On the exterior side of a building, a wind barrier acts as a shield against the forced convection that allows cold air from the ventilation gap into the building fabric. Local building regulations provide requirements for the air permeability of wind barriers.
On the interior side of a building, a vapour barrier stops moist indoor air from penetrating the structure from the inside.
To achieve good overall air tightness in a building, seal and safeguard all joints, corners, walls adjoining ceilings and foundations, air barriers between window and door sills, penetrations for pipes, electrical installations, ducts and chimneys.
Modern building envelopes are complex. They require that you consider insulation continuity and air tightness early in the design process. When planning and implementing how to tighten a building, remember the following basic principles:
- Simplify the form where possible. Minimize the number of joints and connections.
- Define the line of the air barrier as early as possible. Protect the air barrier during construction.
- Decide and specify which materials will form the air barrier.
- Make the vapour barrier seams with a 100–200 mm overlap.
- Use tape or butyl for tightening connections or around installations.
- Where the barrier has to be squeezed use a flexible air tightening, such as PAROC XSS 001.
- If holes appear in the vapour barrier during installation, tape them with PAROC XST 012. In some cases, replace the whole barrier.
Application:
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PAROC solution:
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Vapour / Air barrier layer
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The vapour barrier needs to be age-resistant and accurately fit the area where it’s used. Paroc supplies three different versions of PE foil for this purpose.
• PAROC XMV 020
• PAROC XMV 012
• PAROC XMV 012zcf |
Seams of vapour barriers
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Ensure air tightness in vapour barrier seams by overlapping and taping together. Paroc recommends the following tape:
• PAROC XST 013 |
Holes in the vapour/air barrier
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The vapour barrier has to be unbroken. For minor damage that occurs during installation, fix with
• PAROC XST 012 |
Vapour barrier connection between window and walls
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The point where the vapour barrier meets windows is absolutely critical. Every building presents new circumstances, so there are several ways to solve this challenge. Paroc recommends PAROC Corner tight. Because you can turn Corner tight to fit different sizes of window recesses, it is a flexible, easy-to-install solution. Once in place, simply tape the seal to the barrier.
• PAROC Corner tight
• PAROC XST 100 FlexWrap NF.
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Sealing of door / window frames
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Joints between parts of the structure often run the full width of the wall, making them crucial for the overall tightness of the building. Joints demand special attention during installation, and there are a variety of ways to tighten them.
• PAROC FPY 1
• PAROC XSI 001
• PAROC XSI 002
• PAROC XSI 003
• PAROC XSS 200
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Tightening electrical outlets
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Every wall and ceiling has electricity wires and boxes. If they penetrate the vapour barrier, tightening is essential. Suitable products for this application are:
• PAROC XSS 005
• PAROC XST 013 |
Tightening wall and foundation connections
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The foundation and other building elements need tightening. Tighten any possible uneven surfaces with the following products:
• PAROC XSS 001
• PAROC XSS 002
• PAROC XSS 015
• PAROC XSS 003 |
Capillary breaks for foundations
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A capillary break blocks capillary moisture from rising through the foundation to the wall structures.
• PAROC XSS 001
• PAROC XSS 002
• PAROC XSS 015
• PAROC XSS 003
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Sealing penetrating ventilation pipes
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Pipes or other shaped forms which penetrate the building envelope are challenging to get air-tight. Use PAROC XST 100 FlexWrap NF to tighten even the most complicated installations. You can also tape a collar to the air and moisture barrier.
• PAROC XST 100 |
Corners
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The vapour barrier has to be continuous in room corners where two walls meeting the ceiling. Form-shaped corner tightening products help you reach the optimal solution.
• PAROC XMV 003 |
Tightening of wall and ceiling connections
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Ceiling and wall connections also need tightening . Tighten corners with the following products:
• PAROC XSS 005
• PAROC XPS 001 |