Moisture Movement via Air Flow

  • Air flow accounts for almost all of the moisture movement into the wall
    • Rate of flow is a function of:
      • Size and number of cracks and holes
        • Influenced by the air barrier system
      • Pressure difference across the envelope
        • Influenced by air flow effects
      • Indoor/outdoor temperature difference


The amount of moisture that flows into the building envelope is mainly determined by the amount of air flow across the envelope. Air will either infiltrate or exfiltrate across the envelope depending upon the location of the neutral pressure plane.

The location of the neutral pressure plane varies constantly depending upon the wind effect, the stack effect, and the effects of flues and mechanical equipment. As a result, houses with the same equivalent leakage area may perform differently.

The best way to ensure good overall performance is to minimize the number of air leakage points throughout the building envelope by means of a continuous air barrier.