The Hardware Journal has spoken to Joe Fitzgerald, PgDIP Eng, BSc, Energy Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems about making windows and doors airtight in retrofit upgrades.
When insulation is added to the walls of a property and windows or doors are upgraded to modern comfort standards, the overall performance can sometimes be let down by a lack of good-quality sealing between these elements.
Permanently sealing unwanted gaps around windows and doors with the right airtightness products during a home retrofit helps stop unwanted draughts. These gaps can contribute to low surface temperatures, increasing the risk of mould.
Simple taping can help lower heating bills by preventing warm air leakage and cool air infiltration, while also reducing outdoor noise and potential pollutants entering the home.
Dedicated airtightness tapes differ from other types of tape in several important ways. Ecological Building System’s Pro Clima airtight tapes, such as Vana and Contega Solido SL, use solid acrylic glue to ensure a permanent bond and are independently tested to provide an airtight seal between window frames and a range of substrates. They bond permanently to different surfaces and are designed to withstand humid conditions such as those we experience in our climate.
Good-quality tapes that are fit for this purpose are also designed to remain flexible rather than becoming hard or brittle. This helps them cope with changes in temperature and unpredictable movement over time.
It’s a common misconception that airtightness detailing such as this belongs only in the highest-performing, energy-efficient forms of new construction. On the contrary, it’s often the leakiest buildings – those struggling to stay warm in winter – that have the greatest potential for energy savings.
To get the best performance from airtightness tape, it’s important to make sure it’s installed correctly. While some skill is certainly involved, with practice, good results can often be achieved by careful homeowners as well as skilled subcontractors.
With expert supplier guidance and careful surface preparation, most building types can be improved through effective window and door draught-proofing using simple but suitable products.
The Ecological Building Systems technical team is on hand to offer support whenever they can help. Contact the team at Ecological Building Systems today on +353 46 9432104, email info@ecologicalbuildingsystems.com or visit www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com.
