Big Air – Building Air Barrier Testing

Track 4: Testing, Analysis & Quality Assurance

Wednesday, April 19, 10:30 – 12:00

This presentation is designed to clarify expectations of performing diagnostic air barrier testing on existing and new construciton structures. What does a whole building air barrier
test look like? Why test? What type of results are found through the investigation process?

Equipment being used from blower doors to incorporating thermography will be discussed. Some of the various standards available and common problems observed will be summarized. Attendees will recognize why to test, visualize what a whole building air barrier test may look like, and where common failings in existing air barriers are typically located.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will clarify the need for air barrier testing to establish continuity and efforts of air barrier construction.
  2. Define what standards to utilize based on client goals and expectations.
  3. Visualize what an air barrier test may look like through a short video and pictures gathered through testing.
  4. Attendees will be able to identify common and repeated errors in the air barrier and apply these findings to designing or repairing better air barriers.
Level of content:
Intermediate
50%
Audience:
Design Professionals
0%
Contractors
100%
Testing, Analysis and Quality Assurance Program
100%

Torrance Kramer, Building Envelope Commissioning Professional, Certified Energy Manager, BPI Multifamily, LEED O&M

Accurate-Airtight Exteriors, Inc., Waupaca, WI

Torrance Kramer has been passionately working to reduce energy consumption of buildings across the country for over a decade. He has completed comprehensive energy audits and
onsite assessments on everything from single family homes, multi-story high rises, grocery stores, municipal, and everything in between. He began testing building air barriers after
observing the lack of understanding and recognition of the neccessity for an effective air barrier in the older building stock. This led to testing buildings small to large across the
country. He now operates a firm that tests, repairs, and consults on proper air and thermal barriers of buildings of all sizes.