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Abstract
Air barriers are key components in the proper functioning of the building envelope. Building science has proven the constructin of an airtight building envelope is a fundamental requirement for acceptable performance of occupied buildings. A recent study by NIST concluded that heating and cooling costs could be significantly reduced by buiding an airtight envelope. It has also been proven that the incorporation of an air barrier in a roof assembly can enhance its wind uplift resistance by as much as 50%. Although it is widely accepted that a correctly built roof air barrier is essential for the proper functioning of buidings, there is much confusion about their necessary performance attributes for low-sloped roofs, what materials can be used, and how they are configured. This paper will explore the various performance requirements of roof air barriers in low-slope roofing assemblies, with particular focus on their correct design and construction.
Air barriers are key components in the proper functioning of the building envelope. Building science has proven the constructin of an airtight building envelope is a fundamental requirement for acceptable performance of occupied buildings. A recent study by NIST concluded that heating and cooling costs could be significantly reduced by buiding an airtight envelope. It has also been proven that the incorporation of an air barrier in a roof assembly can enhance its wind uplift resistance by as much as 50%. Although it is widely accepted that a correctly built roof air barrier is essential for the proper functioning of buidings, there is much confusion about their necessary performance attributes for low-sloped roofs, what materials can be used, and how they are configured. This paper will explore the various performance requirements of roof air barriers in low-slope roofing assemblies, with particular focus on their correct design and construction.
Date
2/2008
2/2008
Author(s)
Peter Kalinger
Peter Kalinger
Page(s)
133-
133-
Source
Roof Consultants Institute
Roof Consultants Institute
Keyword(s)
air barrier; buiding envelope
air barrier; buiding envelope