Air Leakage Testing

IBES provides a range of testing services that can locate air leaks, which allows them to be sealed, thus making the building more air tight.  These services can be applied when the building is being constructed or several years later during or prior to renovations.   Testing can focus on window and curtain wall assemblies, sections of wall, or even the building as a whole.  Air leaks can be identified by a range of methods that include smoke (pens/bombs), leak detection fluid, and thermographic (infrared) imaging.  Pressure differentials are used during testing to enhance the air leaks, which makes them easier to find.  Quantitative measurements can be done during air leak evaluations of specific elements and/or the whole building for quality control verification and specification requirements.

All tests are conducted  in accordance with well-known and accepted industry testing standard procedures.  Examples of some utilized testing standards are:

• ASTM E283 Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Wall, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen
  
• ASTM E783 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
  
• ASTM E2357 Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies
  
• ASTM E1186 Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems