{"id":20584,"date":"2022-11-15T15:19:45","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T22:19:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/?p=20584"},"modified":"2025-01-14T08:56:11","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T15:56:11","slug":"air-barrier-inspections-in-larimer-county-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/air-barrier-inspections-in-larimer-county-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Barrier Inspections in Larimer County, Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are a contractor, builder or architect in Larimer County, CO, you are probably aware that the area has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC).<\/a> This is a series of rules established by the International Code Council (ICC) to which all new residential building projects must adhere.<\/p>\n

As of March 2022, several amendments<\/a> were added to the overall IRC. And Larimer County has opted to adopt these amendments, as well. One of the big changes is that air barrier inspections<\/a> are now required on new builds.<\/p>\n

Building Envelope Performance Verification<\/h2>\n

The state of Colorado is constantly striving to increase statewide sustainability. That is why factoring in energy efficiency is a major part of the CO residential building process. It is no surprise then that many counties, including the Larimer County, have adopted the energy-related guidelines of the IRC. Chapter 11 of the IRC<\/a> focuses on energy efficiency.<\/p>\n

\"air<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the primary amendments to this chapter now requires “building envelope performance verification.” This means that, before siding is added to a home, a certified inspector must examine and approve its exterior air barrier. Additionally, an air leakage test<\/a> must be conducted on the home upon completion to make sure it meets energy efficiency requirements. The excerpt below highlights the key points in the amendment:<\/p>\n

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1. A review of the construction documents and other supporting data shall be conducted to assess compliance with the requirements in this section.<\/p>\n

2. Inspection of continuous air barrier components and assemblies shall be conducted during construction while the air barrier is still accessible for inspection and repair to verify compliance with the requirements of this section and Table N1102.4.1.1.<\/p>\n

3. An air barrier and air sealing inspection report shall be provided for inspections completed by the approved air leakage testing agency. The air barrier and air sealing inspection report shall be provided to the building owner or owner’s authorized agent and the code official at the time of the framing or insulation inspection. The report shall identify deficiencies found during the review of the construction documents and inspection and details of corrective measures taken.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

As stated in the excerpt above, the construction docs will be reviewed by a qualified inspector. These building plans should meet the guidelines established in\u00a0 the amended rules. Furthermore, the actual construction should follow the construction plans.<\/p>\n

It is key to conduct the exterior inspection while the barrier can still be accessed. That way, if any deficiencies are noted, they can be adjusted or repaired efficiently. It would be a much more difficult task to make any air barrier changes after the exterior siding is installed!<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

A guide in the IRC (labeled as Table N1102.4.1.1<\/em><\/a>) provides an in-depth breakdown of all components of the home, and how each of them should be configured in order to meet code requirements.<\/p>\n

Meeting Air Barrier Code Requirements<\/h2>\n

When it comes to this code, the overall concept is simple – a continuous thermal envelope. or air barrier must be constructed around the house. Any breaks or joints in the air barrier material must be sealed by a code-approved material. Also, the insulation material used for the air barrier cannot be air permeable.<\/p>\n

As mentioned above,\u00a0 Table N1102.4.1.1<\/em><\/a> provides an extensive explanation regarding each component of the house. So if you want the nitty gritty details, go take a look a the table. But for the sake of this article, we will give you a brief overview:<\/p>\n