Blower Door Testing & Air Tightness Testing

The Essential Guide to Blower Door Tests

A blower door test is an indispensable tool in the realm of building science, serving as a diagnostic method to measure the airtightness of buildings. It is a key component in ensuring that homes and commercial spaces are not only energy-efficient but also comfortable and resilient.

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What is a Blower Door Test?

A blower door test involves creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of a building to reveal the rate of air infiltration through imperfections in the building envelope. This is achieved by mounting a powerful fan into the frame of an exterior door, which then depressurise or pressurise the building. As the indoor air pressure drops, outside air flows in through unsealed cracks and openings, which can then be measured and located.

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Why is a Blower Door Test Important?

• Energy Conservation: By identifying and sealing leaks, blower door tests help maintain the desired indoor temperature with less energy, significantly reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Enhanced Comfort: Drafts and cold spots can be eliminated by addressing the issues uncovered in a blower door test, leading to a more consistent and comfortable indoor environment.
• Improved Air Quality: Sealing leaks helps prevent the entry of outdoor pollutants, dust, and allergens, contributing to healthier indoor air quality.
• Moisture Management: Airtightness reduces the risk of moisture problems, which can cause mold growth and structural damage over time.
• Compliance and Certification: For buildings seeking green certifications or needing to comply with NCC verification requirement, blower door tests are required.

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Incorporating blower door testing into the construction or renovation process is a smart investment in the building’s performance. It not only contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective future but also ensures a healthier and more comfortable space for occupants.

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Testing to Verify National Construction Code Requirements?

National Construction Code under verification method V2.6.2.3 allows that compliance with Section 3.12.4 (Building Sealing) is verified when a building envelope is sealed at an air permeability of not more than 10m3/hr.m2 at 50 Pa reference pressure when tested in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 9972 Method 1. Builders may obtain an Air Tightness Test demonstrating they comply with this requirement.

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What are My Obligations as a Building Surveyor or Inspector ?

Building surveyors and/or certifiers must be confident that the building they are certifying complies with all aspect of the National Construction Code, including the Energy Efficiency provisions for Building Sealing. Certifiers prior to issuing their final certificate should request the builder provide an Air Tightness Test  certificate demonstrating compliance with NCC V2.6.2.3.

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How can we help?

As a accredited ATTMA professional and with many years in the energy efficiency industry, we can audit and undertake Air Tightness Testing on all buildings up to 4000m2.

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Contact us today and speak with us about your needs, we services Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and the whole of Victoria - we go where you need us!