In the context of air barriers, what does 'sound' substrate typically refer to?

In the context of air barriers, the term 'sound' substrate primarily refers to having sufficient structural integrity. This is critical because an air barrier must be applied to a surface that can adequately support its intended function. A sound substrate ensures that the air barrier system can effectively resist airflow and maintain its performance over time, preventing air leakage that can lead to energy loss, moisture issues, and overall reduced building performance.

The integrity of the substrate is necessary to provide a stable foundation for the air barrier materials, allowing them to adhere properly and function as designed. If the substrate lacks structural integrity, it could lead to failures in the air barrier system, which could compromise its ability to properly seal the building envelope.

Considering this, while visually appealing surfaces, material compatibility, and minimal surface area may be relevant in other aspects of construction and design, they do not address the essential requirement of the substrate being structurally sound to support an effective air barrier installation.