1. Scope

1.1 These test methods describe two techniques for measuring air leakage rates through a building envelope in buildings that may be configured to a single zone. Both techniques use an orifice blower door to induce pressure differences across the building envelope and to measure those pressure differences and the resulting airflows. The measurements of pressure differences and airflows are used to determine airtightness and other leakage characteristics of the envelope.

1.2 These test methods allow testing under depressurization and pressurization.

1.3 These test methods are applicable to small indoor-outdoor temperature differentials and low wind pressure conditions; the uncertainty in the measured results increases with increasing wind speeds and temperature differentials.

1.4 These test methods do not measure air change rate under normal conditions of weather and building operation. To measure air change rate directly, use Test Methods E 741.

1.5 The text of these methods reference notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements see Section 7.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics

E631 Terminology of Building Constructions

E741 Test Method for Determining Air Change in a Single Zone by Means of a Tracer Gas Dilution

E779 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization

E1186 Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems

E1258 Test Method for Airflow Calibration of Fan Pressurization Devices

ISO International Standards

Other Standards

Keywords

air leakage; blower door; building envelope; field method; pressurization: Airtightness; Building envelopes; Field testing--building materials; Leak testing--building constructions/materials; Orifice blower door; Pressure testing--building constructions/materials;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.010.30 (Technical aspects)

DOI: 10.1520/E1827-96R02

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