Air Barrier Testing

What?

What is Air Barrier (blower door) testing?
A blower door is a machine used to measure the airtightness of buildings. It can also be used to measure airflow between building zones, to test ductwork airtightness and to help physically locate air leakage sites in the building envelope.

Why?

Why it's important?
Required by energy code
Helps determine air tightness of building.
Avoiding moisture condensation problems
Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage
Major leaks or multiple leaks can cause serious wear and tear on your building. Over time, these leaks can cause your building systems to overwork, which results in higher utility bills, increased maintenance, and premature system failure.
At the heart of air barrier testing, the purpose is to identify any issues that can cause energy loss.

Our Role

FTC's role in AB Testing:
FTC helps isolate intentional penetrations (HVAC/Mechanical systems) in the air barrier of the building.
FTC works hand in hand with the GC and Engineering company to isolate/seal penetrations to get the building to a ready state for testing.

Our usual workflow:

  1. Mobilize crews for prep/masking

  2. Walk the air barrier boundary lines to ensure details are completed

  3. Setup air barrier kick-off meeting with testing company, and GC to go over logistics.

  4. Establish the test date(s) and when masking activities will occur

  5. Confirm there is no missing window glazing or doors

  6. Order masking material, if FTC will provide.

  7. Clarify items to mask off:

    • Bath fans

    • Range hoods

    • Dryer vents

    • Exterior doors (usually at roof, mid-level decks/terraces and street level)

    • Shafts

    • Plumbing vents

    • Trickle vents in the windows

    • Check all mechanical rooms at roof and transfer slab

  8. Confirm access to all units and clarify hindrances to masking activities

  9. Call pertinent subs to clarify where other vents or leakage points could occur. (Consult with testing company.)

  10. Turn off breaker to fans – whole house and bath fans

  11. Biggest leaks occur:

    • Microwaves

    • Major mechanical – getting big passive vents taken care of

    • Elevator and stair relief

    • Trash chutes – bag the top and tape the doors at each level

  12. Prop open all doors inside the building. 

  13. Foreman and a masker to remain onsite until test is completed, damask common areas same day. 

  14. Send a Crew the following day to damask all units.