Won’t an air barrier keep the building from “breathing”, thereby causing mold and sick building syndrome?
A building’s occupants do indeed require fresh air for health and well-being. The best way to provide fresh air to the occupants is the use of the ventilation system, which is already defined by ASHRAE code. Some buildings also have operable windows, which can be opened during fair weather. A building should not “breathe” through uncontrolled air leakage. Uncontrolled leakage of air across the building envelope often causes a number of serious problems, including…● Occupant discomfort from drafts and cold/hot spots ● Unwanted transfer of odors or contaminants from one part of the building to another ● Prevention of effective function of the HVAC system ● Increase in energy costs ● Condensation within the building envelope, which can cause damage to the building components and MOLD! So, the building “breathing” by means of air leakage generally does more harm than good. A properly-installed air barrier, such as CCW-705 self-adhering or Barriseal fluid-applied, makes a more comfortable,
