Ilmaeristeellä

Ilmaeristeellä is a Finnish term that translates to "air insulation" or "air barrier" in English. It refers to a material or a system designed to prevent or significantly reduce the uncontrolled movement of air through building envelopes. This is a crucial component in modern construction for improving energy efficiency and maintaining indoor air quality.

The primary function of an ilmaeristeellä is to create a continuous seal around the building's interior. This seal stops drafts and uncontrolled air leakage, which can lead to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. By minimizing air infiltration and exfiltration, an effective air barrier helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing the workload on heating and cooling systems and consequently lowering energy consumption.

Common materials used for ilmaeristeellä include specialized membranes, tapes, sealants, and rigid foam boards. These materials are carefully installed to overlap and seal at all joints, penetrations (like pipes and electrical outlets), and junctions between different building components. Achieving a continuous air barrier requires meticulous attention to detail during the construction process.

Beyond energy savings, an effective ilmaeristeellä also plays a role in moisture control. By preventing warm, moist indoor air from escaping into wall cavities and condensing on colder surfaces, it helps to avoid structural damage, mold growth, and degradation of building materials. This contributes to a healthier indoor environment. The concept is central to building science and is often addressed in conjunction with thermal insulation to achieve optimal building performance.