Services/Testing · Air barrier

Blower door and air leakage testing

A blower door test puts a number on how airtight a building is. We pressurize or depressurize the building, measure the air that leaks through, and with infrared show where the air barrier is failing.

Request a proposal Email us
  • ASTM E779
  • ASTM E3158
  • ASTM E1186
  • Energy code
  • LEED
Pressure reading during an air leakage test
Pressure reading during an air leakage test
When to call us

Where this helps most

  • Energy code or LEED requires it

    Airtightness testing for code compliance and certification.

  • Before the air barrier is covered

    Test early, while leaks can still be sealed easily.

  • Comfort or moisture problems

    Drafts, condensation or odors that point to air leaks.

  • HVAC is being sized

    A measured airtightness number instead of an assumption.

How it works

From first call to final report

  1. Prepare

    We agree on the test standard and target, and the conditions the building needs to be in.

  2. Test

    Whole building testing with RetroTec blower door equipment, to ASTM E779 or E3158 for larger buildings.

  3. Find the leaks

    Optional infrared during the test, to ASTM E1186, to locate leak paths at shafts, parapets and rim joists.

  4. Report

    Measured air leakage against the target, with photos of the leak locations.

What you get

Clear findings you can act on

  • A test report with the measured airtightness and pass / fail against the target
  • Leak locations with infrared and visible photos, if added
  • Recommendations for sealing before a retest
  • Every report and photo in your project's client portal
Pressure reading taken from the attic
Pressure reading taken from the attic
Pressure reading at an attic penetration
Pressure reading at an attic penetration
Questions

Common questions

When should the test happen?

Ideally twice: once while the air barrier is still exposed, so leaks are easy to fix, and once at completion for the final number.

What does the building need to be like?

Exterior doors and windows installed and closed, HVAC and exhaust openings sealed or controlled, and access to the whole building. We'll send a prep checklist.

Can you test large buildings?

Yes, with multiple fans following ASTM E3158 for large or multizone buildings.

Is infrared included?

It's an option we recommend. It turns a single number into a map of where to seal.

Related services
Existing buildings

Infrared thermography

Drone and handheld infrared scans of roofs and walls by a Level III thermographer.New construction

Construction QA site visits

Construction-phase QA site visits for the building envelope.New construction

Building envelope design review

Third-party review of architectural drawings for waterproofing and envelope detailing.
All services
Start a project

Field-tested answers. Defensible reports.

Tell us about the building and we'll reply within one business day with next steps and a proposal.

Request a proposal Or email [email protected]