How does air barrier continuity affect building performance?

Air barrier continuity plays a crucial role in building performance primarily by preventing gaps or weaknesses in the envelope, which directly optimizes both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. A continuous air barrier enhances the building's thermal performance by limiting uncontrolled air leakage that can lead to energy loss. When air can flow freely through gaps, it not only makes heating and cooling systems less effective—causing fluctuations in temperature and comfort—but also allows for the infiltration of pollutants, moisture, and outside contaminants that may compromise indoor air quality.

A well-designed and installed air barrier creates a tight envelope around the building, ensuring that the conditioned air remains inside and that unconditioned air from outside is kept out. This results in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling, promotes stable indoor temperatures, and ultimately leads to increased comfort for occupants. Proper air barrier continuity is essential for meeting energy codes and standards aimed at improving building sustainability and performance.

The other options do not address the primary function of air barriers in building performance effectively. While architectural design and appearances may be influenced by air barrier considerations, these factors are secondary to the vital roles of energy efficiency and indoor air quality.