Air leakage paths in buildings: Typical locations and implications for the air change rate

Lars Gullbrekken,Nora Schjøth Bunkholt,Petra Rüther,Stig Geving,J Kurnitski,T Kalamees

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202017205010

Lars Gullbrekken, Nora Schjøth Bunkholt + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202017205010

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Abstract

The harsh Norwegian climate requires buildings designed to high standards. An airtight building envelope is crucial to achieve an energy efficient building and to avoid moisture problems. Results from the SINTEF Building defects archive show that a considerable part of the building defects is related to air leakages. In addition, air leakages increase the energy demand of buildings. A literature study has been conducted in order to map typical air leakage paths of Norwegian wooden houses. In order to increase the performance, different sealing methods including the use of tape has been reviewed. The results show that the most common air leakages reported from field measurements in the literature are in the connections between external wall and ceiling or floor, external wall and window or door, and external wall and penetrations in the barrier layers. Results from laboratory investigations showed that the traditional solutions can be further improved by introduction of modern foil materials in combination with sealing tapes. However, questions can be raised regarding the necessity of tape sealing all available joints.

Highlights

In light weight building structures in Europe the vapour barrier is commonly used to ensure an airtight building envelope [1]
The results show that the most common air leakage location is in the connection between external walls and floors/ceilings
The most common air leakages reported from field measurements in the literature are located in the connections between external wall and ceiling or floor, external wall and window or door, and external wall and penetrations in the barrier layers

Summary

Introduction

In light weight building structures in Europe the vapour barrier is commonly used to ensure an airtight building envelope [1]. In order to avoid extra heat loss through the insulation layer due to both natural and forced convection, an airtight wind barrier should cover the cold face of the insulation. The function of the wind barrier includes avoiding water intrusion into the structure [4]. An airtight building envelope is crucial to achieve an energy efficient building and to avoid moisture problems. Norway has a long tradition of obtaining the airtightness of the building envelope by using both an airtight wind barrier and an airtight vapour barrier [5, 6]

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