Why should buildings be airtight?
Water comes from the outside? Well, yes …. but more moisture might be permeating the construction from inside the building shell than from the weather.
When vapour checks and airtight layers are used in accordance with
the standards, they provide the following benefits:
- Energy losses are reduced
- Condensation is avoided in the structure
- The formation of mould and structural damage is avoided
- Pollutants are avoided in the air within the rooms
- The noise-reduction mass in structural components is guaranteed
- The insulating effect of structural components is guaranteed
- The ability of ventilation systems to work properly is guaranteed
Therefore, it very quickly be comes clear that an incomplete or badly-fitted airtight layer bears a huge risk of damage and danger. We new have the correct membranes available to ensure the above problems do not occur. For more please see www.theinsulationstore.ie
Thermography: Blue = heat loss
resulting from ventilation = increase
in energy consumption and structural
damage.
Mould formation within a multi-layer
structural component.
Author: Hugh
Hugh is the founder of Partel, an engineer with 20 years of low energy construction experience. He is a certified passive house designer with genuine passive house construction experience, a detailed knowledge of ventilation, natural insulation and thermal bridging. Hugh is a long time user and advocate of WUFI.
