Submitted by Jim Nisted, Dryvit Systems, Inc. for publication by CSI 12/8/2016
Originally written by Bill Preston and Achilles Karagiozis.
The importance of location of the proper air barriers, vapor barriers and waterresistive barriers on the wall and the roles they play in high‐performing EIFS
INTRODUCTION
In the last few years more specifications are being written to include the requirements for air barriers, vapor barriers and water‐resistive barriers. Some of these emerging specification requirements are a result of mandates by local building codes while others are a result of promising building science and research.
To better understand the differences between air barriers, vapor barriers and waterresistive barriers, this article is intended to help identify that the placement of one or more of these barriers within a wall assembly can impact the performance of that wall in terms of drying capability, particularly if the wrong type of barrier is installed or if it is improperly located. Because it is the responsibility of the building designer to properly locate the barrier for its intended purpose, these issues are of critical importance.
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