What the Heck are Air Barriers, Vapor Barriers & Water-Resistive Barriers? A Simplified Look at Air Barriers & Thermal Bridging
These terms are often described as simple—so why is there so much confusion? This presentation explains what air barriers, vapor barriers and water-resistive barriers are, and when a single material may serve more than one function. That overlap is often where misunderstandings arise. The session explores which barriers are critical, which may be less so, and how their role can change depending on where they are installed within the building envelope. The impact of thermal bridging on barrier performance is also examined.
Learning Objectives:
- Define air, vapor and water-resistive barriers
- Identify the various ways water can enter a building
- Explain why hidden conditions often present the greatest risk
- Recognize which barriers are critical to building performance
- Identify how thermal bridging can fundamentally alter barrier effectiveness
Presenter: Laverne Dalgleish, Executive Director, Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA)
