air tightness

curaldo

Hi,

Is there any point (worth it) in going for airtightness in a timberframe house if not going for a hrv system? I've heard that if you put in a good quality vapour barrier and tape all the joints, it should do a good job of keeping the structure air tight. Also has anyone heard of seal vents for walls? Apparently you can open and close them when you want. When closed they leave the structure airtight hence no need for a hrv sysem.

Thanks.

RKQ

Very interesting question.
IMO Airtightness is very worth while, is now a Building Regulation requirement and is a a proven technology on the Continent.

I'm not 100% sure a plastic vapour barrier and taping joints is quite the same thing! Airtight membranes are more advanced than plastic vapour barriers.

Well worth spending some time on ProClima, Siga and Moy web sites! I installed one system in 2003. I'm very happy I did.

It is an added expense but a very small cost over the construction cost of the whole dwelling. Well worth the investment in my opinion!:D

1922

i'm told airthightness is pointless without hrv, and more or less like living in a lunchbox....had a meeting with my architect today regarding specs etc

sinnerboy

You either mis understood your architect - or you need to replace him/her

That is garbage

You MUST achieve a min level of air tightness - by LAW

RKQ

Very well put Sinnerboy! I agree 100%.:)

d'Oracle

1922 wrote: »

i'm told airthightness is pointless without hrv, and more or less like living in a lunchbox....had a meeting with my architect today regarding specs etc

Who ever told you that is flat wrong.

But is is advisable to have mechanical ventilation if you have an airtight building.

OP.

Is there a reason why not to go for HRV?
At the risk of sounding preachy, the combination of good insulation, good Airtightness and HRV, pays for itself quite quickly.