A rewarding experience for the designer and owner

Air and Vapor Barriers

With moisture-related problems in both new construction and older buildings equally prevalent in the news, there is no doubt that air and vapor barriers should be a well used and understood tool in a designer’s bag of tricks. However, depending on a number of factors – such as the climate of the given location, the building materials used in the project, building codes, and other key design issues – the type of barrier and the appropriate location within the system’s structure vary greatly.

Moisture movement in the built environment

Moisture can present itself in the built environment in a number of ways. The main avenues for water infiltration are:

  • Kinetic energy – Rainwater driven through the roof system, mortar joints or other entry point
  • Capillary action – Water seepage through cracks, holes or drawn toward drier environments
  • Gravity – Water flow down sloping design elements with entry into the building envelope
  • Pressure differential – Pressure differences in the building envelope that push the water into openings
  • Water vapor – Moisture transported by diffusion or air leakage

A properly designed and built masonry system will take into account these possible avenues for water infiltration. Masonry systems typically utilize some variation of moisture management – including the appropriate air space, flashing, weather-resistive moisture barrier, termination bars, drip edges, sealing seams, weeps, vents, and/or other tools – to effectively remove the majority of water infiltration. The combination of the cladding and moisture management system in the wall’s envelope provides the first protection against the environmental elements. However, this combination alone is no match against water vapor.

It was once thought that water vapor through diffusion was the culprit in potential moisture problems in building design; however, experts discovered that air leakage provided a far greater ability to carry more moisture through miniscule holes, seams and other penetrations. Surprisingly, air leakage is capable of depositing several gallons of moisture each year into the system, 30 to 40 times greater than by diffusion. The use of an effective air-vapor barrier system can limit this moisture penetration through the CMU backup or sheathing and help eliminate the potential damage.

 The differences between air, vapor and moisture barriers

The differences between air, vapor and moisture barriers

With close similarities between air, vapor and moisture barriers – as well as the fact that certain products or systems can be considered to be more than one type of barrier – confusion is bound to occur.

“Quite honestly, there are a lot of areas of the country where people aren’t nearly as familiar with air-vapor barriers and their installation as you might think,” says Christopher Bupp, technical services for Hohmann and Barnard, Inc., a leading manufacturer of air and vapor barrier products.

Moisture Barriers Moisture or weather-resistive barriers are intended to prevent non-vapor, liquid water from infiltrating the wall system. The International Building Code (IBC) requires moisture barriers to be integrated into the moisture management system for most types of wall designs. This system is effective in deflecting liquid, but – once again – provides no protection against vapor diffusion or air leakage.

While vapor and air barriers can be considered moisture barriers, the opposite is not the case.

Vapor Barriers – According to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), a vapor barrier is: “A vapor-resistant material, membrane or covering such as foil, plastic sheeting, or insulation facing having a permeance rating of one perm (5.7 X 10-11 kg/PA.s/m2) or less when tested in accordance with the desiccant method using Procedure A of ASTM E 96.” The vapor barrier is effective in limiting moisture infiltration by means of diffusion, but typically not designed to effectively limit air leakage and the moisture accompanying it.

The IECC requires vapor barriers to be used in colder climates, with a few exceptions; the IBC, by referencing the IECC, therefore also has the same requirement.

Air Barriers – By contrast, an air barrier is any material that restricts the flow of air under pressure through a building envelope. According to the Air Barrier Association of America, the air permeance of any air barrier material is 0.02L(s/m2) at 75Pa. While many materials singularly can achieve this air permeance, the air barrier materials must be tied together in a continuous plane to form an assembly, with a maximum air leakage of 0.2 L(s/m2) at 75 Pa. Finally, the actual air barrier system consists of these air barrier assemblies in a continuous plane of air tightness for the entire building enclosure, with a maximum air leakage of the whole building at 2.0 L(s/m2) at 75 Pa.

While air barriers can be vapor permeable or vapor impermeable, there are several requirements of the air barrier system that must be met. An air barrier system must be able to resist live loads (e.g., wind pressure, HVAC mechanical loads, etc.) without failing, and the system must completely wrap the entire building envelope completely, without presenting any entry points for air leakage. Each air barrier component, assembly and the connections between them must be connected, from the roofing system to the below-grade structure, to resist these loads. A failure of any part of the system is a failure of the system as a whole.

While the 2006 IBC does not require an air barrier in exterior wall systems, experts suggest that we should expect a mandatory air barrier requirement with the 2009 IBC. Several factors play a part in this expectation.

First, the well-received National Building Code of Canada requirements specify the acceptable level of air permeability of 0.02 L/(s/m2) at 75 Pa pressure (0.004 cfm/ft2 at 1.57 psf); several states and municipalities in the United States have adopted this requirement as well.

Second – and more importantly – AHRAE 90.1 “Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings” was updated in 2006 requiring the use of air barriers, which is adopted by reference by the IECC, which once again will be adopted by reference by the IBC in 2009.

Types of air barriers

There are several different types of air barrier materials available:

  • Mechanically-attached membranes, also commonly referred to as housewraps, that allow vapor transmission
  • Self-adhered membranes, aka peel and stick, which typically are waterproof and vapor impermeable
  • Fluid-applied membranes, such as heavy-bodied paints or coatings
  • Closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam, which typically provides insulation as well
  • Thermofusible materials, typically made with SBS-modified asphalt that is “melted” to the substrate

Each type of air barrier product has specific characteristics that may provide benefits over another type for certain projects or climates; this very topic is grounds for another article unto itself.

Briefly, key design considerations in specifying the appropriate product include:

  • The type of construction materials being used (e.g., brick cladding and CMU backup)
  • Overall climate for the given location and temperature during installation
  • Compatibility of the materials being used
  • Timeframe for construction completion
  • Product durability
  • Efficient application
  • Code compliance

“From an installation standpoint, it really depends on the type of application as to which product makes sense,” Bupp said. “Also, with the different climates that we have in the United States, it really has to be determined by geographical area what types of products work best in any given application. I wouldn’t tell an architecture firm in San Antonio, Texas, to apply a vapor barrier in the same area of a wall system as I would for a firm in Boston. Most designers understand that, but I still think it’s important to stress.”

If there is any doubt as to the appropriate material to choose for a particular project, your air barrier manufacturer can assist you in specifying the correct product.

Go green!

Not only do air barriers make sense in creating a healthier environment by limiting the potential for moisture-related problems, but they also are a great addition to a building’s overall sustainable design. Masonry buildings already provide significant energy and lifecycle savings, but air barriers are an additional improvement to both of these areas for owners and occupants.

The U.S. Department of Energy determined that 40 percent of the energy consumed to heat or cool a building is due to air leakage. However, according to a 2006 National Institute of Standards and Technology study, a properly specified and installed air barrier system can provide an energy cost savings of approximately 32 to 39 percent, with the largest savings going to buildings in colder climates. Also, because of this significant energy efficiency capability, air barriers can provide points toward a building’s LEED certification.

In addition, air barrier products themselves are getting greener, such as Hohmann and Barnard’s TextroFlash Green, a multi-purpose, flexible, self-adhered membrane manufactured from 45 percent recycled content, and TextroFlash Liquid, a VOC- and HAPs-free liquid air-vapor barrier.

air barrier


Basic installation steps

Just as well researched and exact designs and specifications are important to the successful implementation of an air barrier system for any given project, installation is equally important for the overall satisfactory completion.

While each type of air barrier product will have its own installation procedure, there are a number of steps that should be considered in masonry construction, regardless of the product.

  • Specify flush masonry joints for the CMU backup, with joints completely filled
  • Any excess mortar on the substrate and ties should be removed
  • Mortar should reach the minimum cure period recommended by the air barrier manufacturer prior to installation
  • Complete a full examination of the CMU backup substrate prior to installation, verifying it is clean and free of moisture
  • Consider the weather conditions under which the air barrier assemblies will be applied and make changes accordingly
  • Ensure any work by other trades that may penetrate through the air barrier system is in place and complete
  • Prime the CMU backup according to manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Seal vertical and horizontal surfaces at terminations and penetrations
  • Connect air barrier assemblies in exterior wall continuously to the air barrier of the roof, to below-grade structures, to windows, curtain wall, storefront, louvers, exterior doors and other intersection conditions and perform sealing of penetrations, using accessory materials and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Plan accordingly for changes in substrate plane, through-wall flashings, control and seismic joints, and any other gaps to ensure continuous transitions
  • During the installation and construction process, the membrane should receive appropriate protection at the end of each work day
  • Do not allow materials to come in contact with chemically incompatible materials
  • Do not expose membrane to sunlight longer than recommended by the manufacturer
  • Always install materials in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Prior to enclosing the assembly, inspect and repair any damaged areas of the air barrier system

Conclusion

The successful inclusion of an air barrier system in building projects can be a rewarding experience for the designer and owner. Whether the project is commercial or residential – even a multi-tenant building – owners and occupants can reap benefits from the healthy environment, reduction in energy consumption and increased building valuation. MD

Jennie Farnsworth
is a freelance writer based in Atlanta, Ga.

Challenges associated with controlling air and water infiltration on the residential job site

By Jon Giza, Research and Design,
Hohmann and Barnard, Inc.

In the commercial venue, the designer has a good grasp regarding the purpose of the air barrier and how to employ it. In the residential field, often the builder uses a product because it’s what he’s always used or has not been informed as to the options he has at his disposal. The key to choosing the best product is understanding how moisture gets into the structure in the first place, which was covered in the main article.

It’s not a stretch to say that most residential builders know of only one type of product to control air and water, the mechanically attached home wrap. As stressed earlier, correct execution of the installation is equally important as choosing the right system. This is where even the most well-intentioned residential builder gets left behind.

Contrary to popular thought, a mechanically applied home wrap is perhaps the most difficult system to install correctly. When compared to peel-and-stick or spray on technologies, the nail-on WRB is left behind as yesterday’s technology.

This is not to say that a mechanically applied air barrier system can’t be done right. The reality is that training and instruction of how to install it properly and what mistakes to avoid often are overlooked. The purpose and benefits of installing the product are fully negated both in function and in warrantee if the product is installed incorrectly.

Most builders are unaware that a home wrap must be installed with the utmost care to perform as intended. Anything so much as a staple hole, a small tear, untapped seam, or irregular nailing pattern jeopardizes the performance of the barrier, and voids the warrantee. This leads to a pervasive problem in home building where the real culprit in leaky windows can be traced back to bulk water getting through the home wrap, condensing into liquid water once the dew point is reached, and being drawn into the structure. Thus, the perception is a leaking window where in fact the home wrap – because of insufficient installation technique or simply excessive moisture permeability – many times is the real culprit. The answer to this problem is helping the builder and the window and door supplier to understand that the whole wall assembly (including the air barrier system and the practicality of executing a correct installation in the field) needs to be considered to achieve proper air and water control.

By choosing an easy-to-apply, environmentally friendly spray-on material, the system can be installed in less time with less chance of compromising the intended purpose of keeping air and water at bay. The air barrier becomes an integral part of the structure, not just a nailed-on addition to the wall assembly.

Challenges associated with controlling air and water infiltration on the residential job site

By Jon Giza, Research and Design,
Hohmann and Barnard, Inc.

In the commercial venue, the designer has a good grasp regarding the purpose of the air barrier and how to employ it. In the residential field, often the builder uses a product because it’s what he’s always used or has not been informed as to the options he has at his disposal. The key to choosing the best product is understanding how moisture gets into the structure in the first place, which was covered in the main article.

It’s not a stretch to say that most residential builders know of only one type of product to control air and water, the mechanically attached home wrap. As stressed earlier, correct execution of the installation is equally important as choosing the right system. This is where even the most well-intentioned residential builder gets left behind.

Contrary to popular thought, a mechanically applied home wrap is perhaps the most difficult system to install correctly. When compared to peel-and-stick or spray on technologies, the nail-on WRB is left behind as yesterday’s technology.

This is not to say that a mechanically applied air barrier system can’t be done right. The reality is that training and instruction of how to install it properly and what mistakes to avoid often are overlooked. The purpose and benefits of installing the product are fully negated both in function and in warrantee if the product is installed incorrectly.

Most builders are unaware that a home wrap must be installed with the utmost care to perform as intended. Anything so much as a staple hole, a small tear, untapped seam, or irregular nailing pattern jeopardizes the performance of the barrier, and voids the warrantee. This leads to a pervasive problem in home building where the real culprit in leaky windows can be traced back to bulk water getting through the home wrap, condensing into liquid water once the dew point is reached, and being drawn into the structure. Thus, the perception is a leaking window where in fact the home wrap – because of insufficient installation technique or simply excessive moisture permeability – many times is the real culprit. The answer to this problem is helping the builder and the window and door supplier to understand that the whole wall assembly (including the air barrier system and the practicality of executing a correct installation in the field) needs to be considered to achieve proper air and water control.

By choosing an easy-to-apply, environmentally friendly spray-on material, the system can be installed in less time with less chance of compromising the intended purpose of keeping air and water at bay. The air barrier becomes an integral part of the structure, not just a nailed-on addition to the wall assembly.

Challenges associated with controlling air and water infiltration on the residential job site

By Jon Giza, Research and Design,
Hohmann and Barnard, Inc.

In the commercial venue, the designer has a good grasp regarding the purpose of the air barrier and how to employ it. In the residential field, often the builder uses a product because it’s what he’s always used or has not been informed as to the options he has at his disposal. The key to choosing the best product is understanding how moisture gets into the structure in the first place, which was covered in the main article.

It’s not a stretch to say that most residential builders know of only one type of product to control air and water, the mechanically attached home wrap. As stressed earlier, correct execution of the installation is equally important as choosing the right system. This is where even the most well-intentioned residential builder gets left behind.

Contrary to popular thought, a mechanically applied home wrap is perhaps the most difficult system to install correctly. When compared to peel-and-stick or spray on technologies, the nail-on WRB is left behind as yesterday’s technology.

This is not to say that a mechanically applied air barrier system can’t be done right. The reality is that training and instruction of how to install it properly and what mistakes to avoid often are overlooked. The purpose and benefits of installing the product are fully negated both in function and in warrantee if the product is installed incorrectly.

Most builders are unaware that a home wrap must be installed with the utmost care to perform as intended. Anything so much as a staple hole, a small tear, untapped seam, or irregular nailing pattern jeopardizes the performance of the barrier, and voids the warrantee. This leads to a pervasive problem in home building where the real culprit in leaky windows can be traced back to bulk water getting through the home wrap, condensing into liquid water once the dew point is reached, and being drawn into the structure. Thus, the perception is a leaking window where in fact the home wrap – because of insufficient installation technique or simply excessive moisture permeability – many times is the real culprit. The answer to this problem is helping the builder and the window and door supplier to understand that the whole wall assembly (including the air barrier system and the practicality of executing a correct installation in the field) needs to be considered to achieve proper air and water control.

By choosing an easy-to-apply, environmentally friendly spray-on material, the system can be installed in less time with less chance of compromising the intended purpose of keeping air and water at bay. The air barrier becomes an integral part of the structure, not just a nailed-on addition to the wall assembly.

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