Air and Vapor Barriers

Air barrier systems include multiple materials, such as building wraps and sealants, and components, including windows, that seal the building enclosure, which includes all six sides of the building.

Air barriers are also sometimes used to separate building sections from each other. Air barriers serve to wrap the building shell and protect the building elements within it from the effects of air leakage. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) includes requirements for air exchange between the inside and outside of buildings that can only be achieved with effective air barriers. Currently (2016) the ABAA lists twelve states and the District of Columbia as government authorities with air barrier requirements in their building codes.

Insulated wall assembly with air and water barrier intended to meet International Energy Conservation Code. Model by Dow Building Solutions

Scroll to zoom in on the 3D model and drag to orbit about it. Drag cursor + SHIFT to pan

General Information on Air and Vapor Barriers

A comparison of fluid applied and self adhered air barriers

This article from the July, 2014 issue of Design + Durability Magazine compares “fluid-applied” air barriers, which are brushed, rolled or sprayed on sheathing or other substrates with those that adhere to the underlying surface with an integral, pressure sensitive adhesive.

Evaluation of Air Barrier Types

Oak Ridge National Laboratory tested eight types of air barriers to see where air passes through them so that they can be made to meet the requirements of IECC 2012. A useful aspect of this presentation is the clear imagery of the mock-up wherein the components are identified and clearly shown.

System Assembly Performance Adhesion & Compatibility Component Movement Capability

BEST 2010- Building Enclosure Science & Technology Conference presentation by Tremco on their Exoair Air / Vapor barrier components installed at two hospitals in the Mid West. Much of the presentation is on the testing that was done to prove that the installed systems would function as intended.

“The Technology of Air Barriers: A Durability + Design Collection”

This eBook consists of articles from Durability + Design Magazine and the Journal of Architectural Coatings (JAC) on technological advancements in architectural air barriers.