Airtightnesstestinghas long—since the 1980's—been used to testhigh-performance housing. The 2012 version of the International Residential Code requirestestingof every new home. Recently there has been a growing trend oftestingtheairtightnessof largebuildingsas well. This digest reviews why one would invest inairtightnesstestingfor a largebuilding, how thetestingis done ...
Measuring theairtightnessofhigh-risebuildingspresents significant challenges due to the effects of wind and thermal lift (stack effect). Small indoor/outdoor temperature differences, combined with thebuilding'sheight, can create substantial natural pressure differences on thebuildingenvelope, while winds induce pressure fluctuations. The international standard ISO 9972 provides ...
ASTM E3158-18 is a standard test method used to measure the air leakage rate of large or multi-zonebuildingsusing a multi-fan pressurization system. This test is designed forbuildingsthat are too large or complex for traditional single-fan blower door tests, such ashigh-risestructures orbuildingswith multiple HVAC zones.
Furthermore, visual representations like the one above help us fully grasp the concept of High Rise Building Airtightness Testing.
Despite its increasing adoption, whole-buildingairtightnesstestingremains unfamiliar to many profes-sionals across the country. Since this test typically occurs near the end of a project, contractors are of-ten concerned about passing it and explaining potential failures to own-ers. In some jurisdictions, a failed test means no occupancy permit or other signifi cant fi nancial penalties ...
Tighterbuildingsare intended to increase energy efficiency, durability, occupant comfort and indoor air quality. Houses have become considerably tighter over the past couple decades; however, the most recent energy codes mandate even more stringent air sealing and tightnesstestingrequirements.
