Determination of the airtightness of building envelopes and of the current state

Bad airtightness of the thermal envelope represents the most common source of significant thermal loses in buildings. In the aim of determining the real state of this parameter airtightness testing is performed by using the fan-pressurisation technique, or commonly known as the „Blower door“ method.

Blower door is a specially designed machine composed of the membrane which is used for sealing the opening (most often the door) and which is attached to the metal sub construction, a fan which is used for dragging the air out of the room (depressurizing) and a manometer which is measuring the pressure difference (image).

Measurement procedure is non dependant on the weather conditions.

During the measurements it is easy to diagnose the elements (windows, doors, cracks, joints) which are responsible for significant air leakage, by using the appropriate smoke test using smoke pencils or smoke guns.

Measurements are performed according to EN ISO 13829:2008 standard „Determination of air permeability of buildings - Fan pressurization method“.

Measurements are performed by testing single rooms or groups of rooms (e.g. an apartment) localized in characteristic positions in the building (e.g. apartment in ground floor, in the middle of the building, in the loft, in corner positions).

During the measurements it is necessary to close all ventilation shafts in the building.

Measurement results are presented in the form of an appropriate report.