Is Drywall an air barrier?

Gypsum board drywall is, itself, a suitable air barrier material. The taping of drywall seams results in a plane of airtightness at the field of the wall. However, several steps must be taken to use this material property to create a continuous and complete air barrier system.

Does air travel through drywall?

Drywall is mostly composed of compressed gypsum and a paper for structural integrity. For all intents and purposes air will not flow through it if installed correctly, however the importance of being air tight is to control moisture and condensation from forming inside of your walls.

What can be used as an air barrier?

Many materials can be used as part of an air barrier. Concrete, drywall, glass, self-adhering membranes, flashing tapes, caulk, and plywood all are good at stopping the flow of air (oriented strand board—OSB—may not be as effective).

What constitutes an air barrier?

Defining Air Barriers

The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) defines an air barrier as one or more materials joined together continuously to prevent airflow through the building's thermal envelope and its assemblies.

Does drywall act as insulation?

Drywall is considered a suitable construction material for interior walls, but its primary purpose is not to insulate.

Drywall as an Air Barrier

Does drywall prevent moisture?

Yes, drywall is a porous material and, unfortunately, will absorb standing water and moisture from the air.

Does drywall prevent condensation?

Even if there are no plans to fully finish the basement for some time, having drywall temporarily installed will protect the vapor barrier and ensure it stays airtight, preventing both moisture related damage to wall components and mold growth in the wall.

Which material is not an air barrier?

A wide variety of materials make good air barriers, including poured concrete, glass, drywall, rigid foam insulation, plywood, and peel-and-stick rubber membrane. (Note that evidence is increasing that OSB is not an air barrier; for more information on this issue, see Is OSB Airtight?)

Is Tyvek considered an air barrier?

No, DuPont^™ Tyvek^® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.

Is paint considered an air barrier?

A good oil paint will also provide a vapour barrier of less than 1 perm when applied two coats at a time. It is possible to use latex vapour barrier primers to accomplish this task.

What is airtight drywall?

Airtight drywall approach (ADA) is a building construction technique used to create a continuous air retarder that uses the drywall, gaskets, and caulking. Gaskets are used rather than caulking to seal the drywall at the top and bottom.

How thick is an air barrier?

AIR-SHIELD self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier is a part of a total system to complete the building envelope. It is a roll-type product that is nominally 40 mils thick.

Where is the air barrier in a house?

Air barrier systems can be located anywhere in the building enclosure – at the exterior surface, the interior surface, or at any location in between. In cold climates, interior air barrier systems control the exfiltration of interior, often moisture-laden air.

Do you need plastic behind drywall?

Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly there, you cut off that drying mechanism and water that finds its way into walls can stay there longer and do more damage.

Is foam board an air barrier?

When sealed with proper techniques and a suitable adhesive, rigid foam is an excellent air barrier.

Is spray foam an air barrier?

Although it has most often been associated with residential construction, low density spray foam can also be used on the interior side of a commercial building. Its air-sealing characteristics allow it to qualify as an air barrier material.

What is an air barrier membrane?

An air barrier material resists air leakage and is designed to form a continuous plane around a building to prevent uncontrolled air movement in and out of the building envelope.

Is Fiberglass batt an air barrier?

Fiberglass gets its insulating quality not from the fiberglass itself but from the air that is trapped between the fibers. Wind pressure or even convective air pressures can make that air move, degrading the thermal performance of the batt. So to be effective, fiberglass has to be protected against air pressures.

Do interior walls need vapor barrier?

A vapour barrier is an important component in building construction. Its purpose is to help prevent water vapour from reaching building walls, ceilings, attics, crawlspaces or roofs, where it can condense and cause building materials to rot or grow mould.

Is house wrap considered a vapor barrier?

For example, House wrap by itself is not an air barrier, it is a vapor barrier. However, IF installed properly, which is rare, with taped seams, bottom, top edges, and no tears, it acts as an air barrier. So primarily it acts as a vapor barrier, but installed properly can do both; vapor barrier and air barrier.

What is the difference between air barrier and weather barrier?

While vapor retarders and air barriers are intended to control moisture condensation within wall assemblies, weather-resistive barriers (WRBs) are intended to prevent the penetration of liquid water through the exterior walls.

Do vapor barriers cause mold?

The Problem With Vapor Barriers

This can lead to significant moisture problems and mold; problems occur when walls get wet during construction or more often throughout the home's life.

How do I stop moisture in my walls?

How do I stop condensation on the inside of my walls?