But what does “air tightness” actually mean and how do you go about creating an airtight home?

Air tightness may be a new word to many of us but over the next number of years it will be vital when building all new homes. It is however simply the control of airflow within a building ensuring there is no air leakage, which can occur through gaps and cracks.

Air tightness measures the amount of air flow entering and leaving a building. Any Air leakage within the building will increase the amount of heat loss as warm air is displaced by colder air from outside. The colder air then needs to be heated. The more airtight your house the less air changes and therefore the less you will spend heating it.

The advantages to air tightness

• Protects the building fabric against damage therefore extending the lifetime of the building.
• Improve comfort and indoor air quality levels in the home
• No heat loss through gaps in the buildings fabric
• Increases the performance of insulation within the building. 
• Reduces noise pollution
• Reduces condensation
• Save money on energy bills
• Reduces carbon emissions