Air Leakage Testing

Air leakage is the uncontrolled passage of air through building envelope elements such as a wall floor joint, window frame, etc.

The objective of insulation is to prevent air movement from adding or removing heat in a building by convection, and provide minimal heat conduction itself. Air leakage bypasses insulation, prevents thermal integrity and is therefore a major contributor to energy consumption in a building.

In addition to energy loss, air leaks can cause condensation to form inside wall cavities and internal walls leading to numerous serious problems. Air leakage can also be a source of noise pollution.

Using an infrared camera and managing pressure differences between the building and the external environment, one can identify thermal irregularities and patterns indicating potential problems with insulation, air leakage or the building structure for further investigation.

Air leakage around door
Air leakage around door

Air leakage from loft hatch
Air leakage from loft hatch

Uncontrolled air loss from a building can have a significant impact on occupant comfort, and on what it costs to operate and maintain a building. Typically, air infiltration can account for 25% or more of a home’s heat loss.

Many building defects related to comfort, moisture problems, or high fuel bills can be directly traced to air leakage into and out of the conditioned space. While ventilation in accordance with Part F of the Building regulations means that controlled openings for ventilation, unintended air leakage is undesirable. Proper air sealing can often make the difference between a comfortable environment and a cold, drafty one.

Common air leakage paths
Common air leakage paths