The airtightness of a dwelling, or its air permeability, is expressed in terms of air leakage in cubic meters per hour per square meter of the dwelling envelope area when the building is subjected to a differential pressure of 50 Pascals (m3/(h.m2) @ 50Pa). The dwelling envelope area is defined in this context as the total area of all floors, walls and ceilings bordering the dwelling, including elements adjoining other heated or unheated spaces. Air leakage is defined as the flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building fabric. Uncontrolled air leakage increases the amount of heat loss as warm air is displaced through the envelope by colder air from outside. Air leakage of warm damp air through the building structure can also lead to condensation within the fabric (interstitial condensation), which reduces insulation performance and causes fabric deterioration.

ECT Adhesives work in partnership with Tremco Illbruck to bring to the market a number of key products including Membranes, Tapes, Sealants and Foams to assist with meeting current building regulations.

We introduce the i3 System:

As building regulations change, new solutions and practices are required. The i3 system provides a state-of-the-art universal sealing system for the perimeter sealing of windows, that seals OUT weather while sealing IN comfort and energy savings. i3 is an externally weatherproof system, which also prohibits the formation of condensation. This is a problem that can lead to a reduction in the level of thermal insulation, damage to building components and mould formation.

By selecting appropriate products from our seven system components, various combinations can be created to suit the installation situation, thereby sealing out weather whilst sealing in comfort and energy savings.

A typical example of the i3 system comprises of:

TP 600 for External - Forms a vapour permeable external weather-tight seal;

FM 330 Expansion Foam - with movement accommodation factor of 50% ensuring integrity of the seal;

ME508 for Internal - a non-woven fleece laminate which is self-adhesive across the full width of the membrane for optimised adhesion and vapour control.

traditional casement window detail example: