This course provides a technical foundation on two essential components of high-performance building enclosures: airtightness and air barrier systems. Trainees will learn about airflow control, examine the causes and consequences of air leakage, clarify common misconceptions, and learn how air movement impacts energy efficiency, moisture management, and indoor air quality. The course also distinguishes between air, vapor, and water barriers—offering clear guidance on their roles, material properties, and integration within building assemblies.
Designed for design professionals seeking to deepen their building science expertise, this course delivers practical strategies for selecting, detailing, and implementing air barrier systems that align with the local climate, building types, and code requirements. It emphasizes quality assurance throughout the design and construction process, including testing and verification methods that reduce performance risk. By applying the knowledge gained, trainees will be better equipped to improve enclosure performance and deliver buildings that meet client expectations for durability, comfort, and compliance.
What you’ll learn
- Describe an air barrier and explain how it differs from vapor and water barriers in building enclosures.
- Identify the essential characteristics of effective air barrier materials and how they contribute to airtightness.
- Understand how to design and install effective air barrier systems, including where to locate the air barrier within the system.
- Define local air leakage performance and testing requirements.
