The Building Envelope: Barrier System

The barrier system seeks to keep water completely outside the envelope. This system has no redundancy or additional line of defense to deal with water that infiltrates the barrier. Since it is almost a foregone conclusion that at least some water will get into the system and must be able to drain back out, the barrier system is not recommended in a marine environment like the one we enjoy in Seattle. The new kid on the block is the rain screen system, which has a redundant, pressure-equalized waterproofing barrier — effectively an air space that reduces pressure drive. The building envelope provides the thermal barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment, and its elements are the key determinants of a building's energy requirements that result from the climate where it is located. These fact sheets and handbooks provide information about thermal barriers and energy conservation as related to the building envelope. Attic Radiant Barrier Fact Sheet Learn how radiant barriers can help reduces air conditioning loads and indoor heat loss. In this manner, the vapour barrier (in this case made of foil scrim kraft paper, called ASJ, All Service Jacket, aluminum on the inside, white paper on the outside) can remain intact as it penetrates the fire barrier. A vapour retarder and an air barrier serve to reduce this problem but are not necessarily interchangeable. These types of vapour barriers have been losing popularity to polyethylene sheets. Whatever type of vapour barrier you use, remember that its function is to block water vapour from reaching the insulation. There are also "reflecting" vapour barriers available on the market. The vapour barrier ensures a waterproof barrier between the exterior and interior of the house. Install strips astride the partitions. Types of vapour barriers: The vapour barrier is not to be mistaken for air barrier material that covers the outside of the intermediate envelope of the building (fibreboard).