weatherstripping

This report describes research undertaken to investigate the various factors affecting the air infiltration through windows. These factors examined include: 1) The effect of edge and face clearance or window fit 2) The effect of groove clearance on weatherstripping 3) The effect of weatherstripping 4) The effect of locking windows 5) A comparison of infiltration and exfiltration through windows 6) The effect of sash shrinkage, and 7) Theeffect of one-piece storm windows.

Describes air sealing of existing homes by sealants, weatherstripping, air-vapour barriers, and other techniques. Discusses principles of air exchange, moisture movement, air sealing, control of indoor air quality, and combustion air. Identifies procedures for assessing air sealing measures in individual houses. Describes materials for air sealing and their applications.

This report focuses on the repair and upgrading of existing windows to acceptable levels of air and thermal resistance. Improvements to existing windows can be effectively achieved for as low as 25 to 50 cents per square foot by caulking and weatherstripping the primary window and then installing an inexpensive interior storm window. 27 interior storm window products are examined and details of design, operation and performance are given. Air infiltration test results are also examined and the thermal performance of each window system in terms of whole house energy savings is evaluated.

Presents the results of air leakage tests on the windows of the Arts Tower at Sheffield University. The results quoted show the ranges into which infiltration coefficients fall. Relates pay-back periods for weatherstripping to height above ground level. Tabulates mean values of leakage coefficient and flow exponent for defective and non-defective sealant and compares with values suggested in CIBS Guide.

Discusses insulation of lofts, roofs, walls, windows and floors, natural ventilation of dwellings and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in dwellings. Considers cost benefits of weatherstripping and constant-flow ventilators for naturally ventilated houses. Concludes that installation of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is uneconomic, but adding a heatexchanger to an existing mechanical ventilation system has economic benefits.

Indoor air quality sampling strategies and analytical techniques have changed significantly in the past ten years. The changes reflect both the shifts in study objectives and the development of new forms of instrumentation. Toillustrate these trends, this paper describes early field techniques for measuring indoor air quality using a heavily instrumented mobile laboratory that is suitable for measuring one building intensively for up to four weeks.The style of measurement now is complemented by large field survey projects using passive samplers as the dominant instrumentation.

Describes a survey of standard homes built between 1907 and 1973, not fitted with double glazing, to assess potential draught gaps, and of consumer attitudes to insulating products particularly draught excluders.

This paper deals with the concept of energy efficient houses as integrated systems. Quantitative analysis is used to show that evenly distributed insulation is more effective than excessive insulation applied to only one element of a house and that ventilation rates are a critical factor in determining the magnitude of energy loss. For a new approach to be adopted on a large scale, it is suggested that a means to implement Planned Change is required. Various models to bring about this change are discussed with an indication of the final recipe used for a demonstration project.

Methods discussed include ventilation, excess foam removal and sealing accessible gaps.

Adduces the economic advantages of weatherstripping for energy conservation, performance criteria and future developments in materials and fixings. Mentions the advantageous psychological response of personnel. Describes the factors influencing performance - window section, location of seal andinstallation method. Briefly describes the work of the Draughtproofing Advisory Association (DAA). Refers to BS 4315 and demonstrates need for new standards based on air flow measurement round total opening perimeter.