As
codes tighten and building owners demand more sustainable,
near-zero-energy buildings, meeting regulatory requirements for energy
efficiency is a significant challenge. Air infiltration is the third
leading contributor—18 percent—to the energy loads required to maintain a
set interior temperature (U.S. DOE 2005).
Reducing air
infiltration is one key to decreasing the energy requirements for
heating and cooling. Installing innovative high-tech weather barrier
systems helps address the performance needs of modern building
construction. Beyond air barrier considerations, openings in the façade
also must be flashed correctly to minimize air infiltration and avoid
water intrusion, indicative of the need for a complete weather barrier
system.