Airtightness is a dominant factor affecting a building’s energy performance. It can be argued that airtightness is more important than insulation in terms of thermal performance. Even small gaps in doors and windows can cause significant heat loss and once a building is constructed, stemming unwanted air flow can prove difficult and expensive.
When deciding how to seal construction gaps, one common option is to use a polyurethane-based, spray foam filler or silicone or acrylic sealant to ensure air-tightness, but there are acknowledged problems, with shrinkage and adhesion being the main disadvantages.
A new, BBA-certified, liquid air-tight membrane called Blowerproof is a clever, quick, easy and cost-effective way to ensure outstanding air-tightness. Blowerproof has been used widely across Europe for many years as a proven and effective method of achieving high levels of airtightness, in many different buildings on a wide range of substrates.
Simply brushed on, Blowerproof quickly forms a permanent, secure and continuous air-tight seal across a range of draught-prone points: wall/floor/ceiling connections, fenestrations, pipe connections including water, electricity, gas and data; all with no need for primers.
Applied as a blue, thick liquid, fibre reinforced ‘paint’, Blowerproof Liquid Brush quickly cures to form a black sealed membrane which is highly resistant to punctures. Blowerproof is also available in white, so it doesn’t show through a plaster finish.
Brushes rinse out under cold water, making Blowerproof Liquid Brush quick to deploy and pack away.
It’s safe to use in high risk environments such as food, childcare and medical environments as it is free from both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful chemicals.
A building that leaks air is always thermally inefficient. These air leaks cost the building owner, so it’s easy to make the case for using Blowerproof. It quickly justifies both its product and labour costs.
Any easy way to ensure leaks are sealed, helping limit applicator error is a major step forward to improving building performance. Blowerproof can’t be beaten for how quickly, easily and effectively an applicator can achieve a permanently secure and continuous seal. Blowerproof helps deliver energy performance well beyond building regulations.
Blowerproof has recently been awarded BBA (British Board of Agrément) Certificate 17/5410. Jack Georgiou, Project Manager at BBA, says: “Blowerproof was subjected to a rigorous assessment by the BBA. The results of stringent tests were assessed including fatigue testing after accelerated ageing to verify the efficiency and durability of the air-tight seal.
“Blowerproof performed satisfactorily in all aspects of the assessment and tests so we’ve certified it as being an effective way to improve the airtightness and consequently the thermal efficiency of buildings.”
BBA certification is recognised by Government departments and throughout the construction industry as confirmation that a product is fit for purpose. Only products and systems that have passed a series of comprehensive assessments – including laboratory tests, on-site evaluations, quality management checks and inspection of production are awarded a BBA Certificate. Once a Certificate has been issued, six monthly surveillance of production and comprehensive three yearly reviews are required to maintain its validity.
In addition to the BBA, Blowerproof has Certification from a wide range of recognised European bodies, a full list can be found on the Blowerproof website.
Blowerproof is also available as a roller application which can be used directly on blockwork, brick, masonry and as a spray which is ideal for larger areas such as walls and roofs. It can be directly applied to mineral wool, sprayed set foams or PIR insulation.
For further information, or to purchase Blowerproof in the UK, please visit: www.blowerproof.co.uk.