Energy Saving through Air Tightness

[Air tightness]

I have stumbled across your forum regarding energy savings strategies and I have seen exactly the conversations I wanted to see!
The government are offering 'green deals' in the hope to reduce existing homes utility bills and are using, the majority of the time, the lack of cavity wall insulation as the main culprit. This is effectively pulling the wool over the public's eyes as, in my opinion, air tightness tests (Part L1A of the new and improved building regulations) is more of a front runner of reasons a property is not efficient.

Yes, good cavity wall insulation and double glazed windows are brilliant things to have but if the integrity of the properties shell is poor the heated air will not be kept in the unit.

(post edited! reason: no commercial advertising allowed)

[pxbaker]

Hi,

I believe the current accredited methods on air tightness are not providing the best long term efficiency as they only address passing the air tightness flow tests and do not address the air flow in relation to the insulation.

My property passed the flow test due to the plasterboard being fully sealed but there was free air flow at the back of the plasterboard meaning the incorrectly fitted insulation served no purpose.

Insulation on your house works the same as the covers on your bed!!!

[New Home Expert]

Add in the fact that not every new home is airtightness  tested and those that are only pass after bodging with silicone and the air-tightness regulations for new homes are a shambles.
See how house builders cheat air leakage testing.

#Invalid YouTube Link#

[Ted Gilarty]

I am looking to increase air tightness level at the new house of mine.
Did anyone heard about Gerband tapes?
I can get them quite cheap from one of my suppliers, but wondering is it worth it? I am based in Essex.
Also can anyone advise me good window sealing systems? Would be grateful for help.

[James71]

 

I am looking to increase air tightness level at the new house of mine.
Did anyone heard about Gerband tapes?
I can get them quite cheap from one of my suppliers, but wondering is it worth it? I am based in Essex.
Also can anyone advise me good window sealing systems? Would be grateful for help.

I've used it and it's fine for just fine although a little ugly. I'd find a better and more permanent solution next time.

[Seamless Construction Ltd]

Absolutely agree with "Airtightness". Making a building more air tight should be the main priority before anything else.