14 / 07 / 2016
- Product
The carbon challenge
There are numerous ways to improve the carbon footprint of a building, from smart lighting to full insulation. But one in particular we’ve been working to improve is airtightness. By ensuring maximum airtightness, heat loss from a building can be prevented, which in turn reduces the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Currently, the minimum standard for airtightness in new residences, as set out in Part L 1A of the Building Regulations, is 10m³/(m².hr)@50Pa, while PassivHaus airtightness standards – a set of practices many in the sector hold as one of the pinnacles of excellence – sit at less than 1m³/(m².hr)@50Pa.
To help customers not only reach, but surpass these standards, we’ve developed a new airtightness and moisture management system, Vario® XtraSafe, which has been designed to specifically tackle the challenge of airtightness.
Vario® XtraSafe
Vario® XtraSafe is a smart membrane that prevents unintended air exchanges through the building fabric to improve the energy efficiency of a building, helping specifiers exceed UK Building Regulations and improve thermal performance and EPC ratings, and significantly improving users’ comfort and warmth.
It also manages the water vapour within a building to prevent any build-up of moisture and protect the structure from rot or mould.
Meeting regulations
Vario® XtraSafe can allow a building to far exceed the minimum standard for airtightness in new residences of 10m³/(m².hr)@50Pa. Its advanced design also allows users to achieve PassivHaus airtightness standards (less than 1m³/(m².hr)@50Pa).
In terms of moisture control, current Part L1a regulations require only that appropriate steps are taken to ensure moisture in the structure is adequately managed. However, it’s possible that future regulations may specify levels of moisture control. To help specifiers future proof their building designs, Vario® XtraSafe offers a vapour permeability of between 1.2 and 70g/m2/day, thanks to a highly variable Sd value (0.3m – 25m).
The science behind Vario® XtraSafe
The Vario® XtraSafe system includes specially designed tapes and sealants that seal potential leaks from joints and joins around features, ensuring maximum airtightness.
The moisture management side of things is taken care of by the smart membrane that adapts to external conditions. Impervious to liquid water, the membrane boasts pores that stay closed in winter to prevent airborne moisture entering a building, and open up in summer to allow moisture to flow out of the wall. This design allows substrates to dry out, extending the life of the building fabric by reducing the risk of mould or rot.
Unique installation
In a first for the construction sector, Vario® XtraSafe features a clever hook and loop system meaning it can be fitted by a single person, making the total installed cost less than that of a plastic sheet. It can be uninstalled removed and repositioned countless times, while pre-printed cutting guides and specialist tapes also make it easy to create airtight seals around any joints and detailing.
As well as being easy to fit, Vario® XtraSafe has exceptional tensile strength that is three times stronger than polythene, significantly reducing the likelihood of damage during installation. The solution has also been storm tested to withstand winds of over 90mph.
The best choice
Although plaster and plasterboard can be used to improve airtightness, Vario® XtraSafe offers more flexibility in terms of the areas it can be fitted in, providing a full building envelope airtightness solution.
Equally, while polyethylene can offer a complete airtightness solution, it isn’t as easy to install and often lacks the same tensile strength needed. It can also cause issues with moisture build up that can lead to the building structure being damaged.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about Vario® XtraSafe or would like to speak to one of the technical team for further information, please just get in touch.
There are numerous ways to improve the carbon footprint of a building, from smart lighting to full insulation. But one in particular we’ve been working to improve is airtightness. By ensuring maximum airtightness, heat loss from a building can be prevented, which in turn reduces the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Currently, the minimum standard for airtightness in new residences, as set out in Part L 1A of the Building Regulations, is 10m³/(m².hr)@50Pa, while PassivHaus airtightness standards – a set of practices many in the sector hold as one of the pinnacles of excellence – sit at less than 1m³/(m².hr)@50Pa.
To help customers not only reach, but surpass these standards, we’ve developed a new airtightness and moisture management system, Vario® XtraSafe, which has been designed to specifically tackle the challenge of airtightness.
Vario® XtraSafe
Vario® XtraSafe is a smart membrane that prevents unintended air exchanges through the building fabric to improve the energy efficiency of a building, helping specifiers exceed UK Building Regulations and improve thermal performance and EPC ratings, and significantly improving users’ comfort and warmth.
It also manages the water vapour within a building to prevent any build-up of moisture and protect the structure from rot or mould.
Meeting regulations
Vario® XtraSafe can allow a building to far exceed the minimum standard for airtightness in new residences of 10m³/(m².hr)@50Pa. Its advanced design also allows users to achieve PassivHaus airtightness standards (less than 1m³/(m².hr)@50Pa).
In terms of moisture control, current Part L1a regulations require only that appropriate steps are taken to ensure moisture in the structure is adequately managed. However, it’s possible that future regulations may specify levels of moisture control. To help specifiers future proof their building designs, Vario® XtraSafe offers a vapour permeability of between 1.2 and 70g/m2/day, thanks to a highly variable Sd value (0.3m – 25m).
The science behind Vario® XtraSafe
The Vario® XtraSafe system includes specially designed tapes and sealants that seal potential leaks from joints and joins around features, ensuring maximum airtightness.
The moisture management side of things is taken care of by the smart membrane that adapts to external conditions. Impervious to liquid water, the membrane boasts pores that stay closed in winter to prevent airborne moisture entering a building, and open up in summer to allow moisture to flow out of the wall. This design allows substrates to dry out, extending the life of the building fabric by reducing the risk of mould or rot.
Unique installation
In a first for the construction sector, Vario® XtraSafe features a clever hook and loop system meaning it can be fitted by a single person, making the total installed cost less than that of a plastic sheet. It can be uninstalled removed and repositioned countless times, while pre-printed cutting guides and specialist tapes also make it easy to create airtight seals around any joints and detailing.
As well as being easy to fit, Vario® XtraSafe has exceptional tensile strength that is three times stronger than polythene, significantly reducing the likelihood of damage during installation. The solution has also been storm tested to withstand winds of over 90mph.
The best choice
Although plaster and plasterboard can be used to improve airtightness, Vario® XtraSafe offers more flexibility in terms of the areas it can be fitted in, providing a full building envelope airtightness solution.
Equally, while polyethylene can offer a complete airtightness solution, it isn’t as easy to install and often lacks the same tensile strength needed. It can also cause issues with moisture build up that can lead to the building structure being damaged.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about Vario® XtraSafe or would like to speak to one of the technical team for further information, please just get in touch.
