New study by CSR's Building Science team demonstrates wall wrap can significantly improve the energy efficiency of home by reducing air infiltration.
Air infiltration and air leakage has been identified by The Building Science Corporation and The Australian Government as an important issue that needs to be addressed when building a home.
The Australian Government website www.yourhome.gov.au (Chris Reardon 2013) reports "air leaks are year-round issues: in winter, they allow valuable hot air to escape and unwanted external cold air to enter; in summer, the reverse occurs."
According to the Building Science Corporation website (John Straube 2012) "Stopping air is the second most important job of a building enclosure".
"Next to rain, air leaks through walls, roofs, and floors can have the most damaging effect on the durability of a house. Uncontrolled airflow through the shell not only carries moisture into framing cavities, causing mould and rot, but it also can account for a huge portion of a home's energy use and can cause indoor-air-quality problems."
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Clarke says, "Properly installed and well-sealed air barrier wall wraps play a critical role in improving energy efficiency by restricting uncontrolled air leakage. Not only are there benefits to the energy performance, but durability is improved by restricting humid air migrating into walls as well as more effective weatherproofing and drainage of wall systems, even in high wind scenarios."
Clarke concluded, "Depending on the type of building construction, the air tightness and insulation levels of the building, and its climate zone, the selection of the right wall wrap is critical to ensure the energy efficiency and durability of a home".
