Ilmanvuotius

Ilmanvuotius refers to the unintentional flow of air into or out of a building or building component. This leakage can occur through cracks, gaps, or openings in the building envelope, which includes walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors. Infiltration is the term used for air entering a building from the outside, while exfiltration is the term for air leaving a building.

Understanding and controlling ilmanvuotius is important for several reasons. Firstly, it significantly impacts a building's energy efficiency. Uncontrolled air leakage can lead to substantial heat loss in colder climates and heat gain in warmer climates, increasing the demand on heating and cooling systems and thus raising energy costs. Secondly, ilmanvuotius can affect indoor air quality. Infiltrating air may carry pollutants, dust, allergens, and moisture from the exterior into the building. Conversely, exfiltrating air can draw in combustion gases from fireplaces or appliances if the building is under negative pressure.

Furthermore, uncontrolled air leakage can contribute to moisture problems within building assemblies. When warm, moist indoor air exfiltrates through cold exterior surfaces, it can condense, leading to mold growth and material degradation. Assessing and mitigating ilmanvuotius is often a part of building diagnostics, energy audits, and construction quality control. Techniques like blower door tests are commonly used to quantify the overall air leakage rate of a building.