Ilmastäyttöä

Ilmastäyttöä, often translated as "air filling" or "air sealing," is a construction technique aimed at preventing unwanted air leakage into and out of a building. This process is crucial for improving energy efficiency, enhancing indoor air quality, and increasing occupant comfort. By meticulously sealing all potential entry points for air, such as cracks, gaps, and penetrations in the building envelope, ilmastäyttöä significantly reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

The primary goal of ilmastäyttöä is to create a continuous air barrier around the conditioned space of a building. This barrier can be achieved using various materials and methods, including specialized tapes, caulks, sealants, membranes, and spray foams. Common areas addressed during ilmastäyttöä include the connections between walls and foundations, around windows and doors, where plumbing and electrical services penetrate walls and ceilings, and in attics and crawl spaces.

Proper ilmastäyttöä not only reduces the demand on heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy bills, but also helps prevent moisture problems by stopping humid indoor air from condensing in cold wall cavities. Furthermore, by controlling airflow, it can reduce the infiltration of outdoor pollutants, allergens, and dust, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. The effectiveness of ilmastäyttöä can be verified through blower door testing, which measures the overall air tightness of a building.