https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors/ Building science knowledge, HVAC design, & fun Wed, 21 Jul 2021 00:47:16 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors/#comment-7443 Sat, 16 Aug 2014 03:41:17 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors#comment-7443 Gary, I think you’ve confused
Gary, I think you’ve confused a vapour barrier with an air barrier. The vapour barrier under a foundation slab doesn’t need to be sealed because the concrete slab is an air barrier and vapour diffusion through the slab is governed by its exposed area, which is negligible even if the vapour barrier has holes and untaped seams. Granular fill beneath the vapour barrier provides the capillary break needed to prevent bulk wetting, assuming there’s somewhere for water to drain to. Dr. Lstiburek explains it at http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-003-concrete-floor-problems.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors/#comment-7442 Tue, 12 Aug 2014 19:34:59 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors#comment-7442 Interesting enough the PEN
Interesting enough the PEN test has been codified in the 2015 IECC for the thermal envelope.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors/#comment-7441 Fri, 08 Aug 2014 19:22:33 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors#comment-7441 Great post Dr. Bales. I would
Great post Dr. Bales. I would be very interesting in the approximate dimensions of the air gap spaces. Also, what improvement in performance might we observed with the continuation of insulation under the slabs.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors/#comment-7440 Fri, 08 Aug 2014 18:03:14 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors#comment-7440 Great post. Really useful
Great post. Really useful way to think about it. I am going to share this one. Thanks, Allison. 
 
I see a small flaw, though, and I think you can turn it into another post/article. Let’s stop calling for using a sheet of polyethylene for the under slab vapor barrier. There are much better products /systems available. I usually call for a “Stego Wrap” system, but there are other equal products available. Polyethylene will probably not survive the construction process / concrete pour intact, and even if it does it will probably deteriorate in a few years. And who tapes the seams / seals the penetrations in polyethylene? Think about the vapor barrier as the under slab Tyvek. It is a system & all of the seams & holes need to be sealed. Concrete will absorb moisture if it has the opportunity. Another case of no one will call to tell you your slab is dry & there are no problems, but if it gets wet & starts ruining finish materials you will get a lot of calls. A good vapor barrier is cheap insurance for Architects & Contractors.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors/#comment-7439 Fri, 08 Aug 2014 17:41:49 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors#comment-7439 Allison, you are getting so
Allison, you are getting so good at this its a bit frightening. Thanks for quality content.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors/#comment-7438 Fri, 08 Aug 2014 17:28:34 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=the-pen-test-a-control-layers-tool-for-architects-and-contractors#comment-7438 I just downloaded that one.
I just downloaded that one. I’m still finishing the 2008 Read This before you design or build from BSC.  
 
Great Stuff here as usual. Thank You for Sharing.

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