Whole Building Air Tightness Testing
Whole Building Air Tightness Testing is used for the measurement of the air permeability of buildings or parts of buildings at site and it specifies a method of pressurization or depressurization of the building. It is a measure of the resulting air flow rates over a range of indoor-outdoor static pressure differences. This test ensures there is no uncontrolled airflow or air leakage in the building. In case of excessive leakage, more energy is lost from the building, resulting in significantly higher electricity costs. It is preferable to maintain air tight buildings, allowing for controlled ventilation to suit the building type and environment. This type of test determines the building’s air leakage rate. Ideal conditions for the test described in this International Standard are small temperature differences and low wind speeds. For tests conducted in the field, it needs to be recognized that field conditions can be less than ideal. Nevertheless, strong winds and large indoor-outdoor temperature differences are to be avoided.
Whole Building Air Tightness Testing is specifically designed to ascertaining the air tightness of a building envelope. This test essentially tracks unintentional introduction of air through the outside envelope of a building from any of its structural components like
- Walls
- Windows
- Doors
- Roofs
- Other Structrual Elements
By detecting and quantifying its air leaks, we assist in ensuring that the building stands up to the highest levels of energy efficiency, sustainability, and performance.
Significance of Whole Building Air Infiltration Testing
It is a must in the present day because energy efficiency and environmental sustainability have become so important. Codes and standards like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and ESTIDAMA promote a fully sealed building envelop as the key to integration. Whole Building Air Infiltration Testing is probably the main option in meeting that criterion, as it can:
- Reduce energy consumption due to minimal heating and cooling losses.
- Improve indoor comfort by removing drafts and temperature swings.
- Strengthen the moisture-intrusion resistivity of the building.
- It can be of CM (Compliance Management) in relation to local and international building codes.
What Is The Process Of Whole Building Air Infiltration Testing?
Eminent conducts Whole Building Air Infiltration Testing using state of the art equipment and advanced methodologies. For pressurization, depressurization, and requesting airflow needed in maintaining some pressure difference, results are analyzed to get air leakage rates and refined areas.
Reasons for Whole Building Air Infiltration Testing
Whole Building Air Infiltration Testing is not just confined to new construction but actually is applicable to the existing buildings being renovated or modified. These tests are also performed as Clean Room Testing with similar principle and equipment. They are highly valuable for facilities housing sensitive types of equipment like data centers or laboratories. Regular air leak test here for maintaining integrity in these spaces is a must.
Why Should You Trust Eminent for Whole Building Air Infiltration Testing?
Eminent bring together the technical know-how with that of total commitment to excellence. We have the most competent staff backed by the latest tools and knowledge for accurate and reliable testing services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Whole Building Air Tightness is one of the testing procedures that determine the intentional and unintentional amount of leakage through walls, windows, doors, ceilings, roofs, etc, in the evaluation of the energy performance and efficiency of a building.
Testing aims at improving energy efficiency potentially with better compliance to building codes (like LEED, ESTIDAMA), eliminating drafts, remedying temperature differences, and comfort within the indoor environment.
The flow of air within a building is either pressurized or depressurized using specialized equipment, and the air-leakage rate, that is the amount of air at a certain pressure differential, is determined.
This should have been done by the professionals and experts in building performance testing so that all findings were taken into consideration with conformity to local and international regulations.