Module 7: Fundamentals of air sealing

Question 1

what are the most cost-effective ways to improve the building envelope?

Answer 1

air sealing and insulation

Question 2

in order to have an effective thermal envelope it has to have the following:

Answer 2

1. an air barrier
2. carefully installed insulation
3. minimal thermal bridges
4. a vapour barrier
5. drying potential to the exterior

Question 3

what are the 3 reasons air sealing is important

Answer 3

1. energy reduction
2. moisture control
3. comfort and health

Question 4

what are the 3 types of barriers in energy efficiency?

Answer 4

1. weather barrier
2. air barrier
3. vapour barrier

Question 5

what are the five basic requirements for an effective air barrier?

Answer 5

1. be impermeable to air
2. be continuous, with no gaps
3. be supported in both directions from wind pressure
4. be durable
5. be easily accessed and reparaible

Question 6

what are the 2 types of vapour barriers that are allowable in the building code?

Answer 6

type 1: required for a house where cladding doesnt allow moisture to move out of the wall (ex: aluminum)
type 2: ex: latex vapour retarders primers, bulding paper