Studies show highly permeable water-resistant air barrier (WRB/AB) systems increase substrate drying and reduce the wet time of absorptive claddings, thereby improving wall assembly performance and lowering the risk of toxic growth substances. This presentation investigates the science of permeability, current research on vapor open building envelope systems, and discusses how increased permeability can enhance wall assembly performance. Low permeance vapor barriers, once thought to improve performance, are known to increase interior condensation by trapping moisture within the wall assembly. When moisture is trapped within the assembly, the effects on occupant health and safety can be “sickening.” Moisture induces mold growth, building damage, and in some cases even structural damage, increasing health risks and occupant safety. Today, more architects and designers are incorporating highly vapor open WRB/AB systems into their designs to combat this issue. This course offers building science information that challenges the notion that excessive permeability is detrimental to a wall assembly.

Upon completion of this course, the Learner should be able to:

• Define the science of permeance, what it is and how it is tested.
• Identify the differences of water movement by water vapor transport and air flow
• Recognize the health risks when water is trapped by vapor barriers.
• Discuss how vapor diffusive drying reduces interstitial water, preventing mold growth and its potential health risks.
• Demonstrate how air and watertight water-resistant air barrier (WRB/AB) systems can be vapor permeable.
• Describe test methods to evaluate WRB, air barriers.
• Illustrate the differences between vapor tight and highly permeable WRB/AB membranes in relation to water intrusion of a wall assembly.

Approximately 1 hour. Delivered via webinar or face-to-face presentation. Available sessions shown below.

View the VaproShield LLC Privacy Policy

This course is registered with: 2 Industry Association(s)