January 2020 | Broadsword Group

NICE has published guidance, ‘Indoor air quality at home’, arguing that since we spend 90 per cent of our lives inside, poor air quality within our structures is an imminent risk to everyone’s health. The document issues recommendations to a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, healthcare professionals, and ventilation specialists.

Mr Macklin, group technical director at Elta Group, commented: “There has been significant research into the impact of bad air quality in our buildings, especially as the insulation of structures reduces levels of natural ventilation. Sick building syndrome has made an unwelcome return and the link between CO2 and concentration levels in schools is alarming.

“However, it is in homes that we spend most of our time – about 60 per cent according to NICE’s guidelines – and it is crucial that we raise awareness of the problems associated with bad domestic air quality. We are at a critical juncture and as emerging technologies equip us with means to make our homes healthier, we have a responsibility to do so.”

The guidelines emphasise the full range of this culpability, identifying opportunities for local authorities to understand the sources and symptoms of poor indoor air quality and what actions to take should they encounter it. It also contains advice for healthcare professionals, highlighting those who are most at risk and suggesting practical steps to overcome the adverse effects of pollutants.

However, it is in the building, renovating and refurbishing of homes that there is the greatest opportunity to action change.

Mr Macklin concluded: “Ventilation manufacturers must work closely with architects, designers, builders and developers to ensure homes are provided with the best solutions. From product design through to installation, the focus must be on adopting a whole-house approach to heating and ventilation, taking energy efficiency into account while striving for optimum air quality.

“As we strive to eliminate the major sources of pollutants in the outside world, we must do everything we can to make our homes a healthy sanctuary, and take an intelligent approach to implementing effective ventilation.”

Source: Heatingandventalating.net

Air sealing is the process of restricting air movement through tiny cracks and gaps in your business or residential property. When you run heating or ventilation in your home this builds pressure. If leaks and gaps are present it can transfer conditioned air to the outside reducing efficiency. Air leakage can account for around 30% of heating costs. Air sealing prevents the loss of this conditioned air by filling in the tiny cracks and gaps.

A massive amount of energy is wasted due to the air leaking from cracks, holes and gaps at your property. This can cause several issues including increased risk of condensation and cause health risks caused by damp and drafts. Broadsword can work with you to inspect and plan the repair of these cracks and gaps to ensure your property is airtight. Doing so can also have a monetary savings on your heating bills as air sealing is proven to reduce energy costs.

How Air Leakage Affects your business or residential property?

Air leakage not only affects energy loss but also contributes to property deterioration. Obvious air leakages will be easy to spot and easily resolved; however, hidden air leakages are the root problem and can be harder to find and treat. Air that leaks must be replaced and is usually drawn in from the ground. If you don’t have an effective vapour barrier, moisture can be absorbed causing mould development, water damage or animal infestations. Moisture can enter your property using the tiniest gaps. This can aid in the damage of your properties foundations.

How to Air Seal your Home?

Here is a brief breakdown of how a home is air sealed:

Loft Air Sealing – Any hole made in your ceiling is called a thermal bypass or an air leak. This extends to lights, fans, plumbing stacks and chimneys. Most of these holes can have foam sprayed into them; however, items like chimneys and recessed lights require more specialist methods.
Plug Outlet Air Sealing – The simplest method of air sealing an outlet is to use foam backers behind outlet covers and child proof plugs to prevent air coming out the holes.
Basement and Crawlspace Air Sealing – There are a lot of possible leakage spots in the basement. When looking to air seal your business or residential property, the basement should be your priority. Rim joists and the sill plate that it sits on can be a major leakage point and can have a lot of holes surrounding it. These are usually filled with caulk or foam.

What are the Benefits of Air Sealing?

Energy Efficiency – The energy consumption of your commercial or residential building usually depends on the age of it. New properties are built with energy efficiency in mind, whereas older properties can tend to use a lot more. Both new and old properties can benefit from air sealing but the changes in efficiency to older houses can be dramatic with anything up to a 50% saving on energy expenses.
Increase of Indoor Air Quality – Fresh outdoor air is a good way of increasing indoor air quality; however, this should be controlled using a ventilation system and not through cracks and gaps. These gaps are uncontrolled and can carry moisture, pollution and allergen into your property causing a whole host of problems including medical issues like asthma and allergies.
Prevent Mould Deterioration Around your Property – Mould spores travel through the air and can be traced pretty much anywhere. They can be taken along by the wind and end up in all sorts of nooks and crannies of your property including attics, basements and crawl spaces. If the tiny cracks and gaps aren’t filled and these spores mix with the moisture that has infiltrated into your property mould will begin to appear in these spaces. Air sealing maintains these areas of your property causing them to be dry and prevent the spread of mould.
Increased Comfort – Cracks and gaps in your property can cause drafts, noticeable temperature differences in rooms and cold floors and walls. This can create a very unpleasant environment which can be made infinitely better by air sealing.
Prevents Property Deterioration – Toxins, pollution and mould can all impact on your property’s foundations. Air sealing will prevent all of these particles from entering your loft and crawl spaces causing water damage, vermin infestations and mould development.
Cost Effective – Air sealing repairs can start saving you money as soon as it’s done. Your energy bills can improve, along with your air quality and your peace of mind that you will not need to pay out on unnecessary repairs due to air leakage.

To book an inspection with our fully qualified and insured team contact Broadsword on 02380 675 888. The team will be able to talk through your concerns and arrange an inspection at your commercial or residential property.

Home air quality needs to be improved

What is air sealing?