Every commercial roofing system needs air barriers apart from commercial roof maintenance to last longer and prevent early deterioration. What exactly are air barriers, and what makes them important? Kirtley and Sons Roofing discusses their uses and benefits.
Why Are Air Barriers Essential in a Commercial Roof Installation?
Air barriers in commercial roofs keep outside air from entering the building and prevent interior air from leaking out. It’s similar to how windows and doors in residential houses require weatherproofing to avoid air leaks. For commercial roofs, however, the scale is much larger because the space has several areas that each need to maintain a certain thermal level. Air barriers function as an extra layer of protection, allowing you to keep your energy bills low.
How Do You Install Air Barriers?
There are three ways to incorporate air barriers in your commercial roof installation. The first is through an exterior air barrier system using precast, site-cast or tilt-up concrete panels. The second is through using a gypsum board and, lastly, by using a sheet polyethylene.
How Can You Determine if Your Air Barrier Is Working?
You can have your air barrier tested or verified through two methods: with the use of a portable fan and using the building’s HVAC system. The testing process by a portable fan creates a pressure difference in a building enclosure. This is a standard test method to determine the air leakage rate of your commercial roof.
The second method, by using the HVAC system, can determine the overall envelope airtightness of buildings by fan pressurization using the building’s air handling system. When you need an inspection done on your commercial roof, you can rely on the area’s top commercial roofing contractors, Kirtley and Sons Roofing, to deliver exceptional results.
Whether you need small repairs or a roof replacement, Kirtley and Sons Roofing can provide quality workmanship for your roofing needs. Call us at (281) 370-8484, or fill out our contact form to get a free project estimate. We serve homeowners in Tomball, TX, and other nearby areas.
