Describes air sealing of existing homes by sealants, weatherstripping, air-vapour barriers, and other techniques. Discusses principles of air exchange, moisture movement, air sealing, control of indoor air quality, and combustion air. Identifies procedures for assessing air sealing measures in individual houses. Describes materials for air sealing and their applications.
Presents the results of air leakage tests on the windows of the Arts Tower at Sheffield University. The results quoted show the ranges into which infiltration coefficients fall. Relates pay-back periods for weatherstripping to height above ground level. Tabulates mean values of leakage coefficient and flow exponent for defective and non-defective sealant and compares with values suggested in CIBS Guide.
Discusses the requirements of a first class weatherseal. Concludes that silicone rubber is the most effective material. Swedish research shows that silicone resists deformation and cracking better than other weathersealing materials, and that a thin wall tubular seal gives the highest resistance to air and water infiltration. Agrement Board tests show that this type of seal reduces air infiltration through a window from more than 40 m3 air/hour to less than 1m3 at a test pressure of 600Pa.
Tests and evaluates the air infiltration control methods employed in buildings. Concentrates especially on silicone sealant applied in situ to opening joints of external windows. Carries out tests both in the laboratory on window samples and in the field on a test building. Checks the effect of the method on air permeability through single windows and on energy loss due to air infiltration through the building envelope.
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