Buildings are designed to separate indoor and outdoor environments, but differences between them create forces that challenge the building envelope. Key demands include managing liquid water, air, heat, and water vapor flows. While these concepts seem simple, their complexities often lead to confusion, such as distinguishing between air and vapor barriers.

This presentation explores how these flows impact building envelope performance and its essential functions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand some of the myths regarding vapor, air and thermal transfer
• Identify the concept of “Building as a System” and how the building enclosure relates to this
• Explain the forces of moisture, air and heat flow, as applicable to a building
• Define how to control these forces effectively to save energy and reduce risk of moisture damage

Speakers:
Laverne Dalgleish, ABAA Executive Director