Air Tightness Testing and Water Penetration

Air tightness testing, often referred to as an air leakage test or air permeability test, is a valuable method for measuring the extent to which air is lost through leaks in the building enclosure. Knowledge of the air leakage rate of a building is critical to reduce energy consumption and to improve comfort for the occupants.

Element provides air tightness testing of various types of assemblies used in building enclosures, from air barriers to fenestration and cladding products. Since air leakage is not only responsible for heat loss and low occupant comfort, but it also enhances the risk of moisture damage, we pair our testing with water penetration tests under uniform or cyclic static pressure difference. Our goal is to ensure that the materials used in building enclosures will prevent air and water infiltration, allowing for lower CO2 emissions, better indoor air quality, and fewer issues due to moisture brought in by outside air.

Testing for the air tightness of building products is particularly useful during the design phase and the construction process of new buildings as well as during retrofits. It confirms that air tightness targets are met and avoids undesirable and costly problems during the service life of the building. 

For more information about how we perform air tightness testing, or to learn more about water penetration, contact us today.