What should be regularly inspected during air barrier installation?

During air barrier installation, it is crucial to regularly inspect connections and transitions for compliance. These areas serve as critical points in the air barrier system where different materials and components come together. Proper sealing and adherence at these interfaces are essential to prevent air leakage, which can compromise the building's energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Inspecting connections ensures that all joints and overlaps in the air barrier materials are correctly aligned, properly sealed, and free from gaps or punctures that could allow air to pass through. This includes areas where the air barrier meets walls, roofs, windows, doors, and penetrations. Ensuring compliance at these transitions is fundamental to maintaining an effective air barrier system that functions as intended.

While other options, like structural foundations or external landscaping, may be important in the overall construction process, they do not specifically address the performance of the air barrier, making them less relevant for this particular inspection focus during installation. Similarly, finishes and aesthetics are important for the final appearance and functionality of a building but do not directly relate to the effectiveness of the air barrier itself. Therefore, the focus must remain on ensuring that connections and transitions are properly managed to achieve a successful air barrier system.