Building air leakage characteristics and airtightness durability of single-family dwelling

¹ Tokyo Denki University, School of Science and Engineering, Ishizaka, Hatoyama-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama 350-0394, Japan
² Tokyo University of Science, Faculty of Engineering, Niijyuku 6-3-1, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan

^* Corresponding author: toriumi@g.dendai.ac.jp

Abstract

In this study, we focus on the leakage characteristics and composition of openings associated with building airtightness in wooden single-family dwellings. The proposed parallel combination models for leakage are equal to or better than the power law in terms of compatibility with measured values. Unlike reinforced concrete housing complexes, wooden single-family dwellings indicate variability in terms of the coefficient of leakage characteristics, including in highly airtight units. Dwellings constructed approximately 10 years ago do not exhibit a clear declining trend. However, the airtightness decreases in dwellings that have undergone renovations on the outer walls, such as through the addition of an attic or the installation of additional heat pumps.