Build Science™ 201

Build Science™ 201 continues with Air Management. Matt and Steve kick off the discussion on continuity. Both emphasize the critical role of air barriers in building science, building on their earlier discussion about water management. Using a cooler as a metaphor, they illustrate how effective air barriers maintain temperature by preventing air leaks, just like a sealed cooler keeps ice from melting.

The discussion highlights the need for continuity in air control systems, underscoring the importance of a well-constructed barrier that connects all elements of a building seamlessly. They introduce the concept of "perfect wall" construction and share insights from their own projects, employing advanced materials and techniques to achieve tight air sealing, including blower door tests to assess airtightness.

This episode delves into advanced techniques for enhancing air tightness in homes, focusing on the innovative use of drywall and other materials as air barriers. Matt and Steve explore various construction details, such as utilizing wide open spaces and flanged connections to optimize air sealing, while emphasizing the importance of continuity throughout the building process. Overall, both Matt and Steve stress the significance of understanding and implementing continuous air barrier systems in construction.

Continue to the next episode in the Air Management section: Separation.