How to Spec STEDAIR®

The following information provides wording to be used when specifying STEDAIR® moisture barriers for firefighting turnout gear.


STEDAIR® 3000 Moisture Barrier 

The STEDAIR® 3000 moisture barrier material shall be a 5 oz/yd2, two-layer laminate comprised of an enhanced bicomponent membrane and 2.7 oz/yd2 non-woven  spunlace. The moisture barrier shall meet and exceed all NFPA 1971-2018 requirements, including water and viral penetration resistance and common chemical penetration resistance, while providing excellent total heat loss (THL) and thermal protective performance (TPP). The moisture barrier shall have a three-year warranty for materials and labor.


Performance Description

  • The weight of the moisture barrier is 5.0 oz/yd2 +/-0.5 oz/yd2.
  • STEDAIR® 3000 shall attain a total heat loss (THL) value averaging no less than 276 W/m2 when tested with PBI Matrix (SCI), 7.4 oz. PBI / Kevlar and Caldura SL2 thermal liner.
  • The moisture barrier shall exhibit passing results after ten wash/dry cycles at 140°F. The STEDAIR® 3000 retains all performance requirements as stated in NFPA 1971-2018.
  • STEDAIR® 3000 remains waterproof to a minimum of 1 psi after exposure to -40°F temperature.
  • The moisture barrier shall attain an average thermal protective performance (TPP) of no less than 44.0 cal/cm2 when tested with PBI Matrix (SCI) 7.4oz. PBI / Kevlar and Caldura SL2 thermal liner.

STEDAIR® 4000 Moisture Barrier 

The STEDAIR® 4000 moisture barrier material shall be a 5.5oz/yd2 two-layer laminate comprised of an enhanced bicomponent membrane and 3.2 ounces per square yard woven aramid pajama check substrate. The enhanced bicomponent membrane shall be composed of an expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) matrix having a continuous hydrophilic (water-loving) and oleophobic (oil-hating) coating that is impregnated into the matrix. The moisture barrier shall meet and exceed all NFPA 1971-2018 requirements, including water penetration resistance, viral penetration resistance, and common chemical penetration resistance, and provides excellent total heat loss (THL) and thermal protective performance (TPP).


Additional Information

STEDAIR® 4000 is comprised of a textile substrate and an intimate bicomponent membrane incorporating expanded ePTFE with polyurethane. The polyurethane used in the STEDAIR® 4000 moisture barriers differs from the urethanes found in typical polyurethane-based moisture barriers. STEDAIR® 4000 possesses many features required by NFPA 1971 and provides higher total heat loss capability than comparable products today.

STEDAIR® moisture barriers provide the greatest thermal stability of any moisture barrier available within the Fire Service industry today.

NB: The information here is for non-binding, general information purposes only. Information is supplied upon the condition that the persons receiving same will determine its suitability for their purposes before use. In no event will Stedfast Inc. be responsible for damages of any nature resulting from the use of or reliance upon information from this document or the products to which the information refers. Stedfast makes no representations or warranties as to the completeness or accuracy of the information.


STEDAIR® GOLD

The Stedair®Gold moisture barrier material shall be a 5.2 ounce per square yard two-layer laminate comprised of an enhanced Bicomponent membrane and 2.8 oz./yd2tri-blend woven pajama check substrate. The Substrate shall be a woven tri-blend of PBI, Kevlar®and Nomex®. The enhanced bicomponent membrane shall be comprised of an expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, i.e., Teflon®) matrix having a continuous hydrophilic (water-loving) and oleophobic (oil-hating) monolithic FR polyurethane coating that is durably bonded to the expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE shall be sandwiched between the tri-blend PJ substrate and the monolithic FR polyurethane coating. The moisture barrier shall meet and exceed all NFPA 1971-2018 requirements, including water penetration resistance, viral penetration resistance, and common chemical penetration resistance, and provides excellent total heat loss (THL) and thermal protective performance (TPP).

Stedair® Gold is designed with a woven PBI/Nomex®/Kevlar® pajama check substrate and an enhanced bi-component e-PTFE membrane. Combining these technologies allows us to provide higher moisture barrier durability and increased thermal stability, which translates into better protection for the firefighter.