Air Tightness

Air leakage is defined as the flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building fabric. Uncontrolled air leakage increases the amount of heat loss (up to 60% heat loss) as warm air is displaced through the envelope by colder air from outside. Air leakage of warm damp air through the building structure can also lead to condensation within the fabric (interstitial condensation), which reduces insulation performance and causes fabric deterioration.

Different approaches are required to the design and construction depending on the construction system being used, whether traditional masonry, timbre frame or concrete/ICF. BER Services can provide full technical support on the design/detailing and construction stages of a project and offer a professional service Built on experience.

Under the new building regulations, all new houses require an air tightness test. The aim of air tightness testing is to measure the flow of air within a building and identify areas that are experiencing heat loss. Improving the air tightness of a building is one of the most cost effective ways of improving energy efficiency.

If your home is draughty, you could be losing up to 30% of heat through these draughts. The draughts are caused by gaps and cracks in the building fabric and are most likely out of sight. BER Services offers draught detection service, which identifies draughts and outlines solutions on how address them.