer-modified composition forms a tough, seamless elastomeric membrane with excellent resistance to air and water-vapor transmission. AIR-SHIELD LM can be applied in two ways – first, as a single-component product for spray and roller application. Alternatively, it can be applied as a co-spray, two-component system in combination with W. R. MEADOWS CURE-IT. Either method will achieve the required nominal 45 mils dry film thickness.
USES
AIR-SHIELD LM has been specifically formulated to act as an air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier within the building envelope. It may be applied to most common surfaces and integrated into various wall systems. AIR-SHIELD LM is suitable for both new construction and restoration. Primary applications include cavity wall and masonry wall construction. AIR-SHIELD LM is specifically designed as an air and/or vapor barrier on precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, masonry (concrete block), exterior gypsum board, rigid foam insulation, primed steel, aluminum mill finish, anodized aluminum, primed galvanized metal, and plywood.
FEATURES/BENEFITS
- AIR-SHIELD LM applied through co-spray (utilizing CURE-IT) method develops rapid resistance to rain wash-off and can be applied in cool and damp conditions. Co-spray application method extends seasonal application window.
- Prevents the transmission of air and inhibits moisture and vapor from passing through porous building materials.
- Cost effective – Co-spray application allows for single application thickness in a single coat, thereby reducing installation cost.
- Versatile – AIR-SHIELD LM can be applied by two component co-spray or one-component spray or roller.
- Environmentally compatible – AIR-SHIELD LM is non-toxic and non-flammable.
- User friendly – single-component, water-based technology allows for simple, safe application, and easy cleanup.
- Phthalate-free.
- Liquid-applied – simplifies detailing and assures a monolithic, seamless membrane when applied to a rough or smooth surface.
- Excellent adhesion – remains firmly bonded to most substrates.
- VOC content is 0.0 g/L. Produces no harmful odors. VOC compliant in all 50 states.
- Compatible with other asphalt-based products.
PACKAGING
5 Gallon (18.93 L) Pails
55 Gallon (208.20 L) Drums**
**Available upon special order only
COVERAGE
Application Rate 25 ft.2/gal. (0.49 m2/L)
Wet Film Thickness 65 mil (1.5 mm)
Cured Film Thickness 45 mil (1.15 mm)
Coverage is for both single-component and co-spray versions. Coverage may vary based on substrate type and jobsite ambient conditions.
SHELF LIFE
When stored indoors in original, unopened containers at temperatures between 40° – 90° F (4° – 32° C), optimum performance and best use is obtained within one year of date of manufacture.
SPECIFICATIONS/STANDARDS
- Exceeds Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) requirements for fluid-applied air barriers.
- Exceeds ABAA maximum air permeance requirements when tested in accordance with ASTM E2178.
- Exceeds ABAA maximum assembly air leakage requirements when tested in accordance with ASTM E2357.
- Complies with all current federal, state, and local maximum allowable VOC requirements, including National EPA VOC Emission Standard for Architectural Coatings, CARB, LADCO, OTC Phase I and II, and SCAQMD.
TECHNICAL DATA
| Air Barrier Material Permeance (ASTM E2178) |
0.004 cfm/ft.2 (0.02 L/S/M2) |
| Air Barrier Assembly Air Leakage (ASTM E2357) |
0.04 cfm/ft.2 (0.2 L/S/M2) |
| % Solids by weight | 65 |
| VOC Content | 0 g/L |
| Color | Brown (Wet) Black (Dry) |
| Elongation (ASTM D412) | 1500% |
| Water Vapor Permeance (ASTM E96, Procedure A) |
0.1 Perms |
| Service Temperature | -20° to 140° F (-29° C to 60° C) |
| Crack Bridging (ASTM C1305) | Pass |
| Application Temperature | |
| Single-Component | >30° F (-1° C) |
| Two-Component | >20° F (-7° C)1 |
Listed specification data may vary based on ambient and site conditions and differing application methods. As such, differences from the listed data may occur.
Note 1 – Follow cold temperature guide requirements stated below under the section titled Co-Spray Application.
APPLICATION
Before application, obtain full, safe access to the area and mask adjacent surfaces to protect from overspray or drips. Verify that the product is within shelf life, as indicated on the product label. Inspect the freeze indicator on the pallet to verify if it has been broken from exposure to freezing temperatures. Contact W. R. MEADOWS for information on product inspection if the freeze indicator has been broken.
Surface Preparation
Concrete … Shall be cured in place seven days minimum. It shall be smooth, with sharp protrusions such as cold joints ground flush. Patch all cracks, protrusions, small voids, offsets, details, irregularities, and small deformities with MEADOW-PATCH® 5 or MEADOW-PATCH 20 from W. R. MEADOWS at least two hours before application.
Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) … Mortar joints shall be struck flush and shall be free of voids. Mortar droppings shall be removed from brick ties. Patch all cracks, protrusions, small voids, offsets, details, irregularities, and small deformities with MEADOW-PATCH 5 or MEADOW-PATCH 20 at least two hours before application.
Exterior Sheathing Panels … Exterior sheathing panels are to be installed and fastened per manufacturer’s recommendation. For detailed application information, see INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: JOINT TREATMENT OF EXTERIOR SHEATHING PANELS WHEN USING AIR-SHIELD LM. For joint treatment in plywood and OSB sheathing, please see PLYWOOD SHEATHING JOINT DETAIL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES.
Rough Openings … Refer to AIR-SHIELD ROUGH OPENINGS INSTALLATION GUIDELINES for recommendations.
Application Method
Thoroughly mix AIR-SHIELD LM prior to application using a low speed (<500 rpm) drill and liquid mixing blade, such as Jiffy Mixer.
Co-Spray Application … Co-spray curative to be used with AIR-SHIELD LM is CURE-IT. CURE-IT is ready to use with no dilution required. Using proper dual component spray set-up and application methods outlined in the Sprayer Equipment Guidelines for W. R. MEADOWS Co-Spray Fluid-Applied Membranes, spray product onto wall surfaces, holding the gun approximately 20″ – 24″ (508 – 610 mm) from the surface. Spray apply AIR-SHIELD LM onto vertical surfaces, holding the nozzle at a right angle to the surface, using a cross-hatch pattern to ensure even coating. Minimum wet mil thickness achieved in a single coat shall be 65 mils measured with a comb-type wet mil gauge immediately after spray and before the emulsion breaks. Do not apply more than 80 mils wet thickness per coat. Avoid installation in direct sun and in very hot weather as blistering may occur due to substrate and membrane moisture outgassing.
Recommended Tip Size for Co-Spray and 1-Part Spray Application: Graco XHD 551.
In cooler temperatures [<40° F (4.4° C)], condition AIR-SHIELD LM to a minimum 50° F (10° C) by storing overnight at 75° F (24° C) or higher prior to application. Use a heated drum heater and heat exchanger to keep the product in drums and lines warm [ideally above 70° F (21° C)] during spraying in cold conditions. Properly conditioned product applies and cures more consistently than cold product. Avoid application in rain, snow, frost, or freezing conditions.
Single Component Spray Application …
Tack-Free film: 2 hours at 75° F (23.9° C) and 50 RH
Dry Film: 48 hours at 75° F (23.9° C) and 50 RH
Do not apply AIR-SHIELD LM when air, material, and substrate temperatures are expected to fall below 32º F (0º C) within 48 hours of completed application.
Curing of Co-Spray Application …
Firm Set: <5 minutes at 75° F (24° C) and 50 RH
Dry Film: 12 hours at 75° F (24° C) and 50 RH
Allow the membrane to dry completely before subjecting it to inspection for air/water leakage and adhesion testing. Drying time varies with substrate, ambient temperature, and humidity. Membrane is dry when it appears black and rubber-like and feels dry when pressed. It is recommended that AIR-SHIELD LM is allowed to air dry to a tack-free film before application of rigid insulation where specified. Higher ambient air and surface temperature will affect cohesive and adhesion properties during testing.
Compatibility … Prior to project start and during the initial walk-through, identify all peripheral non-W. R. MEADOWS membrane systems anticipated to connect with AIR-SHIELD LM and any accessory products. W. R. MEADOWS offers a complete air/vapor and waterproofing building envelope enclosure system and should be used when possible since compatibility and functionality have already been verified. If not possible to use a complete W. R. MEADOWS envelope system, verify compatibility with W. R. MEADOWS and the other materials’ manufacturer prior to installation. Laboratory verification of compatibility can take up to six weeks.
AIR-SHIELD LM is not compatible with most polyurethanes, soft PVC, TPO, or silicones.
If AIR-SHIELD LM slumping occurs during application, decrease build thickness and allow coating to become firm before proceeding. Build 65 mils in total wet film thickness via multiple coats. Allow first/previous coat to become firm before covering with the next application.
Cleanup … Uncured AIR-SHIELD LM cleans up easily while wet with water. Cured material is best removed by xylene (xylol) or by mechanical means.
LIMITATIONS/PRECAUTIONS
Maximum UV exposure period is 30 days. Protect adjacent areas from overspray. Also, when co-spraying, protect area below from water that will release from the drying co-sprayed AIR-SHIELD LM. This may run down the wall and cause potentially staining.
Membrane adhesion on oriented strand board (OSB) can sometimes be affected by the level of surface texture or the presence of wax used in the manufacturing of the panels. To ensure adequate adhesion, in-situ adhesion tests should be performed to determine substrate suitability prior to full installation. If there are variations in the OSB surface, multiple tests may be required.
AIR-SHIELD LM is not designed to perform as a permanently exposed membrane. Keep containers tightly sealed. KEEP FROM FREEZING. Do not apply AIR-SHIELD LM if rainfall is forecast or imminent.
2025-10
