blog 2. An Airtight Home
We’ve come to expect the products we purchase - electronics, appliances, vehicles etc. - to function properly ‘out of the box’. Generally this follows rigorous testing performed by the manufacturer before it is released to the public. So why should the construction of a new home, which is arguably the largest purchase you will make, be any different. And with changes to construction standards and building codes, requiring ever increasing performance levels to achieve energy efficiency targets, it only makes sense that testing measures are in place to ensure a home will function as intended.
One such test is a blower door test, for measuring the air tightness and air leakage rate of the home. A rather inexpensive test (usually around $500-$800), and often completed in a few hours. The test is typically performed when the house is sealed (taped and insulated) but prior to finishes being applied. The home is depressurized, and the tester can identify areas where air leakage is occurring. Remedial work can be completed by the contractor fairly easily at this stage, and often retested during the same visit.
This simple test ensures that the design air leakage rate is achieved, which in turn will ensure that other aspects of the house perform properly, such as the mechanical system. Depending on the level of air tightness achieved, there can be other advantages. Where design challenges, such as increased levels of insulation, or higher performing windows pose a design challenge due to space limitations or cost concerns, there may be substitutions available, where higher air tightness targets are met. Often the cost savings in other areas of construction can more than offset the cost of the test. A blower door test is a worthwhile investment, and should be considered for the construction of any new home.
Image Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-blower-door-test-system_fig2_312287277
Craig Esposti - Architect