What is one example of an interior air barrier system?

What is one example of an interior air barrier system?

• A. Exterior Insulation
• B. Sealed Polyethylene
• C. Sheathing Membrane
• D. Liquid Applied Membrane

Answer: (B)

The example of an interior air barrier system that fits the given context is sealed polyethylene. This material is commonly used in construction to create a continuous barrier against air leakage, which is essential for maintaining energy efficiency and controlling moisture within the building. Sealed polyethylene is typically applied on the warm side of insulation, effectively preventing warm, moist indoor air from escaping into the wall assembly or roof, where it could condense and lead to potential issues like mold growth or degradation of building materials. Interior air barriers, such as sealed polyethylene, play a crucial role in a building’s overall performance by contributing to thermal comfort and energy efficiency, thereby minimizing heating and cooling costs. They also help in maintaining the building's indoor air quality by reducing uncontrolled air infiltration or exfiltration. The other choices represent various components of building construction that do not specifically serve as interior air barriers in the same manner. For example, exterior insulation and sheathing membranes are primarily used in external systems, while liquid-applied membranes can be used as air and water barriers but are generally applied to surfaces rather than as interior barriers. Therefore, sealed polyethylene stands out as a fitting example of an interior air barrier system.

The example of an interior air barrier system that fits the given context is sealed polyethylene. This material is commonly used in construction to create a continuous barrier against air leakage, which is essential for maintaining energy efficiency and controlling moisture within the building. Sealed polyethylene is typically applied on the warm side of insulation, effectively preventing warm, moist indoor air from escaping into the wall assembly or roof, where it could condense and lead to potential issues like mold growth or degradation of building materials.

Interior air barriers, such as sealed polyethylene, play a crucial role in a building’s overall performance by contributing to thermal comfort and energy efficiency, thereby minimizing heating and cooling costs. They also help in maintaining the building's indoor air quality by reducing uncontrolled air infiltration or exfiltration.

The other choices represent various components of building construction that do not specifically serve as interior air barriers in the same manner. For example, exterior insulation and sheathing membranes are primarily used in external systems, while liquid-applied membranes can be used as air and water barriers but are generally applied to surfaces rather than as interior barriers. Therefore, sealed polyethylene stands out as a fitting example of an interior air barrier system.