Reduce build cost

AeroBarrier allows new levels of efficiency that will prevent common waste-traps throughout the construction process.

Value Engineering

Energy modellers can leverage increased airtightness to value engineer their designs by optimising the balance between upfront costs, energy savings, and compliance with energy standards.

Here’s a step-by-step approach on how to achieve this:

Energy modelling: Use energy modelling software such as ECCHO and NatHERS to simulate building energy performance under different airtightness scenarios and identify key improvement areas.

Optimise materials and design: Select cost-effective materials and construction methods that enhance airtightness and integrate improvements with other building systems for optimal performance. In many cases, specifications, costs and complexity of other systems can be reduced because a higher level of airtightness is being delivered

Airtightness testing: Perform blower door tests during construction to validate airtightness levels and make necessary adjustments to meet energy performance targets.

Lifecycle, Quality and Compliance Focus:
Consider long-term benefits like reduced maintenance costs, and align strategies with broader sustainability goals. Increased airtightness significantly improves moisture management and thereby reduces structural damage and improves the healthy quality of the air.

By following this approach, energy modellers can effectively use increased airtightness to create cost-effective designs that meet or exceed energy standards, providing both immediate and long-term benefits.

AeroBarrier makes it simple to achieve the target energy level and provides a certificate documenting the airtightness level at the start of the process and final airtightness achieved.

The NZGBC recognises the AeroBarrier certificate as a valid airtightness test certificate.

Streamline the Air Sealing Process

AeroBarrier has many benefits that go beyond energy savings.

labour cost

Remove the guesswork and complete your air sealing in a third of the time it would take with traditional hand sealing.

True R-Value

Removing air leakage allows insulation to perform as it was designed. Get more out of your fiberglass or spray foam insulation.

Enhance Renewables

Reducing energy demand reduces the number of solar panels required to offset utility bills.

Costly Retesting

The average cost to hire a certified blower door technician is $1,000 – $2,000. The cost of failure quickly drives up fees.

Right Mechanical

A tightly sealed home allows a smaller HVAC system and ductwork, resulting in cost savings. The value adds up in multi-unit developments

Labour Can be Unpredictable

AeroBarrier removes the labour inconsistencies of time and quality, placing air sealing in a single, guaranteed process. Air sealing isn’t just the responsibility of plasterboard installers and insulation companies.

With an average of 22 sub-contractors involved in a single build, it becomes difficult to manage air sealing from start to finish.

Unfortunately, tight schedules and miscommunication increase the odds of penetrations not being sealed prior to surfaces being installed, making them inaccessible. The good news is that the AeroBarrier air sealing system can be applied at any stage of the build and correct any air leaks missed by trades in just a few hours – even leaks in inaccessible areas, with precision. This provides worry-free, guaranteed air sealing.

AeroBarrier not only reduces labour costs on the front end, but it also removes any costly rework on the back end needed to meet missed airtightness levels required, even for HomeStar or Passive House certification.

Enhance Insulation Performance

AeroBarrier’s air sealing lets your insulation materials perform as they were designed. While the AeroBarrier air sealing system does not provide an insulation value, it does address air leakage — a key factor in the performance of insulation. If outside temperatures can flow freely into a wall/floor/roof system, the insulation installed will not achieve its intended R-value. Removing air leakage allows any insulation material you use to perform reliably.

Greater airtightness can also mean cost savings on insulation in high performance homes. When using energy models such as ECCOH, a lower airtightness level gives you options to adjust the level of bulk insulation in walls and ceilings, and to review glazing, stud thickness and other system specifications. This can make a big difference to the cost and simplicity of achieving Homestar.

Rethink How You Build

Increasing airtightness at the design stage can significantly reduce the cost of
mechanical ventilation, heating, and cooling for residential and commercial
properties, offering substantial cost savings and greater energy efficiency.

Impact on Heating and Cooling Equipment:

Smaller and More Efficient Systems: Increased airtightness means smaller
systems that work less to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Consistent Indoor Climate: Airtight buildings maintain a steady climate with
fewer temperature fluctuations.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: Mechanical ventilation helps filter and control
air quality, ensuring healthier spaces.

Advantages of Airtight Properties with Mechanical Ventilation Systems:

Reduced HVAC Tonnage and Ductwork Size: Minimal air leakage allows for
smaller HVAC equipment and ductwork, lowering costs.
Lower Costs: Smaller HVAC systems are cheaper to install and consume
less energy, resulting in lower utility bills for large residential and commercial
properties.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Proper air sealing and mechanical ventilation
reduce Air Changes per Hour (ACH), lowering energy consumption and
operating costs, making buildings more sustainable.

In summary, increasing airtightness at the design stage results in smaller, more
efficient heating and cooling systems, significant cost savings, and improved energy
efficiency, making homes and commercial properties more comfortable and
sustainable.