Field performance of an air infiltration barrier.

A spun-bonded polyolefin air infiltration barrier (AIB) was installed immediately beneath the siding of a 5-year-old, ranch-style house [conventional comparison house (CCH)]. The AIB reduced the heating energy consumption by 24% over the remaining life of the house. This test confirmed earlier field studies and allowed the development of the mechanism by which AIBs function and the recommendation of required AIB physical properties.