Air and Water Barriers

This lesson introduces air and water barriers, and details their role in preventing moisture in commercial structures. While a variety of products meet specific performance criteria associated with one type of barrier or the other, an effective air and water barrier must address all of the criteria as part of integrated wall system. Most current commercial building codes require that water barriers be used, but the use of air barriers is not yet required in all states.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand why air barriers are not yet required throughout the U.S.
• Be familiar with four commonly recognized performance requirements of air barriers.
• Learn how air and water barriers are fastened to the wall assembly in commercial applications.
• Understand the differences between various types of air and water barriers.

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