Air barrier ratings typically refer to what aspect of the material?

Air barrier ratings primarily refer to the effectiveness of the material in preventing air movement. This characteristic is crucial in terms of building performance, as uncontrolled air leakage can lead to energy loss, decreased indoor air quality, and increased moisture issues. An effective air barrier helps maintain the intended conditioning of the indoor environment by restricting unwanted airflow through the building envelope.

While thermal performance, moisture resistance, and fire safety are important attributes of building materials, they do not specifically define the air barrier's role. The purpose of an air barrier is to create a continuous barrier that limits air infiltration and exfiltration, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of building envelope systems. Understanding this effectiveness is vital for achieving energy efficiency and comfort within a structure.