Air Barrier Systems
An air barrier can provide substantial savings on your heating and cooling costs
One of the biggest obstacles to keeping a building comfortable and energy efficient is air infiltration and exfiltration. When air is able to enter or leave a building, it can cause hot and cold spots throughout the living space. It can also cost significantly more to heat and cool a building when the air is able to move easily in and out. The solution to this problem is an air barrier system.
Air barrier systems are designed to keep outside air from entering a building and to keep the inside air from leaking out.
Many people do not realize how important an effective air barrier is. When it’s cold outside, warm air remains in the building and cold air stays outside. When it’s hot outside, the opposite take place, the cool conditioned air will stay within the building and the warm air outdoors stays outdoors. An added benefit to the comfort is savings on heating and cooling costs.
Another tremendous benefit of an air barrier system is the improved quality of indoor air. By controlling the amount of air infiltration, the HVAC system is able to better control the moisture and humidity in the air. This ensures comfort in the building as well as a reduction of excess moisture eliminating the risk of harmful mold and mildew. By better controlling the air, the barrier allows the air to be better filtered by the HVAC system. This reduces the amount of allergens that are present in the air inside the building.
Benefits of an Air Barrier System
- Keeps the cool air in during the summer and the hot air out of a building
- Keeps the hot air in and the cold air out during the winter
- Keeps moisture from forming on the walls and other building components
- Helps maintain relative humidity in the building
- Helps ensure better air quality
- Keeps rooms at a consistent temperature
- Lowers the cost of heating and cooling the building
- Cost-effective to install and maintain
Several types of air barrier systems can be employed depending on the building design:
- Spray Polyurethane Foam
- Fluid applied
- Self-adhered
- Mechanically fastened or sheet good
Learn more about these types of air barrier systems below:
Spray Polyurethane Foam
This system will provide both the insulation and an air barrier. When used on the exterior of the building, it can also provide a vapor barrier and drainage plane to prevent any moisture from seeping into the building.
Fluid Applied System
These products are applied as a spray. They can be vapor permeable or act as vapor barriers depending on what type is needed in the building design. They form a monolithic barrier that can keep the air and water from entering the envelope.
Self-Adhered System
This product is a peel and stick product. It also comes in both vapor permeable or vapor barrier forms. They can be applied over other materials to provide the required air barrier.
Mechanically Fastened or Sheet Good
This is the most cost-effective way to create an air barrier. The material is applied to the walls by conventional techniques. Efficacy depends on adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions. There is little tolerance for any mistake during installation. Our specially trained Seal Team of experienced installers ensure a well sealed envelope. Our work is guaranteed.
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