Chapter 6- Review Questions

Nancy Lopez-Garcia

Professor Bulnes

Materials and Methods ARC-2461

30 January 2023

1. Using a sketch, explain the difference between leakage and diffusion. To which
material (solid, liquid, or gas) does the concept of diffusion apply?

Leakage is the act of leaking or something that leaks. Diffusion refers to the movement
of gas through the body of the container. Diffusion applies to all of the materials.

2. Using a sketch, explain why an air barrier is called an air-weather barrier.

An air barrier is called an air-weather barrier because it protects against water from
proceeding into the assembly.

3. Describe the types of air-weather barriers currently used and their suitability for
different situations. Explain why the air-weather barrier is used only in exterior
walls, not the roof.

There are two different types of air barriers: a sheet membrane and a liquid-applied film.
The sheet membrane is a micro-perforation that allows little air to pass through but
provides a high degree of permeability to water vapor. It’s only used on walls and not
roofs because most leakage sites occur in the walls of the envelope.

4. Using a three-dimensional sketch, show the locations of the air barrier and vapor
retarder in a wall assembly framed in wood or cold
 5. Explain why the micro-perforations in a membrane-type air-weather barrier allow
water vapor to pass through but neither (liquid) water nor air.

The air retarder allows water vapor to go through micro-perforations, but it prevents the
passage of air and water through it because of surface tension.

6. Explain the difference between surface condensation and concealed

condensation. Explain in which situations these two types of condensation would
occur and why.

Concealed condensation happens when the condensation of vapor collects inside or

between the envelopes assembly. Surface condensation exists on window surfaces
when the interior air is more humid and warm while the outside air is more dry and
cold. Concealed condensation occurs only if the water vapor is able to enter the
envelope assembly and is then unable to exit. Surface condensation occurs only on
surfaces through which water vapor can’t pass through.

7. Explain why it is much easier for vapor to flow through building assemblies than
air.

Building components are more vapor permeable because vapor pressure is higher than
air pressure making it easier for vapor to move through a component than air.
 8. Explain the difference between various classes of vapor retarders. In which
climates does the building code require the use of a vapor retarder and its class?
Would you specify a separate vapor retarder material in warm climates (Climate
zones 1 to 3)? Give reason(s) for your answer.

In climate zones 5-8 and marine 4 use class 1 or 2 vapor retarders on the interior side
of a woof frame or cold-formed steel. Clime zones 3 and 4 use class 1 vapor retarders
that are not to be used on the interior side of a wood frame or cold-formed steel frame
exterior walls. Climate zones 1 and 2 use class 1 and 2 vapor retarders not to be used
on the interior side of a wood frame or cold-formed steel exterior walls. You wouldn’t
require a vapor retarder in warmer climates because it rarely rains or snows.

9. Explain why an attic space must be ventilated.

Attic ventilation both brings air into the attic and allows air to escape from the attic.
Because roofs face the sun and they build up heat in the warmer seasons. And it also
prevents moisture buildup in the colder seasons.