Õhutihendus

Õhutihendus refers to the process of preventing unwanted air leakage into or out of a building envelope. This is a crucial aspect of building science, impacting energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort. Proper air sealing minimizes the uncontrolled movement of air through cracks, gaps, and penetrations in the building's exterior. This leakage can lead to significant heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, increasing the demand on heating and cooling systems and thus raising energy bills.

Beyond energy concerns, uncontrolled air leakage can compromise indoor air quality by allowing pollutants, moisture, and outdoor contaminants to enter the building. Conversely, conditioned indoor air can escape, potentially leading to pressure imbalances. This can affect the performance of ventilation systems and even lead to moisture problems within the building structure, such as mold growth.

Achieving effective õhutihendus involves identifying and sealing all potential air leakage pathways. Common areas for leakage include around windows and doors, electrical outlets and switches, plumbing and wiring penetrations, attic hatches, and the junction between walls and foundations. Various materials and techniques are used for air sealing, such as caulking, spray foam insulation, weatherstripping, and specialized tapes. A blower door test is often used to measure the overall airtightness of a building and pinpoint areas of significant leakage. Improving õhutihendus is a key strategy for creating a more sustainable, healthy, and comfortable built environment.