Walltight

Walltight is a term used to describe a construction technique or product designed to create a highly airtight building envelope. The primary goal of walltight construction is to prevent uncontrolled air leakage into and out of a building. This is crucial for several reasons, including improving energy efficiency, enhancing indoor air quality, and increasing the durability of the building structure.

Air leakage can lead to significant heat loss in colder climates and heat gain in warmer climates, resulting in higher energy consumption for heating and cooling. By minimizing air infiltration and exfiltration, walltight construction helps to maintain a more stable and comfortable indoor temperature, reducing the workload on HVAC systems. Furthermore, uncontrolled air movement can carry moisture into wall cavities, which can lead to condensation, mold growth, and material degradation. A well-sealed building envelope helps to prevent these moisture-related issues.

Achieving walltightness typically involves a systematic approach to sealing all potential air leakage pathways. This includes careful detailing and installation of air barriers, which can be integrated into the wall assembly itself or applied as a continuous membrane. Common materials used for air barriers include sheathing, membranes, or specialized coatings. Attention is also paid to sealing penetrations through the building envelope, such as around windows, doors, pipes, and electrical outlets. Testing methods like blower door tests are often employed to verify the airtightness of the completed assembly.