EXPERTISE // SERVICES // BUILDING ENCLOSURE TESTING
Whole Building Air Pressurization Testing


The increasing demand for high-performance buildings has prompted code changes that mandate efficient use of energy and resources. These changes include more stringent requirements regarding the performance of building envelopes, particularly when it comes to their airtightness. WJE has in-house equipment and capabilities to perform quantitative air leakage testing for buildings of any size or complexity. We also use infrared imaging and theatrical fog tracing to identify locations of air leakage through building envelopes.
Various building codes and institutions are increasingly requiring whole building air barrier testing. The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code requires testing of most commercial buildings over 5,000 square feet. ASHRAE 90.1 2019 requires either testing or intensive quality control observations of the air barrier design and installation for all commercial buildings. California Title 24 currently has testing as an option for compliance but will likely include mandatory testing in the 2022 revisions currently underway.
WJE engineers and architects have gone through extensive large building training provided by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) and The Energy Conservatory. Our equipment can also be used to perform forensic qualitative or quantitative testing, along with air leakage site location tracing. WJE’s nationally ABAA-certified air barrier specialists are ready to assist clients with their whole building air pressurization testing needs.
- Building enclosure testing
- Building science
- Building enclosures
- Enclosure commissioning
- Design review
- Peer review
- Instrumentation and monitoring
- Systems and components
- Whole building airtightness testing
- Blower door testing
- Air leakage testing
- ASTM E779
- ASTM E1827
- ASTM E3158
- International Energy Conservation Code testing
- ASHRAE 90.1 2019 testing
- ASHRAE 90.1 2019 intensive quality control observations
- California Title 24 testing
- Washington state testing of commercial and multifamily residential buildings greater than five stories
WJE building scientist Justin Boone demonstrates a whole building air leakage test and explains how the data collected helps owners make their buildings more air tight and energy efficient:
RELATED INFORMATION
-
Justin L. Boone, Principal and Unit ManagerWJE Houston MORE >People | Justin L. Boone, Principal and Unit Manager
-
WJE's building science expertise and resources are the result of a commitment to understanding... MORE >Services | Building Science
-
Airtightness Testing of Mid- and High-Rise Non-Residential Buildings MORE >Projects | ASHRAE 1478-RP
-
Clients turn to WJE when they need a firm that fully understands the aesthetic and functional... MORE >Services | Building Enclosures