Lower heating bills and a smaller CO2 footprint. Feasible!

Each sealed joint or filled crack helps to improve the airtightness and thermal insulation of the building.

Text: Kuldar Kongo, Head of Product Management, Wolf Group

There is a lot of talk about saving energy, but the key question is how or what to use to reduce energy costs. A simple solution is to install an additional layer of thermal insulation, but it is much more practical and cost-effective to close air leaks and avoid cold bridges. 

Uncontrolled air leaks account for 25-40% of energy losses in a building. A large part of heat losses occurs at the joints between windows and doors as well as through the roof, external walls, piping, ventilation and penetrations. Therefore, building airtight and low thermal conductivity structures and avoiding cold bridges is necessary to achieve energy efficiency in buildings. 

Choosing the right sealing material and applying it correctly is crucial, as even the smallest cracks can mean significant heat loss and higher heating bills. Construction foam is unique in its properties because, in addition to its low thermal conductivity, the foam ensures airtightness when used correctly. This gives a clear advantage over other classic insulation materials when sealing joints. Sealant, on the other hand, is not only airtight but also weatherproof. Using these products in a targeted way, energy-efficient and long-lasting solutions can be achieved.

At Penosil we are constantly developing and testing more energy-efficient products. Depending on the object or conditions, these products can be used alone or as part of a wider solution. According to the European Union directive, since 2021, all newbuilds must be nearly zero-energy buildings. To help our customers to choose correct products and installation techniques, Penosil has created complete solutions for various construction applications. One of the most complicated and demanding joints in construction is the window installation joint. Penosil window installation solutions help to execute window installation process correctly on any facade type.

To achieve energy efficiency, heat losses and the effects of cold bridges must be minimised, and air tightness must be ensured. For the building’s indoor climate, the internal structures must be protected from excessive moisture and ensure that accidental moisture entering the structure can escape without any problems. For the longevity of the building, attention should be paid to protecting internal structures from the impact of the weather. Also, for the building to remain aesthetically appealing, products with high elasticity should be used for moveable joints. It is important that the insulation solutions last a long time and do not need to be improved constantly.  

Find out more about Penosil construction solutions.