Vapor Barriers: Do we REALLY need them?

In this course we will look at the difference between a vapor barrier and air barriers. What climate zones do you need a vapor barrier, how to eliminate the need for a vapor barrier with still being air tight. We will discuss ratios of continuous insulation needed with the building science testing to back these assemblies up. We will discuss both cold climate and warm climate solutions and dive deep into designing and building for 4 seasons and not just 1.


Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in

• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)
• AIBD
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable


Lessons Learned:

1. Learn the difference between an air barrier and a vapor barrier
2. Understand why we need vapor and air control
3. Learn when we need added interior vapor control due to exterior conditions or when none is needed at all
4. Designing an air tight and vapor open design with stone wool insulation


Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
https://greenhomeinstitute.thinkific....


Speakers: Dan Edelman and Randy Williams

Dan has been in the built environment for 20+ years. Beginning as a project manager of large commercial projects and now working primarily with residential designers, builders and contractors. Dan has been with ROCKWOOL for almost 10 years and works with builders, contractors and architects nationwide, offering solutions to common issues with the building envelope. Dan has been a part of many high performance homes and even just turning a code driven home into a more energy efficient build with proper installation of the components of the building envelope.

Today, Randy mostly works for other contractors and homeowners helping them design their projects with building science based assemblies and occasionally get the chance to install some of the products he specifies. For some reason Randy enjoys installing WRB's and interior air/vapor control layers. Randy still performs energy assessment and audits but has added code compliant blower door testing to the mix. Randy still works some in the field, mostly tiling, something he did on all the new homes he built was install the tile. A custom shower is the ultimate in bulk water management, plus it satisfies his need to work with his hands. Randy also writes articles dealing with cold climate construction, most are on his blog, www.northernbuilt.pro. Randy has several that have appeared on the Green Building Advisor. Randy also has an Instagram account of the same name as his blog, @northernbuiltpro.