Specifying Air Barriers to Achieve Air Tightness
Continuing Education
Use the following learning objectives to focus your study while reading this month’s Continuing Education article.
Learning Objectives - After reading this article, you will be able to:
- Through a review of IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1 code language, we will determine the code compliance options for air barriers and requirements for materials, assemblies and whole building airtightness.
- Understand the various test methods for air barrier materials and assemblies as it relates to air, water, fire and other key requirements.
- Identify key language for three-part specification to articulate performance standards, execution and quality requirements.
- Define requirements for quality assurance and control, and typical downfalls in specification verbiage.
Design and construction documents are one of the first steps towards achieving an effective layer of air tightness to manage moisture and air movement. The importance of a proper specification cannot be understated and a well-articulated document will ensure that the owner is provided with materials, performance and quality. This presentation will go over some of the consideration and language that should be reviewed prior to developing a specification and will outline code requirements, performance requirements, what can be done for quality, ensuring material selection meets the intent of design and for crucial coordination with other components of the enclosure.
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Laverne Dalgleish has been actively involved in the construction industry for over 30 years and has specialized in building envelopes, energy efficiency and building performance for both commercial and residential construction. Over the years, Laverne has become a frequent presenter across North America on a variety of topics as they relate to building envelopes, energy efficiency, green building practices, and standards and quality of construction. He has been a leader and participated in a number of building research projects with groups such as Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Syracuse University, University of Waterloo and the National Research Council of Canada. Laverne has been involved in a number of utility demand side management programs and worked with various government departments across North American such as the U.S Department of Energy, Natural Resources Canada, Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. |
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