Air barriers are an integral part of energy code compliance for metal buildings. In fact, the two major energy codes in the United States, IECC and ASHRAE, both require metal buildings to have an air barrier, and for it to be indicated in drawings. However, much confusion remains about air barriers and their role in creating an airtight building envelope. This session gives attendees an introduction to air barriers in metal buildings, including a breakdown of air leakage and air infiltration in the building envelope. The session presenter is Bill Beals, District Manager of Therm-All. Mr. Beals is a 35-year veteran of the metal building industry and a contributing member of several committees, including the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) Energy Committee. Mr. Beals also belongs to the International Code Council (ICC) and is often invited to share his extensive energy code knowledge through presentations at industry conferences. Mr. Beals has contributed to many articles and reference guides, and authors bi-monthly commercial energy codes blog called “The Code Man.”
Learning Objectives
- Learn what an air barrier is, including its purpose in metal buildings, composition, placement within the building envelope, etc.
- Discover what the Air Barrier Standard is in the latest commercial energy code cycle (IECC 2021/ASHRAE 90.1-2019) and prior code cycles in which an air barrier is a mandatory component of the building envelope.
- Understand the basics of air leakage in the metal building envelope.
- Differentiate between an air barrier and a vapor retarder.
- Learn about the three compliance options for the Air Barrier Standard (assembly, whole building materials, assembly compliance option).
- Discover the benefits of an energy-efficient, airtight building envelope.
THIS SESSION QUALIFIES FOR 1 AIA LU HSW
Registration includes access to all exhibits, education sessions on the show floor, keynotes, and networking events.