5 Reasons a Proper Roof Air Barrier Is Crucial

Air barriers are designed to control the leakage of air into and out of the building. Air barrier system is comprised of the air barrier material and the components that connect the air barrier to the various structural components of the roof; the overall design of the air barrier material and components is called the air barrier assembly. Roof air barriers are the air barriers installed on the roof of the buildings. A growing number of building owners, federal agencies and green building trade groups are calling for the use of Air barriers. Here are 5 reasons why a proper roof air barrier is crucial.

1 - Improved Indoor Air Quality

Roof air barriers block the air pollutants and dust from entering into the building and keep the inside air clean and safe. They also help prevent water vapor which can lead to airborne diseases. Air entering a building is often accompanied by the toxic chemicals that are used on the exterior building materials of the roof. The air when inhaled can affect the health of the people. Air barriers improve the quality of air and help in maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

2 - Reduced Energy Consumption

Leakage of air to and from the building affects consumption of energy. The loss of conditioned air from the building and the incoming unconditioned air can affect the temperature inside the building. This in turn makes the air-conditioning systems, heaters and ventilators work more. Hence more energy is consumed to heat or cool the air within the building. With roof air barriers, the movement of air is blocked and hence conditioning is much simpler. This reduces the energy consumption. Air barriers not only help to save on monthly energy bills but also help in saving energy. It is estimated that around 25% of excess energy is used to condition the air inside buildings with no air barriers.

3 - Reduced Operating Costs

Air leakages from buildings can change the environmental condition within the building. Hence the equipment used are subjected to heavy workload to condition the air, maintain the temperature and ventilate; this demands the use of heavier machines and equipments. With air barriers, there is no air leakage and hence air conditioning, heating, cooling and ventilating is much easier.

Proper air barriers make it possible to replace heavy equipment with smaller ones; thereby reducing the cost.

4 - Fire Safety

Fire and smoke spread with the movement of air. Hence with roof air barriers, there are very less chances of the interiors of the building catching and spreading fire.

5 - Improved Durability and Lifespan of the Building

Water vapor which enters the building can condense and turn into liquid causing mold and mildew. Mold and mildew get accumulated on the interiors and are the major causes of deterioration of building materials. Air barriers prevent the water vapor from entering into the building thereby reducing the occurrence of mold and mildew which affect the durability of building materials and lifespan of the building itself.