The methodology of risk analysis and assessment is reviewed and applied to study the reliability of condensation control measures in lightweight building envelopes. It is generally recognized that airtight construction is an essential part of condensation control. Nowadays, different air barrier systems are developed and documented to prevent air leakage and moisture accumulation in the envelope. But does this mean that the condensation risk is sufficiently minimized and that the protective system is reliable?
A field measurement study of the airtightness of 73 - less than 5 year old - French dwellingswas led between 1999 and 2000. Buildings have been selected and classified according to theconstruction structure, the thermal insulation and the occupancy mode. Using a fandepressurizationtechnique, we assessed the air leakage rate of each dwelling with twodepressurization tests. Meanwhile quantifying air leakage rates, we observed qualitatively themost frequent locations of air leakage paths using a smoke detection method and infraredthermography.
The Building Air Tightness is an important parameter on ventilation systems performanceand energy losses.Yet, the total amount of leakage is as important on performances as their effective positionin the room.Some calculations have been run according to prEN 13465 from TC156 WG2 for differentbuildings (single house, dwellings and commercial buildings) varying air tightness, valueand repartition for different ventilation systems (natural, mechanical exhaust, mechanicalexhaust and supply).All these calculations have been compared focusing on ventilation losses during heatingseason in Paris.So
The paper presents a short description of the measurement program and the data collected for the “SynergieHaus”-project initiated by PreussenElektra and partners (now merged to E.ON). Results of airtightness measurements (ACH 50-values) are shown for a to
Dwellings airtigthness is not well known in practice, in France.When dwellings are equipped with mechanical ventilation systems (which represents about 95% of the new dwellings in France) the airtigthness can strongly influence the performance ofventilation.In the frame of the European Joule Project TIP-VENT (Towards Improved MechanicalVentilation Systems) [1], measurements of airtightness and underpressures were made onthree multifamily buildings.
The central purpose of this paper is to develop and test a case for compulsory pressurization testing for new dwellings. The authors have argued elsewhere in favour of such a policy. The paper reviews the available information on airtightness in the UK housing stock, the impact of airtightness on ventilation and fabric heat losses, the information that is available on the costs of making houses airtight and the logistics of pressurisation testing.
A large number of modern European buildings are equipped with ducted air distribution systems. Because they represent a key parameter for achieving a good indoor climate, increased attention has been given to their performance during the past fifty years. One aspect that is particularly developed in this handbook concerns the airtightness of the ductwork, which has been identified as a major source of inadequate functioning and energy wastage of HVAC systems. The investigations were carried out within the framework of the DUCT project (1997-1998).
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