I recently posted on this blog about some new research released by Georgia-Pacific on their DensElement product. Related to that topic, there has also been recent research comparing the performance of DensElement to a competing product: Securock ExoAir 430 by Tremco/USG.
I posted today on LinkedIn with a link to research by Dr. Steven Doggett of Built Environments. The research was funded in part by USG. From his paper:
Two integrated sheathing systems were assessed for water resistance under prolonged hydrostatic pressure. Findings revealed stark contrasts in moisture performance based largely on material composition of exterior overlays, one representing a glass mat facer and the other a factory-applied fluid membrane.
M. Steven Doggett, Ph.D.
Here’s the full paper:
The extent to which the test methods (both the USG/Doggett research and the G-P/Intertek research) represent conditions experienced by the materials in service is debatable. But at the end of the day they both contribute to the body of knowledge that’s available in the industry.
Company sponsored “research” is nothing but biased publicity and unsupported claim. Independent evaluation suggests credibility.
Thanks for the feedback. I would love to see more truly independent research too, though I disagree that just because research is sponsored by a material manufacturer it is nothing but publicity. One problem is that this research is expensive and time consuming, and few have both the resources and technical expertise to do it properly. If manufacturers can contribute to the discourse by sponsoring research then, as long as the funding is disclosed, I welcome it.