Yes, provided that the building is equipped with an appropriate ventilation system (whether natural, mechanical or hybrid). A French study mentioned in the AIVC newsletter n°2 shows that better building airtightness converges with better indoor air quality because the ventilation system operates … Continue reading →
There are various kind of airtightness tester organizations. Some organizations are led by the qualification scheme in the country for example the British ATTMA and iATS and the Belgian BCCA. In France Qualibat is in charge of the qualification process … Continue reading →
The airtightness of a building is quantified by means of the measured air leakage rate through the building’s envelope in m³/h at a given reference pressure difference, often 50 Pa. The building airtightness may be expressed by other quantities, derived … Continue reading →
The relationship between the air flow rate (Q) and the pressure difference (ΔP) is often modeled by a power low: Q = C Pn The air flows from the higher to the lower pressure. For air to flow through the … Continue reading →
Air penetrates through porous building materials and through joints in the building structure, therefore, airtight construction techniques must focus on these aspects. Different construction materials exhibit different leakage characteristics. Irrespective of construction material, a modern building is normally of double skin construction in which … Continue reading →
A combination of materials within wall and roof assemblies which establish a continuous plane of airtightness in the building envelope. Its most important function is moisture control, but it also plays a significant role in energy efficiency, rain control and external … Continue reading →
Requirements depend on the country and the context of the measurement. Most EU countries include in their regulations either required or recommended minimum airtightness levels with or without mandatory testing. There are several countries (e.g.United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Ireland) where, … Continue reading →
A blower door is a device used to measure the airtightness of buildings. It can also be used to measure air leakage between building zones, to locate leaks in ductwork and to help physically locate air leakage sites in the … Continue reading →
A method of quantifying how much air leaks into or out of an enclosure. EN 13829 gives a standard test method for buildings. Several standards apply to ductwork systems (see also “How is the ductwork airtightness quantified?“). Building airtightness levels can … Continue reading →
n50 is a number used to quantify building airtightness. It gives the air change rate occurring as a result of air leakage through the building envelope when an air pressure difference of 50 Pa exists between inside and outside. This … Continue reading →
