Core TradesQuestion 113 of 700
An air barrier is installed in a building envelope MAINLY to:
a.Control uncontrolled air leakage through the assembly, saving energy and reducing moisture movement
b.Provide the finished interior surface
c.Carry structural loads
d.Act as the vapor retarder in all cases
Explanation
An air barrier's job is to stop uncontrolled air infiltration/exfiltration through the envelope, cutting energy loss and limiting moisture carried by air. It is not the finished surface or a structural element, and although some materials do both, an air barrier is not by definition the vapor retarder.
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