Tag Archives: air barrier

The air/vapor barrier must die

As manufacturers introduce materials with new properties and attempt to push the boundaries of building envelope construction, it is crucial the industry agrees on terminology for communicating the specific functions and purpose of these materials to avoid confusion and costly errors. In this regard, the term ‘air/vapor barrier’ is misleading and should be replaced with more appropriate terminology.

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Put penetrations to the test: The effect of cladding attachments on air and water barriers

Guidelines for detailing and testing air and water barriers (AWB) with cladding attachments are limited, and installation practices are not consistent across projects. Each of these penetrations have their own unique attachment method, with varying potential effects on air and water tightness and the building’s overall thermal performance. However, the impact these cladding attachments may have on the effectiveness of the AWB can easily be overlooked.

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The multiple purposes of air barriers

The need for energy efficient buildings is the largest driving factor behind product innovation and building science advancements in air barrier materials. However, other equally important aspects of modern construction are sometimes overlooked by building professionals.

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