Air tightness

mccleanp

My build is currently at the first fix wiring stage. I was in looking around this evening while it was blowing a gale outside, and I discovered quite a few draughts, mostly around the wall plate.

This made me think about getting a professional air tightness test carried out. The house is fairly typical 2 storey house constructed with block with partial fill cavity. The construction was carried out pretty well and the builder paid attention to detail with the PIR insulation. I will be installing a MHRV system.

What is an air tightness test likely to cost? What will they be able to tell me? What can I do about the results? At what stage should I do this? Is it worth it?

PM me any recommended air tightness testers. I am in S. Tyrone.

Lightning McQue

Mccleanp

Airtightness is a good idea. Unfortunately I dont know any cos in South Tyrone. I would appreciate it if you could tell me who did you use for making up your roof trusses.

Thanks.

Lightning

Juantorena

We've just had a preliminary test conducted. We got it done out pre-slabbing so as to be able to address any major problems with the envelope without having to undo much work.

We used a thermal imaging camera and a testers hand (!) - he suggested that it has become very sensitive to draughts the more tests he has carried out. So, for us, this test was about finding any major weaknesses or flaws in the building fabric which might need addressing. We did not look for a 'figure' as that will be provided when we have the final test carried out.

Cost (Galway) - €425 incl VAT...possibly a good price as I know the tester quite well.

Lightning McQue

Did you do any work on getting the windows airtight when you were installing them?

Did you use any siga tapes on windows etc.

Lightning

Juantorena

Lightning McQue wrote: »

Did you do any work on getting the windows airtight when you were installing them?

Did you use any siga tapes on windows etc.

Lightning

Directed to me, Lightning?

If so - yes, the window surrounds were foam filled by the fitters and then I Siga'd each one....time consuming, but hopefully worth it. FWIW - the tester suggested my taping - I did all timberframe joints also - was some of the best he'd seen. More a commentary on the quality of taping jobs that are going on out there at the moment rather than how good I was, I think.

A little diligence goes a long way on the taping...diy.

All of the above is fine and dandy, of course, assuming the final airtightness figure comes out as hoped!

muffler

mccleanp wrote: »

PM me any recommended air tightness testers. I am in S. Tyrone.

I can get you details of a guy in Donegal if thats any good to you.

mccleanp

Did you do any work on getting the windows airtight when you were installing them?

Did you use any siga tapes on windows etc.

All I have done so far is fit Kingspan to close the top of the cavity (and reveals). The window installers done a pretty good job of sealing any gaps with expanding foam. I haven't been able to detect any leaks around the windows when the wind blows, but I know this is not a particularly rigorous test.

I am going for a wet plaster finish, and had assumed this, over the foam (with expanding metal) would be airtight. Is this correct?

What is siga tape? How should it be installed? Any photos or diagrams?

What other points should I look at?

Juantorena

Juantorena wrote: »

Directed to me, Lightning?

If so - yes, the window surrounds were foam filled by the fitters and then I Siga'd each one....time consuming, but hopefully worth it. FWIW - the tester suggested my taping - I did all timberframe joints also - was some of the best he'd seen. More a commentary on the quality of taping jobs that are going on out there at the moment rather than how good I was, I think.

A little diligence goes a long way on the taping...diy.

All of the above is fine and dandy, of course, assuming the final airtightness figure comes out as hoped!

...Forgot to mention that I am putting insulated slab (25mm) on all reveals also.

Trust it is ok to post this: http://www2.siga.ch/product/e_cover_all.htm - overview of Siga products.

..I have nothing to do with Siga other than having used their Sicrall tape.

Lightning McQue

Juantorena

Forgive my lack of knowledge but I presume you taped the inside of the window frame.

I presume that its very time consuming and labour intensive.

Could a layperson do this if they had a bit of time on their hands?

Lightning