Effective Air Barrier Installation Can Potentially Net 40% Better Energy Efficiency

What’s really cool about the second generation of EIFS (with drainage) is that the liquid applied water-resistive barrier that is included as part of a moisture management strategy is also a very effective air barrier. In no time is there any worry for reverse overlaps, tears, or fastener punctures commonly associated with sheet applied house wraps or building papers. This is because the WRB is completely monolithic and the EIFS is installed with adhesive. This is important because it has been demonstrated by the National Institute of Standards that an effective air barrier on a typical 24,000 square foot office building in Minneapolis can reduce gas consumption for heating by 43% and reduce electric use by as much as 33%.