Head of Residential Innovations Earth Advantage Portland, Oregon
This session will explore the mid-term durability and effectiveness of both interior and exterior air barrier strategies in residential homes, such as the Air-Tight Drywall Approach (ADA) and membrane-based air barriers, with and without the use of aerosolized air sealing technology. By assessing homes that were tested at the time of completion and are now 5-7 years old, we aim to determine how well these air barrier systems have maintained their air-sealing performance over time.
The session will present findings from blower door tests conducted on these homes, comparing the current air leakage rates to the original results. This comparison will provide insights into the long-term durability of each air barrier strategy and highlight which methods have performed best under real-world conditions. Diagnostic tools such as infrared cameras and smoke pencils will also be discussed, helping identify areas where air leakage has increased over time.
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of best practices for designing, installing, and optimizing durable air barrier systems in residential construction, with practical recommendations for improving long-term performance.
Learning Objectives:
By attending this session, attendees will:
Understand the mid-term performance of interior and exterior air barrier strategies, including systems with and without aerosolized sealants
Learn how to measure and compare air leakage rates over time using blower door tests and diagnostic tools
Gain insights into best practices for ensuring long-term durability of air-sealing systems in residential construction
