4 MINUTE READ
18th August 2025
In today’s construction climate where cost, performance, and compliance pressures are rising – airtightness is one area where builders can gain a competitive edge. Yet it remains one of the most underutilised opportunities for improving building performance – especially during the build process. Here are five key reasons to prioritise airtightness early, and why AeroBarrier is the most effective way to do it.
It’s a simple truth: air leakage doesn’t want to go through walls – it finds the easiest paths, often leading to damp, mould, and structural degradation. With Awaab’s Law coming into force in October, and regulatory focus intensifying on indoor air quality and mould prevention, tackling airtightness at the source has never been more important.
Interstitial condensation (moisture trapped within walls) is a recognised risk in poorly sealed homes. The mantra of high-performance housing is “build tight, ventilate right.” Sealing before plasterboard on the ‘warm side’ of the insulation prevents warm, moisture-laden air from circulating between plasterboard and walls, helping avoid hidden damp, mould, and costly long-term issues.
We often hear concerns about buildings needing to “breathe.” But there’s a big difference between controlled ventilation and uncontrolled infiltration. Think of a Gore-Tex jacket – it allows moisture to leave, but it doesn’t let air through on a windy day.
Air movement in buildings is the same – Bricks, insulation, and plasterboard are not ventilation systems. Relying on gaps and cracks for fresh air is not only inefficient – it’s unhealthy. AeroBarrier helps to deliver controlled airtightness, supporting designed and purposeful ventilation strategies like MVHR, not fighting against them.
Why is there always one cold bedroom? Or a room that’s stuffy in summer? In most homes, uneven airtightness means inconsistent comfort.
AeroBarrier’s smart application method actively hunts down leaks throughout the building envelope – bringing every room closer to the same level of performance. The result? Excellent comfort in any building, with no cold draughts and a consistent indoor temperature throughout.
Draughts are the number one source of uncontrolled energy loss in UK homes. Our housing stock is some of the leakiest in Europe – wasting energy up to 3 times faster compared to similar homes abroad.
With energy costs still high, investing in airtightness before plastering isn’t just good building practice – it’s a long-term cost saver. AeroBarrier helps reduce heat loss, improve SAP scores, and unlock higher EPC ratings, which in turn increases a home’s value.
Let’s face it – failed airtightness tests are costly. They delay sign-off, push back schedules, and chew up contingency budgets – and all with record lows for planning at the same time.
Building Regulations are getting tighter, with many local authorities demanding higher standards. Delaying airtightness strategy until the end is a risky move. AeroBarrier ensures first-time pass rates, combining diagnostics, sealing, and post-install peace-of-mind testing in one visit – one stop shop compliance, quicker and cheaper.
AeroBarrier is the UK’s smartest airtightness solution – reducing build risk, improving comfort, and delivering results you can count on. Contact us today to see how we can help you build better, faster.
