A Leakage Pathway refers to any opening, gap, or route through which air can escape or infiltrate into a building’s envelope. It represents a point of potential air leakage, compromising the overall airtightness of the building.
Leakage pathways can exist at various locations within a building, including around windows and doors, through wall penetrations, at junctions between building components, in ductwork systems, or even through cracks and gaps in the building materials. These pathways can be caused by improper installation, ageing, settlement, or design flaws.
Identifying and sealing leakage pathways is crucial for improving energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and indoor air quality. By addressing these openings, the uncontrolled movement of air can be minimised, preventing the loss of conditioned air and reducing the infiltration of outdoor pollutants, allergens, and contaminants.
To effectively mitigate leakage pathways, a combination of measures may be employed, including proper sealing techniques, the use of air barrier materials, caulking, weatherstripping, insulation, and the installation of airtight building components. Regular inspections, building diagnostics, and airtightness testing are often conducted to locate and address leakage pathways systematically.
By minimising leakage pathways and enhancing the airtightness of the building envelope, energy efficiency can be improved, heating and cooling loads can be reduced, and the overall performance and comfort of the building can be optimised.