Abstract
Air leakage in buildings wastes energy and can negatively impact the function and durability of construction products. The use of an air barrier to control air leakage is considered a relatively new technology. Roofing systems, such as built up roofs have, however, served this function successfully for more than 100 years. Roofs today are typically designed and constructed with high levels of thermal insulation and from a wide variety of new matrials. The performance characteristics of thse newer materials places a greater emphasis on the control of air leakage, particularly with gravel-ballasted and mechanically fastened roofing systems. Damage from condensation, wind driven gravel ballast, and dislodged membranes are only some of the problems encountered with uncontrolled air leakage. Control of air leakage will reduce significantly the forces acting on the membrane while minimizing the impact contributing to many roof problems. The contents ofthis paper will review the impact of air leaking upong the function and performance characteristics of roof systems and examine how these forces can be neutralized with proper design and installation of an air/vapor barrier.
Air leakage in buildings wastes energy and can negatively impact the function and durability of construction products. The use of an air barrier to control air leakage is considered a relatively new technology. Roofing systems, such as built up roofs have, however, served this function successfully for more than 100 years. Roofs today are typically designed and constructed with high levels of thermal insulation and from a wide variety of new matrials. The performance characteristics of thse newer materials places a greater emphasis on the control of air leakage, particularly with gravel-ballasted and mechanically fastened roofing systems. Damage from condensation, wind driven gravel ballast, and dislodged membranes are only some of the problems encountered with uncontrolled air leakage. Control of air leakage will reduce significantly the forces acting on the membrane while minimizing the impact contributing to many roof problems. The contents ofthis paper will review the impact of air leaking upong the function and performance characteristics of roof systems and examine how these forces can be neutralized with proper design and installation of an air/vapor barrier.
Date
9/1997
9/1997
Author(s)
Douglas Fishburn
Douglas Fishburn
Page(s)
201-210
201-210
Keyword(s)
air barrier; air leakage; vapor barrier; air barrier; mechanical pressurization; stack effect; wind; roof assembly; membrane
air barrier; air leakage; vapor barrier; air barrier; mechanical pressurization; stack effect; wind; roof assembly; membrane