Quality Assurance for Building Envelope Air Barrier Systems PDF

In the United States and Canada, the growing concern over premature building failures, degraded occupant comfort, and rising energy costs is the driving force behind the need to reduce air leakage in industrial, commercial, institutional, and multifamily residential buildings. Despite more stringent regulations being made at the government level and the development of trade associations to govern the air barrier industry, a quality assurance program needs to be adopted on a national level, both in the United States and Canada, for there to be a significant improvement in the overall quality of these buildings. This paper discusses the benefits of an effective quality assurance program, and what such a program should entail. Also proposed is a protocol for the inspection and testing of building envelope air barrier systems, including pre-construction, workin- progress, and post-construction regimens. Studies are referenced that show the degree to which testing improves a building's air permeance.

Authors: Kevin D. Knight; Bryan J. Boyle; Bert G. Phillips, P.Eng.

Citation: Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VIII

Keywords: December, Florida, 2001