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Introduction

The expression “buildings need to breathe” sounds lovely and healthy — who’s against breathing?! — but unfortunately it’s too vague to really be helpful. Does it mean that the building should be permeable to air, water vapor, or both? If air leakage is desirable, where and how much? And isn’t it also true that air leakage through our enclosures provides pathways for dust, allergens, noise, and odors? Is there any kind of compromise? This presentation brings much-needed clarity to the issue by distinguishing between enclosure design and mechanical system design. About Building Science Fight Club

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Video: Do Buildings Need to Breathe?

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Quiz

To earn AIA Continuing Education Units (CEU), you must complete the quiz below and get all 3 questions correctly. Feel free to retake the quiz if needed. To keep learning, check out more courses in Building Science.