Are you looking for effective and efficient ways to enhance the indoor air quality in your home? Have you started looking at ventilation options? If so, you would have noticed that there are many different options to choose from. 

To avoid the stress of finding the best option, many homeowners are turning to the roof ventilation Brisbane installers are offering to make your home more comfortable. Based on this, we’ll be highlighting the significance of airtightness and ventilation in your home when you’re shortlisting potential ventilation options. 

Understanding Airtightness and Ventilation

When you want to improve the air quality in your home you will need to know what airtightness and ventilation are and why they matter. Here’s how they are defined:

• Ventilation: This refers to intentionally introducing outdoor air into a building to maintain healthy levels of indoor air quality. This happens when oxygen levels (let in by an open window or door) replace and dilute airborne pollutants (such as cooking fumes and cigarette smoke) and carbon dioxide. 
• Airtightness: In this process the exact opposite of ventilation happens. Unlike ventilation, airtightness prevents unwanted air from coming into your home. Think of ventilation as having an open window and airtightness as keeping the window closed. Typically, airtight homes provide better indoor air quality because an effective air barrier blocks smoke, dust, pollen and other pollutants. 

Why are Both Ventilation and Airtightness Essential?

The goal should always be to create the ideal balance between ventilation and airtightness. There are several essential reasons for this, as listed below:

• Improved health: The number one reason to have ventilation in your home is to dilute carbon dioxide levels. When too much carbon dioxide is present in a home it can be fatal to occupants. Cooking fumes such as nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide can also negatively affect people in the home. 
• Toxin elimination: Most homes are filled with all types of airborne toxins such as the ones present in chemical cleaners, cigarette smoke, as well as paint fumes. Without ventilation, these toxins can build up to unhealthy levels. 
• Minimises allergens: Dust, pollen, and dust mites are the most common allergens that can enter the home and affect your respiratory health if the space isn’t aired out. 
• Decreases potential condensation: It’s not uncommon for some moisture to get into your home through air vents and open windows. When the space isn’t aired out enough, moisture can create a breeding ground for mould. 
• Minimise air leaks: The right level of airtightness will reduce unwanted air leaks, which in turn makes your home more energy-efficient. 

Pointers to Create the Perfect Balance Between Airtightness and Ventilation

Finding the perfect balance between airtightness and ventilation can be challenging, especially if you’re living in an old house. This is because there may be gaps or tiny holes in window and door frames which will affect the tight seal needed for airtightness.  Here are a few tips from our experts to help you create better air quality in your home, no matter how old it is. 

Ventilation

• Take advantage of natural ventilation by opening windows and doors during the warmest part of the day. This is crucial in spaces where airborne pollutants are evident such as the kitchen or areas where people smoke. 
• Rooms that have been newly painted or where carpets have been installed may still be emitting VOC fumes (chemicals used to make these products) and the space will need daily ventilation. 
• Speak to an installer for an assessment of your home and a recommendation for a suitable roof ventilation system. This will allow for year-round ventilation, even when you can’t open any windows or doors. 
• Consider adding air locks to any external openings in spaces such as mud rooms and laundries. 
• Use insulative membranes to reduce air seepage in raised floors. 
• Invest in draught-proofing strips to keep air leaks in doors and windows. 
• Have your roof assessed to ensure that missing tiles or shingles aren’t responsible for unwanted air and moisture seeping in. 

Airtightness

The average old Australian home leaks out about  30 air changes per hour at 50 pascals (Pa) while newer homes boast an airtightness level of 15.4 air changes per hour at 50 pascals (Pa). Since less is better, an older home will need an air leak audit to determine if your window frames need recaulking. 

Expandable foam can also be used in roof spaces or areas where there are large gaps that may be responsible for air leaks. Older homes may need to be reinsulated altogether. 

Final Thoughts

Installing a roof ventilation system is the most effective way to create the perfect balance between airtightness and ventilation. This will eliminate the hassle of trying to figure out how many hours a day you should keep your windows open for ventilation and then close them for airtightness. Speak to your local installer about the best roof ventilation option for your home and instantly experience superior indoor air quality.