Air Barrier Performance in Building Enclosures: Compliance, Continuity, and Complexity

This course was initially presented at the 2021 International Annual Convention and Tradeshow

Continuous air barriers are required by the energy code to reduce the overall energy consumption of a building. Air barriers also have benefits beyond energy savings and contribute to long-term enclosure durability by preventing significant condensation from air leakage. This paper discusses code development updates, design-based applications, construction best practices, and provides a roadmap with real-world examples for continuous air barrier strategies to achieve performance in building design, construction, and operations.

Recognizing that materials often serve dual functions to contribute to the continuous air barrier is key to success—such as roof system vapor retarders that are part of the air control strategy, as well as roof membranes designed as part of the air barrier tie-in to the wall below. This presentation will review key enclosure interfaces, including the roof-to-wall connections, parapets, and transitions between enclosure assemblies. Construction quality assurance and performance testing for owner acceptance are important steps to ensure the design intent is delivered onsite.

With regard to air barriers, this presentation discusses the impacts of whole building performance, design requirements, material and assembly requirements, and installation verification requirements during construction. It will provide expert-level insight into the current energy code development process and experience from field observations.

James R. Kirby, AIA

James R. Kirby is a GAF building and roofing science architect with a masters of architecture (structures option) degree. He has over 25 years of experience in the roofing industry covering low-slope, steep-slope, metal, SPF, vegetative, and rooftop photovoltaics. He understands the effects of heat, air, and moisture on a roof system. Kirby presents building and roofing science information to architects, consultants, and building owners, and writes articles and blogs for building owners, facility managers, and the roofing industry at large. Kirby is a member of AIA, ASTM, ICC, IIBEC, NRCA, and WSRCA.

Benjamin Meyer,  AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Benjamin Meyer is a building and roofing science architect with GAF. Previous experience includes enclosure consultant principal, technical management for enclosure products, commercial design, real estate development, and construction management on a range of projects, including residential, educational, offices, and DuPont industrial projects. Industry positions include: voting member of the ASHRAE 90.1 Envelope and Project Committees, LEED Technical Committee member, past technical advisor of the LEED Materials (MR) TAG, and director of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA).