| 107 Airtight Homes BUILDING Airtight Homes focuses on proven performance metrics such as airtightness, but it is just one part of a broader, holistic approach to building healthy, energy-efficient homes. Wānaka builder Airtight Homes is taking a di erent approach to building performance – treating airtightness as something that should be measured and veri ied, rather than simply assumed. Working with Aero, Airtight Homes is using AeroBarrier technology to reduce uncontrolled air leakage and deliver homes that are more comfortable, energy e icient and healthy to live in. Aero co-founder and Director Chris Caiger has spent more than 30 years in the building industry, including senior roles with Fletcher Building and leading the Refresh Renovations franchise. He was drawn back into business by co-founder Mark Sixton, who had seen the technology being used in the United States and recognised its potential for New Zealand. “In many leading overseas building markets, airtightness is a fundamental part of building performance,” Chris says. “In New Zealand we invest heavily in insulation and high-performance windows, but uncontrolled air leakage can compromise the performance we’ve paid for.” AeroBarrier provides builders with a practical solution that works with conventional construction methods. The home is pressurised and an automated process seals tiny air leakage points throughout the building envelope. A blower-door test then provides a measured and veri ied airtightness result. “Airtightness doesn’t mean creating a stu y house,” Chris says. “It’s about air control. You reduce uncontrolled leakage through gaps and cracks, then use appropriate ventilation to provide fresh air in a controlled way.” The same technology can be used in renovations and existing homes through Aero’s EnergyTight™ solution. A recent retro it of a 145-year-old student lat on Dunedin’s Castle Street reduced measured air leakage from approximately 16 ACH50 to around 6 ACH50 – an improvement of about 85%, that means it is now as warm and comfortable as a typical new, New Zealand home. For Airtight Homes, adopting measured airtightness is another way of delivering better-performing homes and demonstrating the result to their customers. “Airtightness, insulation and high-performance windows are three key drivers of comfort and energy e iciency,” Chris says. “What’s been missing in New Zealand is a simple, measurable way of addressing air leakage.” For homeowners planning a new build, there’s a new question worth asking: How airtight and energy e icient will my home actually be? And for builders, measured airtightness provides an opportunity to demonstrate – rather than simply promise – better building performance. Building or renovating? Ask your builder about measured airtightness, or contact Aero to ind out more. Airtight Homes raises the bar on building performance in Wānaka Better homes start with Airtightness Why airtightness Matters A simpler, lower-cost path to energy efficiency, comfort, and family health Set airtightness targets in design. Achieve them on site — without changing how you build. • Better comfort and temperature stability • Lower energy use • Healthier indoor air • Reduced moisture and durability risks Based on data from ENERGY STAR, IECC and ANSI/RESNET. Get in touch 0800 758 937 aero.solutions
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