Ilmantiiviydellä

Ilmantiiviydellä refers to the quality of being airtight or having minimal air leakage. In construction and building science, achieving a high degree of ilmantiiviydellä is crucial for several reasons. It plays a significant role in energy efficiency by preventing uncontrolled air exchange between the interior and exterior of a building. This means that conditioned air, whether heated or cooled, is less likely to escape, and unconditioned outside air is less likely to infiltrate.

A well-sealed building envelope also contributes to improved indoor air quality. By controlling ventilation, it allows for the use of mechanical systems that can filter incoming air, removing pollutants and allergens. This is in contrast to uncontrolled infiltration, which can bring in dust, moisture, and outdoor contaminants. Furthermore, ilmantiiviydellä helps to prevent moisture-related problems. Air leakage can carry water vapor into building cavities, leading to condensation, mold growth, and structural damage.

The concept of ilmantiiviydellä is often measured and assessed through blower door tests. These tests depressurize or pressurize a building to quantify the rate of air leakage. Building codes and standards in many regions specify minimum requirements for ilmantiiviydellä to ensure a certain level of performance and comfort for occupants. Achieving ilmantiiviydellä involves careful design, material selection, and meticulous construction practices, focusing on sealing all joints, penetrations, and interfaces within the building envelope.