Closed Cell Spray Foam as an Air Barrier
Air barriers are simply the system or systems used to control the air flow between conditioned and unconditioned space of a building. Air barrier systems are rated using what is called a perm rating, which simply is a measuring devices for the air flow between conditioned and unconditioned spaces. There are many products that can be used for an air barrier, and requirements for air barrier perm ratings, and are defined by local and International Building Codes and Standards. Without going into much detail on how the perm rating and building codes come up with standards for minimum ratings, as they change often and vary from city to city and state to state, some of the factors that a contractor or builder needs to consider when choosing an air barrier are as followed:
- Air barriers must meet or exceed local building requirements.
- Exterior Climate
- Interior Climate
- Wall Construction - (Block, Wood, Concrete, etc.)
- Life Expectancy of the Building or Structure
- Type and Placement of ties and anchors for the Exterior Veneer of the structure.
- Design Load of the Wall.
- Insulation Placement and R-Value of Insulation
- Budget Cost
There are two predominant type of air barrier systems, fluid applied membranes and self-adhering sheet membranes. Determining which one is best for your project should be determined using the factors listed above, and matching them with the best products available for your building. Most single family residential projects can meet and exceed building requirements for air barriers with exterior sheathing, house wraps, and the type of insulation used in the wall. Residential properties generally do not carry the same load designs as commercial properties, lending to wall construction that can meet or exceed air barrier requirements with traditional building products. Commercial building construction is generally where architects and designers run into problems in getting the required perm rating to pass building code requirements.
Commercial buildings generally have more sophisticated exterior design loads for walls because of the size of the building, design of the building, and safety of the occupants inside the building. As we have mentioned earlier, all of these factors play a role in determining what requirements an air barrier must meet, leading to commercial buildings needing a higher perm rating for air barriers. Meeting and exceeding these standards with traditional building can be a real challenge for architects and engineers. Also, new standards have been put in place for energy ratings, leaving most architects with only one option: closed cell spray foam insulation. Most building plans will have specific requirements recommended by an engineers, so no need to worry about having to use a confusing formula to calculate it. Here are some pictures from a recent job we applied closed cell spray foam insulation as an air barrier on a commercial construction job in North Carolina:
If you are interested in having a closed cell spray foam insulation barrier installed in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, then give Dan a call today at 706-951-0158 or visit us on the web at:
http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com
Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.scroofingcontractors.com
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