Construction materials that can improve your ventilation

In the past, construction companies used construction materials that maximized profits and achieved optimal effects in their buildings at a lower cost. This obviously did not translate into an increase in quality of life and comfort for the users who would later inhabit those spaces.

It was very common that, due to cheap and low-quality materials, many of the houses and apartments built a couple of decades or more ago now have an excessive dependence on air conditioning systems in summer and heating systems in winter.

However, today this trend has changed. Nowadays, we must bet on constructions that improve airtightness. This means the entry of cold and heat is made more difficult during summer or winter. Right now, most builders opt for a type of material that facilitates airtightness. Even more so considering that very soon the Nearly Zero Energy Building will be a reality, and at that time it will be essential to use a type of construction characteristics that focus on airtightness.

One of the materials that became most popular some time ago was plasterboard. Due to its ease of installation and low price, it became one of the star candidates for use in the walls of many new homes. This construction material, based on gypsum boards, might seem one of the least favorable for home ventilation, but in reality, it brought quite a few benefits.

Despite its lack of rigidity, it is quite airtight against cold and heat, which is positive for ventilation. It also combats humidity better and even allows for the application of paints directly. This convinces us that its use is not negative in these aspects. The problems, on the other hand, arise when trying to install on plasterboard walls, as they are quite flimsy compared to brick partitions.

Currently, what is starting to be used for about a year are sustainable composites as new ecological construction materials. They come from natural sources and are usually applied in renovated or newly constructed buildings. They comply with the new regulations of the Technical Building Code. What is their secret? To install facades made of several layers that offer insulation and protection. There is usually an exterior ventilated facade and another interior with drywall. The different layers protect against fires, as well as protect us from cold and heat.

They are innovative materials that significantly improve air quality. They can eliminate microorganisms by increasing thermal and acoustic insulation and controlling the breathability of the construction systems.

It is also very common to find today ecological materials in some of the most polluting elements. Natural fibers and bioresins that are thermoset are used in the renovation of buildings. This limits the use of the usual toxic materials that polluted the air and our ventilation. In that case, we refer to varnishes, paints, glues, or disinfectants that should be avoided especially when renovating a home.

Looking to the future, there are numerous advances in construction materials that are expected to be seen in the coming years. One of them is transparent aluminum, which aims to be used instead of common glass for windows. It is much more airtight and offers better protection. There are also gradually being tested bricks that absorb pollution or hydroceramics.

Effect of new construction materials on natural ventilation

Previously, when closing the windows, air would filter through the joints, doors, and even through the walls. And of course, that entailed cold and heat. Nowadays, to ventilate an airtight house, it is not enough to just open the windows for a while. As stated in the Technical Building Code in its Basic Document HS3, it is necessary to use a mechanical ventilation system.

To ensure that the airtightness provided by new construction materials is complemented with good ventilation, we need mechanical air extraction systems and even air intake systems. In this case, dual-flow ventilation solutions are the ones that guarantee greater healthiness and the air flow necessary for our homes. With always filtered clean air and avoiding pollution problems at home. In addition to regulating cold and heat for our comfort and well-being.