During this test, a calibrated fan is installed in an otherwise sealed door or window, while all the other openings to the exterior are closed. When the fan is turned on, it creates a pressure difference between the outside and the inside. This test determines if it has happened on a project.Ī blower door test is used on buildings in order to quantify the amount of air leakage through its enclosure. Professionals across the industry have long been aware of the need for better duct sealing, enclosure sealing, and improved indoor air quality. These leaks also impact energy usage, as the air that is heated or cooled escapes the building more quickly, increasing air conditioner or heater runtimes.Īnd that is why a blower door test is so critical to your process, whether you are building residential, multifamily, commercial, new construction or restoration/retrofits.
In humid climates, high amounts of envelope leakage can cause excessive amounts of moisture to infiltrate the home, making it uncomfortably sticky and more susceptible to IAQ issues such as mold. In drier climates, the opposite is true, dry air comes in during the winter months and makes for an uncomfortably dry environment that can cause dry sinuses, static electricity, and even increase the spread of viruses. Depending on the climate you live in, this leakage can have detrimental effects. They allow cold or warm air, moisture, and contaminants to enter as well. These gaps aren't just a place for bugs, dust, and pollen to get in. Gaps and cracks in the air barrier and surrounding connections of a home or building can cause several issues. So, by not focusing on this crucial aspect of the building process, you’re ultimately creating a path to a leaky home, which can lead to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), which can lead to moisture deposits on cold surfaces, which can lead to mold, which, again, can result in poor indoor air quality and even health effects to residents.Įxterior building enclosure leakage impacts our health and well-being. Once you conceal it with siding and shielding, it’s nearly impossible to fix. You only get one chance to put together your building envelope correctly.
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