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What is Airtightness (and Why It Matters for Net Zero Buildings)

Written by

Intelligent Membranes

The UK’s Net Zero Commitment and the Role of Airtightness

With the UK legally committed to achieving net zero by 2050, every industry is adapting to meet this challenge.

In the construction sector, the focus is on building structures that minimise environmental impact and maximise energy efficiency. Put simply, we need buildings that heat and cool themselves, without wasting electricity on energy-hungry systems.

This is where airtightness comes in.

What is Airtightness in Buildings?

If you’ve explored modern building standards like Passivhaus, you’ve likely come across airtightness.

Passivhaus is an internationally recognised energy performance standard that reduces a building’s ecological footprint, delivering ultra-low-energy homes and commercial spaces. One of its most important requirements? Airtightness.

Why? Because without it, buildings lose heat (or let it in during summer), forcing owners to rely on mechanical heating or cooling. Airtight buildings, by contrast, lock in comfort and efficiency.

Airtightness Explained (In a Nutshell)

When a building leaks air, its insulation can’t work effectively. Warm air escapes in winter, and hot air sneaks in during summer.

Airtightness ensures that insulation performs at its maximum efficiency. It does this by sealing up:

  • Window and door frames

  • Floor-to-wall connections

  • Wall-to-wall connections and corners

  • Vertical and horizontal joints

  • Basement floors and ceilings

In short: airtightness covers every potential leak point. By applying an airtight membrane inside the building, vapour is prevented from penetrating the insulation layer. This means better indoor climate control, reduced energy bills, and a major step toward sustainable construction.

👉 Learn more about our airtight paint products here.

How is Airtight Membrane Applied?

At Intelligent Membranes, we created a liquid-applied airtight membrane that can be rolled or sprayed onto almost any substrate:

  • Brick

  • Concrete

  • Timber

  • Steel

The membrane forms a continuous, flexible, 100% permanent seal. In just a simple point-and-spray, contractors can achieve consistent coverage and guarantee airtightness.

💡 This is far easier and more reliable than tapes or sheets — saving labour time while ensuring performance.

Passive Purple & Airtight White: Next-Gen Airtight Paints

To meet Passivhaus standards, our team developed Passive Purple — the world’s first liquid-applied airtight vapour control barrier.

  • ✅ Passivhaus Certified

  • ✅ BBA Approved

  • ✅ Simple spray or roll application

For projects that prefer a neutral finish, we also designed Airtight White — offering the same performance in a clear, colour-free option.

Builders save time. Owners save money. And everyone benefits from a more sustainable, eco-friendly building.

Why Airtightness Matters for Net Zero

Airtightness isn’t just a building requirement — it’s a climate solution. By reducing wasted heating and cooling, airtight buildings cut carbon emissions and play a vital role in reaching the UK’s 2050 target.

For more insights, check out:

Airtightness – Where to Learn More

Want to see airtightness in action?

👉 Ready to build airtight, energy-efficient, Passivhaus-standard buildings? Contact Intelligent Membranes today.

Written by

Intelligent Membranes

Passive Purple Editions