Development of methodology for verification of the durability of systems for airtightness, stage 1 - extension

This is a project that is intended to treat durability of airtightness systems for buildings with typically related details, such as foil, tape, prefabricated penetrations, etc.

This stage of the project has included the development, design and construction of prototype equipment. This is so that dimensioning, heating method, the level of dynamic loading, etc. could be selected and tested. Some shorter pilot tests of dimensions stability have been performed and testing methodology has been documented.

The test method has worked excellent in pilot tests. You see a change in air permeability in the measurement before and after the heat treatment. The test method is very accurate and sensitive so that the change in airtightness can be recorded.

The test method should be a very good tool for producers of airtightness systems for product development. The method is also suitable for use in the evaluation of airtightness systems for different methods of approval and certification.

All tested airtightness systems were very airtight before heat treatment. All systems show the results for 0.1 l/(s∙m2). However, after the heat treatment all the tested airtightness systems displayed an increase in air permeability in varying degrees.

In the extended project, installation of airtightness systems was made in environments that have chosen to mimic realistic constructions on site conditions. All the investigated airtightness systems show changes in air density when the assembly had taken place in cold and humid environments and when installed in a dusty environment. The variation between the different systems, however, is quite large.