Building Treatments for Energy Efficiency

Module 4: Building Treatments for Energy Efficiency

4.1 Air Tightness & Ventilation Balancing

Achieving optimal air tightness while maintaining adequate ventilation is critical for energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Key Aspects:

• Air Tightness Testing:

• Conducted via blower door tests to measure air leakage (expressed as m³/h.m² @50Pa)

• UK Building Regulations require ≤5m³/h.m² for new builds (Passivhaus standard ≤0.6)

• Sealing Strategies:

• Membrane systems for walls/roofs

• Specialist tapes and gaskets for junctions

• Aerosol sealing for difficult areas

• Ventilation Solutions:

• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems

• Passive ventilation through trickle vents

• Demand-controlled ventilation systems

Benefits:

• Reduces heat loss by up to 30%

• Prevents condensation issues

• Maintains healthy indoor air quality

4.2 Damp Proofing & Moisture Control

Effective moisture management protects building integrity and occupant health.

Damp Types & Solutions:

1. Rising Damp:

• Installation of chemical DPC injections

• Electro-osmotic systems

• Physical damp-proof course replacement

2. Penetrating Damp:

• External waterproof renders (e.g., cementitious coatings)

• Cavity tray systems

• Proper flashing details around openings

3. Condensation Control:

• PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) units

• Dehumidification systems

• Vapor control layers in construction

Best Practices:

• Maintain 50-60% relative humidity

• Ensure continuous insulation to prevent cold spots

• Use capillary-breaking materials at critical junctions

4.3 Reflective & Radiant Barrier Systems

These systems reduce heat transfer through radiation, particularly effective in hot climates.

System Components:

• Reflective Insulation:

• Aluminum foil-faced materials

• Multi-layer reflective systems

• Typically installed in roof spaces

Performance Factors:

• Requires air gap (minimum 25mm) for effectiveness

• Works best when facing open space

• Reduces radiant heat transfer by up to 97%

Applications:

• Attic spaces under roofing

• Behind radiators on external walls

• Industrial buildings with metal roofs

4.4 Thermal Bridging Solutions

Addressing thermal bridges is essential for achieving continuous insulation.

Common Bridge Locations:

• Window/door reveals

• Balcony connections

• Structural penetrations

• Suspended floor edges

Mitigation Strategies:

1. Design Solutions:

• Thermal break materials (e.g., structural thermal breaks)

• Insulated cavity closers

• Optimized construction details

2. Material Solutions:

• Low-conductivity fixings

• Aerogel spacers

• Insulated plasterboard for reveals

Quantifying Impact:

• Ψ-value (linear thermal transmittance) calculations

• Thermal imaging for identification

• Can account for 20-30% of total heat loss

Implementation Considerations

• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting Part L (England), Section 6 (Scotland) requirements

• Whole-Building Approach: Integrating with other energy efficiency measures

• Monitoring & Verification: Using thermography and air tightness testing

Conclusion

These building treatments work synergistically to:

• Reduce energy consumption by 15-40%

• Enhance building durability

• Improve occupant comfort

• Meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations