![]() ![]() In older builds and drafty homes, it’s instead prioritized during a retrofit or renovation phase. With that said, tightening an existing building envelope is possible-and favored. Thus, creating an airtight building envelope means builders are prioritizing a design and construction phase that allows only intentional gaps and openings in the building envelope. This is because the building envelope is directly related to a home’s foundation. And it improves air circulation indoors while maintaining a tight building envelope! How To Create a Tighter Building EnvelopeĪ majority of creating an airtight building envelope occurs during the construction process. It supplies a consistent influx of fresh filtered outdoor air without compromising air quality or energy efficiency. Mechanical ventilation is the solution to the lack of natural ventilation that results from tightening the building envelope. Yet, on the other hand, tight homes require mechanical ventilation to guarantee fresh incoming air.Īirtight Home Ventilation: Why is mechanical ventilation a necessary upgrade for airtight homes? Find out how a fresh air IAQ upgrade helps ensure proper airtight home ventilation. All of which turns a drafty loose home into a tight home. For airflow, air circulation and air quality, in particular, the building envelope and degree of airtightness play a key role in one’s indoor environment.įor leaky homes, loose building envelopes and older constructions … it’s necessary to pursue airtight renovations, air sealing and weatherization. That is, to act as a point of resistance between the unintentional exchange of air, heat, light, noise and water. The other primary purpose is to act as a means of control. What Is the Purpose of the Building Envelope?Ĭrucial to any and every building, the building envelope provides structural support. The building envelope is critical to air movement and indoor air quality as well as occupant comfort, energy efficiency and building durability. Specific to HVAC and IAQ, the building envelope serves as the physical separator between conditioned indoor air and unconditioned outdoor air. ![]() The building envelope is the physical barrier of a structure including walls, doors and doorways, windows, external vents and chimneys. It serves as the resistance point to air, heat, light, noise and water transfer between the indoors and outdoors. All that said, why does your home’s building envelope matter? Keep reading to learn about the building envelope and IAQ relationship! What Is a Building Envelope in HVAC?Ī building envelope is the thermal and pressure barrier that surrounds a structure. Think of it as a marked boundary surrounding any given structure. A seemingly fancy term, a building envelope is simply the barrier between the inside and outside. Truth be told, your home’s building envelope plays a significant role in your home’s comfort, health and durability. Building envelopes and airtight construction aren’t terms just for contractors and builders. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |