I mentioned in the last entry a four-part series designed by John Edgar to represent the importance of the building enclosure. Parts 1 – 3 serve as an overview while part 4 specifically addresses fluid applied air/moisture barriers and moisture control and mold prevention. Interestingly enough, Sto participated in the BEST2 Conference (Building Enclosure Science & Technology) just a few weeks ago.
Part 1 of the series covers the air barrier portion of the enclosure. Here Mr. Edgar compares fluid-applied air/moisture barriers with more traditional, paper and synthetic moisture barriers. While defining the components of an air barrier and demonstrating the differences between air and moisture barriers, emphasis is placed on the causes and effects of air leakage. Standards and building codes are also highlighted as well as the advantages of fluid applied air/moisture barriers.
The second part discusses detailing within the enclosure. Find out how to prevent bulk water entry and how to incorporate a fluid-applied air/moisture barrier into details. This portion also brings us back to last week where we discussed the 3-D approach (deflect – drain – dry) and how that concept can be integrated into the “leak triangle”, where the three components for bulk entry are defined.
Here is a sample of what you can expect in the four-part series. In the next post, we will discuss parts 3 and 4 that cover water vapor and fluid applied waterproof air barriers for moisture control and mold prevention in wall construction.
