Division 7 for 3M

Self-Adhered Air and Vapor

Barrier Membrane 3015

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 is a high performance,
vapor impermeable, self-adhered membrane possessing good adhesion, elongation and self-sealing properties
that make it ideal for use as a secondary barrier behind exterior cladding systems. The membrane material
is a proprietary film developed by 3M that is unlike any other existing weather/secondary barrier product.
The adhesive contains no asphalt or butyl. Only one membrane material is needed for both the field barrier
and for penetration flashing; its unique elastic and adhesive qualities make it an ideal self-adhered flexible
flashing material at penetrations as well as for sealing around openings for doors and windows.



NOTE TO DESIGNER VAPOR BARRIER: 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 is a
Class II vapor retarder with a water vapor permeance of less than 1 perm (per ASTM E-96). In order to allow
the use of the generic term barrier to be applied to the various functions of this product (air/water/vapor
barrier) it is referred to throughout this specification as a vapor barrier. Proper placement of a vapor barrier
within any assembly requires an understanding of vapor diffusion and condensation dynamics; it is
recommended that a hygrothermal analysis of the assembly be performed by the designer based on the
climate conditions found at the building location so as to avoid moisture problems within the assembly due to
condensation and/or trapped moisture.



NOTE TO SPECIFIER: 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 can be specified as a CSI
2004 MasterFormat Specifications Group titled Division 07 25 00 - Weather Barriers, or as a CSI 2004
MasterFormat General Requirements Subgroup titled Section 07 27 00 Air Barriers. This guide specification
must be edited to conform to the specific barrier function(s) and requirements required by the assembly
design and the language coordinated to match the barrier callouts included on the Drawings. Select the
appropriate section number and title from the bracketed options below:


[DIVISION 07 25 00] [SECTION 07 27 00]
[WEATHER BARRIERS] [AIR BARRIERS]

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

NOTE TO SPECIFIER: Coordinate the following suggested barrier names with the callouts on the Drawings.
Delete the following barrier names/functions in [brackets] that do not apply to the project.


A.

Secti on Includes:
1. [Water-Resistive Barrier]
2. [Air Barrier]
3. [Air/Water/Vapor Barrier]

1.02 RELATED SECTIONS:
A. Concrete Section [03 XX XX]
B. Masonry: Section [04 XX XX]
C. Gypsum Sheathing Section [06 XX XX]
D. Plywood Sheathing Section [06 XX XX]
Division 7 for 3M

Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier
Membrane 3015
- 2 -


E. Insulation: Section [07 XX XX]
F. Roofing: Section [07 XX XX]
G. Wall Panels: Section [07 XX XX]
H. Flashing: Section [07 XX XX]
I. Sealants: Section [07 XX XX]
J. Door Frames: Section [08 XX XX]
K. Window Frames: Section [08 XX XX]

1.03 REFERENCE STANDARDS
A. AATCC Test Method 127 Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure Test
B. ASTM D412 - Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
Tension
C. ASTM D3330 - Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape
D. ASTM D3652 Standard Test Method for Thickness of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
E. ASTM E84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
F. ASTM E96 Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
G. ASTM E2178 - Standard Test Method for Air Permeance of Building Materials
H. ASTM E2357 - Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies


1.04 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
A. Coordination: Coordinate the work of this Section with the work of other Sections that have
work connected to or passing through the barrier system specified herein.
B. Coordinate the sequence of construction to ensure continuity of the barrier system at openings,
transitions and penetrations.

NOTE TO SPECIFIER: The pre-installation meeting may be deleted if the size and complexity of the project
does not require prior coordination and review of the barrier system installation. A pre-installation meeting is
recommended when an air barrier function is required for the building to allow coordination with other trades;
review of the mock-up and project substrates and conditions; and to review proper installation details.

C. Preinstallation Meeting: Prior to starting installation of the barrier system, convene a
preinstallation meeting at the job site to review the project conditions and installation
requirements.
1. Agenda shall include, at a minimum, construction of the mock-up, sequence of
construction, substrate condition/preparation, materials approved for use, compatibility
of materials, transitions between the various different types of barrier systems
specified, coordination with installation of adjacent and covering materials, and details
of construction.
2. Attendance is required by installers of each of the various different air barriers specified
and representatives of related trades including covering materials, substrate materials,
penetrating materials and adjacent materials, along with the Contractor, Architect,
Barrier System Manufacturers Field Representative and the Owners Representative.
Division 7 for 3M

Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier
Membrane 3015
- 3 -




1.05 SUBMITTALS
A. Refer to Section 01 33 00 for submittal procedures.
B. Product Data: Provide the manufacturers technical data sheet on the barrier system.
C. Samples: Submit a sample of barrier membrane material.
D. Installation Instructions: Submit manufacturers installation instructions along with
manufacturers standard details applicable to the project.
E. Warranty: Submit manufacturers sample warranty.

1.06 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Installer: Installer shall have a minimum of 5 years experience with the installation of
air/water/vapor barrier systems and have a thorough understanding of the theory and practical
application of secondary barrier systems.
B. Installation: Barrier system shall be installed in accordance with System manufacturers
installation instructions and standard details.
C. Source Limitations: Barrier system components shall be produced or approved in writing by
single manufacturer.

NOTE TO SPECIFIER: The mock-up may be deleted if the size and complexity of the project does not
require it. A mock-up is recommended when an air barrier function is required to allow coordination with
the work of other trades and installation materials/sequence between different substrates or different air
barrier systems.

D. Mock-Up General: Construct mock-up of barrier system for each different condition.
1. Mock-up shall demonstrate the proper installation sequence and workmanship required
for the barrier system installation at openings and penetrations through the exterior
envelope to provide an air-tight and/or water-tight seal to windows, doors, ducts, pipes,
electrical boxes, structural members, etc.
2. Do not install any barrier system on the building until the installed mockups have been
reviewed and approved by the manufacturers field service representative.
3. Approved mockup will represent minimum quality for the Work for the barrier system
installation. Materials and installation procedures utilized in the mock-up shall become
the standard of quality and construction for all subsequent similar conditions on the
building.
4. Mock-ups shall be removed from the project site only after the barrier system has been
successfully installed on the building and approval to remove is granted by the
Architect.

1.07 DELIVERY, STORAGE & HANDLING
A. Deliver barrier system materials and components in manufacturers original, unopened,
undamaged containers with identification labels intact.
B. Store barrier system materials as recommended by manufacturer.

1.08 PROJECT CONDITIONS
A. Application Temperature: Between 0F (-18C) and 150F (66C).
B. Service Temperature: Between -40F (-40C) and 176F (80C).
C. Substrate surfaces shall be clean and dry.
D. Maximum Duration Of Exposure Without Cover: 6 months.
Division 7 for 3M

Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier
Membrane 3015
- 4 -


1.09 WARRANTY
A. Manufacturer Warranty: Provide manufacturers warranty that air and vapor barrier and
accessories are free of defects at time of delivery and are manufacture to meet manufacturers
published physicals properties and material specifications.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 [WATER-RESISTIVE BARRIER], [AIR BARRIER] [AIR/WATER/VAPOR BARRIER] SYSTEM
A. Manufacturer: 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes
3M Center Bldg. 225-3S-06
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
Phone: 800-362-3550
Fax: 877-369-2923
Web: www.3M.com/industrial
B. Materials:
1. Membrane: 3MSelf-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015.
a. Description: Tan colored proprietary film with acrylic adhesive and silicone
coated release liner.
b. Thickness (Backing & Adhesive): 0.25 mm (10 mils) (per ASTM D3652).
c. Air Penetration: 0.0002 L/s/m
2
(0.00005 cfm/ft
2
) at 75 Pa (0.3 inches wg) (per
ASTM E2178).
d. Water Vapor Transmission: 8 ng/Pasm
2
(0.14 perms) (per ASTM E96,
Method B).
e. Water Penetration Resistance: No leakage (per AATCC 127, deviated).
f. Weight: 464 g/m
2
(13.4 oz/yd
2
).
g. Elongation: 700% (per ASTM D412).
h. Tensile Strength: 12 MPa (1740 psi) (per ASTM D412).
i. Lap Adhesion: 0.44 N/mm (40 oz/inch width) (per ASTM D3330, Method F).
j. Surface Burning Characteristics: Class A; Flame Spread: 15; Smoke
Developed: 45 (per ASTM E84).
k. Packaging:
1) Roll Diameter: 5.75 inches (146 mm)
2) Roll Length: 75 feet (22.9 m)
3) Roll Widths: 48", 36", 24", 18", 12", 6", 4" and 2-3/8" (1219 mm, 914 mm,
610 mm, 457 mm, 305 mm, 152 mm, 102 mm and 41 mm)
4) Top Surface (Outside Roll Surface): Polycoated Kraft release liner
5) Bottom Surface (Inside Roll Surface): Membrane
2. Accessory Materials: Provide accessory materials recommended by barrier system
manufacturer for each different condition found on the project, including the following:
a. Sealant: 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540; a one component, moisture curing
sealant which forms permanent elastic bonds.
1) Complies with ASTM C920, Type S, Grade NS, Class 25
2) Elongation: >600%
3) 60-90 minute Tack Free time @ 73F (23C) and 50% relative humidity
Division 7 for 3M

Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier
Membrane 3015
- 5 -




PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.01 EXAMINATION

NOTE TO SPECIFIER: Delete the substrates listed below that are not applicable to project. For substrate
materials not listed, consult 3M for recommendations.

A. Verify that substrate construction is complete and ready to receive barrier system.
1. Exterior gypsum sheathing shall be clean and dry with moisture content below 19%; no
open joints or cracks wider than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).
2. Plywood substrates shall be clean and dry with moisture content below 16%; no open
joints or cracks wider than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).
3. Concrete surfaces shall be clean and dry, with fins ground flush and any void areas
filled.
4. Masonry substrates shall be clean and dry with mortar joints struck flush.
5. Metal surfaces shall be clean and dry.
B. Connection To Other Barrier Systems: Surface shall be clean and smooth as required to
achieve continuous adhesive bond, free of air pockets or voids.
1. Test adhesion by installing a 6 inch (152 mm) square test patch of barrier product over
the other system; removal of the test patch should not be possible without permanent
damage to either the test patch or substrate material.
2. Consult 3M for detailing connections which fail this test.
C. Substrate surfaces shall be free of grease, oil, unbonded paint, corrosion or other substances
that would adversely affect the adhesive bond of the barrier system to the substrate surface.
D. Start of barrier installation indicates installers acceptance of the substrate and installation
conditions.


3.02 PREPARATION
A. To obtain the best adhesion, 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 should
be installed when outdoor temperatures are above 0F (-18C)
1. Surfaces must be clean, free from dirt and debris and not have absorbed water.
2. Surfaces must be free of any damaged, unsupported areas, sharp protrusions or voids.
3. Concrete must be cured a minimum of 28 days before application.
4. Block or brick walls must have mortar joints stuck flush.
5. While 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 can be applied as low
as 0F (-18C), surfaces must be clear of snow, ice or frost.
6. 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 adheres to most common
building materials. For difficult to stick to surfaces, test adhesion before application. If
needed, apply 3M Hi-Strength 90, 3M Hi-Strength 94 ET Spray Adhesive, 3M
Scotch-Weld Holdfast 70, or 3M Fastbond Contact Adhesive 30NF to prime the
substrate prior to applying the membrane.
Division 7 for 3M

Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier
Membrane 3015
- 6 -



B. Gaps/Cracks In Substrate Surface Exceeding 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) width: Fill gap/crack with 3M
Polyurethane Sealant 540 and tool surface flush and smooth.
1. See 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540 technical data sheet for use and limitations of
sealant application.
C. Penetrations Of Barrier System: Fill gaps/cracks exceeding 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) width between
the substrate and the item penetrating the barrier system with 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540
1. See 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540 technical data sheet for use and limitations of
sealant application.

3.03 BARRIER SYSTEM INSTALLATION

NOTE TO SPECIFIER: Delete the type(s) of barrier system listed below in [brackets] that are not applicable
to project.

A. Install barrier system in accordance with 3M Installation Instructions in locations shown on the
Drawings to provide a continuous [water-resistive barrier] [air barrier] [air/water/vapor barrier].
1. 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 must be lapped a minimum
of 2 inches (50.8 mm) on sides and ends.
2. Inside and outside vertical corners must be lapped a minimum 6 inches (152 mm).
3. Cut membrane to desired length and wind up into a roll for easy handling. Fold the
starting edge back over itself to crease the paper release liner. Peel back the liner to
expose a starting 2-3 inch (50.8-76.2 mm) adhesive strip.
4. 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 is ready to apply as soon as
the release liner is removed. The adhesive is very aggressive and quickly bonds to
substrates. Do not contaminate the starting strip with dust or debris before applying it to
the intended surface. Be careful when aligning product on the wall as repositioning may
be challenging.
5. Once aligned, set the membrane in place by rolling the product back against the
exposed adhesive. Unwind the roll while simultaneously pulling the release liner,
maintaining pressure against the wall to tack the membrane in place. Wipe the
membrane down with a feathering motion from the middle outward to obtain a smooth
surface.
6. For best air barrier membrane performance, roll the membrane with a rubber roller to
ensure a tight seal against the wall and between overlapped edges.
7. It is recommended to seal the leading edge of the membrane at the end of each work
day with 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540. Smooth the bead to the surface to avoid
creating a projecting obstruction when the next layer of membrane is overlapped.
8. Detail work must be carefully executed to ensure a continuously sealed building
envelope.
9. See 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 Product Guide for detail
drawings.
Division 7 for 3M

Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier
Membrane 3015
- 7 -




B. Windows and Rough Openings
1. Wrap rough openings with 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015.
2. When working with product, align and position membrane, remove release liner and
press firmly into place. Roll all laps and membrane with a rubber roller to ensure
optimum seal.
3. Apply detail strips of membrane in each sill corner extending the full depth of the sill and
a minimum 2 inches (50.8 mm) to the jamb, sill and face.
Apply appropriate lengths of membrane to form sill and dams, then along the jambs and
at the head.
4. Install membrane in weatherboard or shingle fashion with 2 inch (50.8 mm) overlap at
all end and side laps of membrane, and extending a minimum 2 inches (50.8 mm) from
the opening to the face of the exterior wall.
5. See 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 Product Guide for detail
drawings.
C. Penetrations:
1. Seal all penetrations 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540. Install 3M Self-Adhered Air and
Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 material cut to length to allow installation around the full
circumference of the item penetrating the barrier system and ensure a continuous
airtight seal.
a. See 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540 technical data sheet for use and limitations
of sealant application.
2. Knife Plate / Masonry Tie:
a. Cut an appropriately sized square of membrane to overlap the knife plate a
minimum 2 inches (50.8 mm) in each direction.
b. Cut a slot within the piece and apply over the knife plate.
c. Apply 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540 where knife plate penetrates the barrier.
d. See 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 Product Guide
for detail drawings.
3. Vent/Pipe penetrations:
a. Apply 3M Polyurethane Sealant 540 between the penetration and the exterior
wall.
b. Apply membrane to allow continuous 2 inch (50.8 mm) overlap onto vent/pipe
penetration and cut fingers to transition to the exterior wall.
c. See 3M Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier Membrane 3015 Product Guide
for detail drawings.


END OF SECTION
- 8 -
Division 7 for 3M

Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier
Membrane 3015



Technical Information
The technical information, recommendations and other statements contained in this document are
based upon tests or experience that 3M believes are reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of such
information is not guaranteed.



Product Use
Many factors beyond 3Ms control and uniquely within users knowledge and control can affect the use
and performance of a 3M product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors that can affect
the use and performance of a 3M product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the 3M product and
determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for users method of application.



Warranty,
Limited Remedy,
and Disclaimer
Unless an additional warranty is specifically stated on the applicable 3M product packaging or product
literature, 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable 3M product specification at the time
3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE.
If the 3M product does not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive remedy is, at 3Ms
option, replacement of the 3M product or refund of the purchase price.



Limitation of Liability
Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the 3M product,
whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted,
including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability.

ISO 9001

This Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division product was manufactured under a 3M quality system registered to ISO 9001 standards.






























Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
3M Center, Building 225-3S-06
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
800-362-3550 877-369-2923 (Fax)
www.3M.com/industrial


Recycled Paper
40% pre-consumer
10% post-consumer


3M, Scotch-Weld and Fastbond
are trademarks of 3M Company.
Printed in U.S.A.
3M 2012 (12/12)