Photo Source: Summerhill

How Does It Work?

The air control layer restricts air from entering or exiting the building, making the indoor environment of the home much easier to control. The heating and cooling systems will need to work less to control temperature and moisture/humidity levels in a tighter home. However, when a home is very tight, the mechanical ventilation (usually an HRV) may need to work a little more often to ensure fresh air supply and removal of moisture produced within the building.

Air Barrier Criteria:

• Can be installed anywhere in building envelope assembly
• IMPERMEABLE to air flow
• CONTINUOUS, by sealing all seams, edges, gaps, holes, tears and penetrations
• Not necessarily impermeable to moisture flow
• Rigid and strong enough to withstand air-pressure differences
• DURABLE during construction and for the expected life of the building