

The actual leakage test is run by measuring the leakage flow 10 times at each test pressure and using the average pressure and flow rate.

After the baseline test, the flow/pressure test is completed. This pressure-which is created by either stack effect or wind pressures-will be used in the final test calculations. Before the leakage rate is tested, a building bias or baseline pressure is established by measuring the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the space with the fans off and sealed. Once the building is sealed, test fans and pressure manometers are installed to measure the leakage rate in accordance with the test standard being used. A minimum of 10% of the ceiling tiles must be removed and all interior doors opened to assure a clear air path between the air barrier and the test fans.
#BUILDING ENVELOPE TESTING WINDOWS#
All doors and windows need to have permanent weather seals and sweeps installed. Sealing is normally achieved by using Visqueen and packing tape or carpet tack film to cover the opening in such a manner that the induced test pressure does not blow off the seal. An infrared building envelope testing scan provides information on air infiltration, air exfiltration, moisture laden insulation, insulation voids and moisture problems within the wall assembly.Prior to testing, all intentional openings (such as exhaust fans, wall louvers, flues, and vents) are sealed.
#BUILDING ENVELOPE TESTING PROFESSIONAL#
Many professional commercial building inspectors and energy auditors perform building envelope testing with infrared imaging technology to assess the performance of the “thermal building envelope” in the process of calculating energy efficiency of commercial buildings. If any one of these building envelope components fails, is damaged or is not constructed properly, minor to serious building damage can occur.

The building envelope also serves as the outer shell to protect the indoor environment from outdoor weather conditions.Ī building envelope design must include a solid, well formed structure, a drainage plane, an air barrier and a thermal barrier. Building envelopes create a separation between the interior and the exterior environments. A building envelope includes all components of a building that enclose conditioned space. The building envelope is the single most crucial element of any commercial building. The ducts that are part of the heating and cooling system offer one of the best opportunities to increase your energy efficiency, increase your comfort, and lower your energy bills. This empowers you to locate the leaks and make the necessary repairs. This is the process of using a Duct Blaster to pressurize the duct system and measure the amount of airflow that is being lost through the duct system. Our energy audit also includes duct pressure testing, to check for air leaks in the duct system. By air sealing and insulating, you could potentially save up to 30% of your energy bill and create a healthier indoor environment. When unconditioned air from outside slips into your home, or conditioned air seeps out, you have to pay to heat or cool that extra air replacement. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings so we can locate the air infiltration areas. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. Blower Door water Leak and energy loss Detection ServicesĪ Blower Door is used to find air leakage in your building, by quantitatively measuring air changes per hour.
