The Effect of Airtightness on Indoor Air Quality in Timber Houses in New Zealand

This two-part study considers the impact of airtightness based on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) only. Two identical buildings (test and control) were constructed in Auckland, New Zealand. The test building contained an Intello vapour check membrane to reduce air-flow and subsequent heat loss. Air change rates (air changes per hour, or ACH) were calculated from air-leakage rates in each of the buildings. Data analysis demonstrated that the VOC levels in the test house were consistently higher than those established in the control house.