Large Building Airtightness Testing in the Okanagan
Coordinated multi-fan airtightness testing for Part 3, multi-unit and commercial buildings across the Okanagan and BC Interior.
Multi-Fan
Whole-Building Testing
Part 3
MURBs & Commercial Buildings
Okanagan
Serving the BC Interior
Coordinated
Test Planning & Reporting
What Is Large-Building Airtightness Testing?
Large-building airtightness testing uses multiple calibrated fans to pressurize and depressurize the building so air leakage through the exterior envelope can be measured. Testing can verify design assumptions, identify leakage that may affect energy performance and provide documented results for applicable project, building-code or certification requirements. The testing plan, standard and reporting method are determined by the building type and project requirements.
When Is Large-Building Airtightness Testing Needed?
Airtightness testing may be required by the applicable building code, project specifications, energy model, certification program or authority having jurisdiction. It may also be requested as a quality-assurance measure before the building envelope is concealed.
Testing is commonly used to:
- Verify whole-building air-leakage performance.
- Confirm assumptions used in the project’s energy model.
- Identify leaks while corrective work is still practical.
- Support applicable code, certification or project documentation.
Confirm completed performance before occupancy or project closeout.Requirements vary by building and jurisdiction. Thrive Energy reviews the project documents and coordinates the testing method, equipment and reporting requirements with the project team.
How Large-Building Airtightness Testing Works
Large-building testing requires advance planning and coordination among the testing team, contractor, building-envelope consultant, mechanical trades and other project professionals.
1. Confirm the Testing Requirements
The project team confirms the test boundary, applicable standard, target pressure, required leakage metric and reporting requirements.
2. Prepare the Building
Exterior openings, mechanical systems, service penetrations, elevators, stairwells and interior doors are prepared according to the approved testing plan.
3. Set Up the Testing Equipment
Multiple calibrated fans may be installed at selected exterior openings. Depending on the building and testing objective, the entire building or specific zones may be tested.
4. Measure and Document Air Leakage
The building is pressurized and depressurized while airflow, pressure, temperature and weather conditions are recorded. Results are calculated using the required metrics and documented for the project team.
How Large-Building Testing Differs
Testing a large building requires more equipment, planning and site coordination than a residential blower-door test.
- Multiple Fans: Several calibrated fans may be needed to create and maintain the required pressure across the building envelope.
- Defined Test Boundaries: The entire building or selected zones may be tested, depending on the project requirements.
- Environmental Monitoring: Wind, outdoor temperature and stack effect are considered when planning the test and interpreting results.
- Team Coordination: The testing team works with the contractor, envelope consultant, mechanical trades and other project professionals.
Preparing the Building for Testing
The construction team receives a preparation checklist based on the building, test boundary and applicable testing protocol.
- Close and latch designated exterior doors and windows.
- Configure interior doors and connections between test zones as directed.
- Shut down or temporarily seal specified ventilation and mechanical systems.
- Prepare intentional openings and exterior penetrations according to the test plan.
- Coordinate access to suites, service rooms, shafts, stairwells and other included spaces.
Airtightness Test Results and Reporting
After testing is complete, Thrive Energy prepares a report documenting the test setup, building conditions, equipment, methodology and measured results.
Depending on the applicable standard and project requirements, the report may include:
- Airflow measured at the required reference pressure.
- Air-leakage results normalized by building-envelope area.
- Air changes per hour or other specified performance metrics.
- Indoor and outdoor temperatures, wind conditions and pressure readings.
- Test-zone boundaries and the treatment of intentional openings.
- Observations affecting the test or interpretation of the results.
The report is provided to the project team for use by the appropriate consultant, energy modeller or authority having jurisdiction. Compliance is determined according to the project’s approved performance target and submission requirements.
When Should Airtightness Testing Be Scheduled?
Airtightness-testing requirements should be reviewed during design or early construction. This allows the project team to confirm the testing standard, target, building boundary, required equipment and site-preparation responsibilities.
Depending on the project, testing may be scheduled at one or more stages:
During Construction: Diagnostic testing can identify leakage while air-barrier components remain accessible for repairs.
Before Final Testing: A preliminary test can help determine whether the building is likely to meet its target.
At Project Completion: Final testing measures completed building-envelope performance and provides the required results for project documentation.
Final testing should not be booked until the building has reached the condition specified in the approved testing plan.