Interpretation #7075
Published September 27, 2012
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Residential
- Chapter
- 11
- Section
- 402.4.1
- Topic
- Air Barriers
Question
Is it the intent of the statement "The following shall be caulked, gasketed, weatherstripped or otherwise sealed with an air barrier material, suitable film or solid material." Does use of the word "or" before otherwise provide an exception that if a housewrap that qualifies as an air infiltration barrier is on the outside of an exterior wall that no air infiltration barriers are required on the inside or elsewhere?
Answer Published 09/27/2012 at 4:28 PM
House wraps may serve as a building envelope air barrier in
accordance with the definition of Air Barrier. The
configuration of the conditioned and unconditioned spaces
within the building may require additional air barriers.
The definition contains a maximum air leakage rate that
must be met by the house wrap.
accordance with the definition of Air Barrier. The
configuration of the conditioned and unconditioned spaces
within the building may require additional air barriers.
The definition contains a maximum air leakage rate that
must be met by the house wrap.
Commentary
Table 402.4.2 provides a list of required inspections in
order to comply with the visual inspection option of
402.4.2.2. In this Table it stipulates that the area
behind the tub/shower shall have an air barrier between the
exterior wall (with insulation)and the tub/shower.
Additionally, it requires that electrical boxes on exterior
walls be installed inside the air barrier or be air sealed
type boxes.