Presentation Overview
Tuesday, MAY 5, 2:30PM -3:30PM
Nicollet Ballroom
Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) play a pivotal role in advancing air barrier technologies within building enclosures, meeting the evolving demands for high-performance, energy-efficient structures. This session will focus specifically on the air barrier industry, providing an in-depth overview of the main types of PSAs used in these applications—acrylic, rubber-based, silicone, and asphalt formulations. Each type will be examined for its distinct properties, compatibility with substrates commonly found in air barrier systems, and ability to withstand environmental stresses.
The presentation will highlight how PSAs contribute to the integrity and effectiveness of air barrier assemblies, including their use in self-adhered membranes, flashing tapes, window and door interfaces, and critical detail areas that require airtight seals. Discussion will emphasize how PSAs simplify installation processes, reduce labor time, and help achieve superior air leakage control, which is vital for modern building performance and compliance.
Benefits of various PSA systems will be evaluated, showcasing their capacity to form robust bonds without mechanical fastening, their resilience when faced with building movement, temperature fluctuations, and moisture, and their flexibility in adapting to complex architectural details. Special attention will be given to how these advantages translate into improved energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and long-term durability of air barrier systems.
The session will also explore essential evaluation methods for PSA performance in air barrier applications, such as peel strength, shear and tack testing, accelerated aging, and exposure to cycles of temperature and humidity. These methods are crucial for ensuring that PSAs meet the stringent requirements of the air barrier industry and deliver consistent results in the field.
This session is designed for air barrier professionals, specifiers, installers, and building scientists seeking to deepen their understanding of pressure sensitive adhesives and their critical role in delivering high-performance building enclosures.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and describe the main types of pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) used in air barrier systems, including acrylic, rubber-based, silicone, and asphalt formulations, and explain their unique properties and substrate compatibility.
- Analyze the role of PSAs in enhancing the integrity, installation efficiency, and overall performance of air barrier assemblies, with particular focus on their application in self-adhered membranes, flashing tapes, and critical airtight detailing.
- Evaluate the benefits of PSA systems in building enclosures, such as robust bonding without mechanical fastening, resilience to building movement and environmental stresses, and their contribution to energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and durability.
- Understand and apply key performance evaluation methods for PSAs—including peel strength, shear and tack testing, and accelerated aging—to ensure compliance with air barrier industry standards and reliable field performance.
Cody Shelner, tesa tape, inc
Cody Shelner is a leading expert in pressure sensitive adhesives and self-adhered membrane technologies, recognized for his innovative contributions to the construction materials industry. Holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Cody began his career designing environmental test equipment and developing advanced testing methods for adhesive product performance. His technical background and problem-solving skills have enabled him to collaborate with manufacturers, researchers, and industry professionals, focusing on improving the effectiveness and durability of self-adhered membrane systems.
Cody specializes in evaluating and testing adhesives used in self-adhered membranes, having conducted extensive research to develop sophisticated methodologies that assess performance under a variety of forces and environmental conditions. He emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluations that go beyond standard peel adhesion tests, advocating for the consideration of shear forces, temperature changes, and external loads in performance assessments.
Beyond his technical work, Cody is actively involved in industry associations and committees, helping to establish standards and best practices for adhesive performance. His peers recognize him as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the field. Driven by a commitment to innovation and collaboration, Cody continues to shape the future of construction materials through his expertise and dedication to industry advancement.
