ᐅ Which wall assembly is suitable for being vapor-permeable?
Created on: 15 Mar 2021 12:34
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Hausbauer2021
Hello everyone,
I am currently researching wall construction with a focus on vapor-open systems. I am very concerned about mold growth in the house, which is why I have often read that a vapor-open build is preferable (using a vapor retarder instead of a vapor barrier). However, when I look at the wall constructions of various manufacturers, a vapor barrier is often installed rather than a retarder (for example, Danwood). If the mechanical ventilation system fails, does this then inevitably lead to mold growth? Can anyone share their experience with how this (PE foil) actually performs in a house? Are there wall constructions where a mechanical ventilation system is installed as a nice-to-have but not essential? We currently live in an apartment and have to air the rooms multiple times in winter to prevent mold from forming under the blinds’ boxes. Are there houses or walls that do not experience these problems? We definitely want a ventilation system, but I would like to avoid the worry of mold growth within a few days if the system fails.
Thank you very much for your experiences.
I am currently researching wall construction with a focus on vapor-open systems. I am very concerned about mold growth in the house, which is why I have often read that a vapor-open build is preferable (using a vapor retarder instead of a vapor barrier). However, when I look at the wall constructions of various manufacturers, a vapor barrier is often installed rather than a retarder (for example, Danwood). If the mechanical ventilation system fails, does this then inevitably lead to mold growth? Can anyone share their experience with how this (PE foil) actually performs in a house? Are there wall constructions where a mechanical ventilation system is installed as a nice-to-have but not essential? We currently live in an apartment and have to air the rooms multiple times in winter to prevent mold from forming under the blinds’ boxes. Are there houses or walls that do not experience these problems? We definitely want a ventilation system, but I would like to avoid the worry of mold growth within a few days if the system fails.
Thank you very much for your experiences.
Our general contractor explained the system like this: the windows are fitted with trickle ventilators. In the bathroom, there is an exhaust fan. It runs continuously and uses very little electricity, just quietly humming along. It extracts air from the bathroom, creating a slight negative pressure, and fresh air flows in through the trickle vents. This happens continuously, day and night, 24 hours around the clock. Brilliant, inexpensive, simple, maintenance-free, mold-free, hassle-free. He installs this system as standard in his houses. For those who want more, he also offers a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, but he makes it clear that it is not necessary. For houses with an upper floor, of course, two fans are used—one in the bathroom upstairs and one in the guest toilet downstairs. K.
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nordanney16 Mar 2021 12:55Nordlys schrieb:
Brilliant, cheap, simple,Cheap: yes Simple: yes
Brilliant: ? In the past, people simply called it "leaky windows."
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Hausbauer202116 Mar 2021 13:10Sounds really good, may I ask who the general contractor was?
bauenmk202016 Mar 2021 13:13We also have exhaust fans in the wet rooms and trickle vents on the windows (one per room). On our windows, the seals on the left and right sides are cut open (about 10cm (4 inches) long on the lower third). At the top of the window frame, there is a rubber membrane.
From a ventilation standpoint, we have no issues, but clearly, it is more "complex" than using a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. There are details you need to pay attention to when airing out the rooms.
We also tried to use as few "technical aids" and building materials as possible. @Nordlys explained it well and pragmatically.
From a ventilation standpoint, we have no issues, but clearly, it is more "complex" than using a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. There are details you need to pay attention to when airing out the rooms.
We also tried to use as few "technical aids" and building materials as possible. @Nordlys explained it well and pragmatically.
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Hausbauer202116 Mar 2021 13:26bauenmk2020 schrieb:
We also have exhaust fans in the wet rooms and trickle vents in the window frames (one per room). On our windows, the seals on the left and right sides have been cut open (the lower third, about 10cm (5 inches) long). At the top of the window frame, there is a rubber membrane.
From a ventilation perspective, we haven’t had any problems, but obviously it is more "complex" than a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. There are certain details you need to watch out for when airing out the rooms.
We also tried to use as few “technical aids” and building materials as possible. @Nordlys explained this well and pragmatically. What kind of details, if I may ask?
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