ᐅ Which wall assembly is suitable for being vapor-permeable?
Created on: 15 Mar 2021 12:34
H
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.
N
nordanney16 Mar 2021 14:09Nordlys schrieb:
What I see is the gain in comfort. We still need to ventilate occasionally to remove cooking odors or similar, and a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery should be able to handle that.Correct. I had already written that. You = uncontrolled / mechanical ventilation with heat recovery = controlled (comfortable). The critical point is that ventilation takes place. And if I cannot or do not want to spend money on a mechanical ventilation system, then I prefer a drafty window ;-) I agree with you.
M
Myrna_Loy16 Mar 2021 14:26Professionally, I have seen far too many neglected mechanical ventilation systems with central units... and I deal with faulty technical gadgets every day. The Somfy technician is one of my speed dial numbers. I’m about ready to switch our own house to door knockers. 😀
N
nordanney16 Mar 2021 14:43Nordlys schrieb:
What is Somfy?Primarily a manufacturer of motors for roller shutters and similar products, including smart home systems. It's new to me that they also install ventilation systems.Oh, I see. I’m not familiar with that—roller shutters are only used here by newcomers. In summer, when it never gets dark, we simply close the curtains in the bedroom. That’s dark enough for sleeping. They’re operated by hand, and if the sliders don’t glide properly, a little Teflon spray usually does the trick to make them slide smoothly again.
T
T_im_Norden16 Mar 2021 15:09No, roller shutters are becoming increasingly common here as well. We first encountered them when we lived in Franconia for a few years and definitely wanted to have them in our house.
On the other hand, we were strongly advised against external venetian blinds, as in Schleswig-Holstein the wind often causes problems with them.
On the other hand, we were strongly advised against external venetian blinds, as in Schleswig-Holstein the wind often causes problems with them.
askforafriend16 Mar 2021 15:10Nordlys schrieb:
Our general contractor is Specht GmbH, Bisdorf Fehmarn. They only build locally.
Any details? I can’t think of any right now. The house ventilates itself. Besides, the bedroom window is usually tilted open. That’s exactly the annoying thing for us in our KfW70 semi-detached house as well: the window is constantly tilted because it’s not really comfortable (or maybe it actually is? 😉 ) to ventilate fully every 2–3 hours. I’m really looking forward to a proper controlled mechanical ventilation system in our new build. But of course, people always tend to defend what they already have 😉
Similar topics