Cain CAD provides enclosure air leakage testing services for new construction during final stage and existing buildings. An enclosure air leakage test, also known as a blower door test, is conducted to measure the air tightness of a building’s outer shell including walls, windows, doors, and roof.

A summary of the process includes:

• Preparation: The building is prepared for testing by closing all windows, doors, and other openings that are not intended to be part of the building enclosure. Exhaust fans are turned off, and fireplace dampers are closed.
• Blower Door Setup: A blower door, consisting of a powerful fan mounted in an adjustable frame with a pressure gauge, is installed in an exterior door or window opening. The blower door fan is used to depressurize or pressurize the building’s interior.
• Pressure Differential: The blower door fan is used to either depressurize or pressurize the building’s interior. By creating a pressure differential between the inside and outside of the building, air leakage points can be identified and quantified.
• Air Leakage Measurement: The blower door fan operates at a standardized airflow rate to create a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the building. The pressure gauge measures this pressure difference and calculates the air leakage rate in the building envelope.
• Data Collection: Measurements are taken at various pressure differentials to assess the air tightness of the building enclosure. Inspectors may also use smoke pencils or thermal imaging cameras to visually identify air leakage points.
• Analysis: The data collected during the test is analyzed to determine the air leakage rate, often reported as air changes per hour (ACH) or as a percentage of the building’s volume. This information helps assess the overall performance of the building enclosure and identify areas where air sealing improvements may be needed.
• Reporting: The results of the enclosure air leakage test, along with any identified air leakage points, are documented in a report. Recommendations for improving air tightness and energy efficiency may also be provided.

Enclosure air leakage testing is a valuable tool for evaluating the energy efficiency and thermal performance of buildings. By identifying and addressing air leakage points, building owners can improve indoor comfort, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall building performance.

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