Building Enclosure Testing
What is Building Enclosure Testing?
Building Enclosure Testing (BET), sometimes referred to as blower door testing, is becoming a requirement for new construction projects across the country because of the newest versions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) being adopted by more and more jurisdictions. As more owners and general contractors find themselves navigating through these new energy codes, NTi is here to serve as their partner and walk them through it.
NTi’s in-house NEBB certified professional performs building enclosure testing (BET) on all types of facilities to ensure the effectiveness of air barriers. Our service has two parts: making sure customers meet code requirements and diagnosing building pressure issues.
Performing BET helps owners and general contractors meet code requirements, reduce energy consumption, and provides comfortable environments for occupants.
Process
-
Our team meets with the client to discuss project requirements and understand testing goals.
-
The construction documents are reviewed to ensure there is a continuous air barrier specified. The architect and construction team are notified of any possible concerns.
-
We develop a tailored testing plan for the site to minimize interruption and to ensure accurate results. We will discuss the plan with the construction team and ensure that all required penetrations are sealed off in preparation of our visit.
-
Testing is performed on site per NEBB and ASTM E1827 or ASTM E779 standards using our calibrated blower door equipment. While the building is under pressure, we use our thermal imaging camera to find areas of leakage. We will discuss the results on site with the general contractor.
-
A report is generated with data analysis of the testing results, an executive summary, pictures, and thermal images.
-
We provide follow-up consultations as needed to discuss results. When necessary, re-tests can be performed to ensure that repairs to the air barrier were successful.
Featured Projects
“Managing construction projects for a quick service restaurant like Andy’s Frozen Custard poses many challenges, but one that stands out is ever-changing building codes. Will and his team at the Kansas City National TAB Intelligence office were able to assist in our building envelope testing on short notice; a necessary test for project completion that was not required on any previous Andy’s in the KC area due to updates in the energy codes. NTi played a crucial role with the services that they provided and made the process easy on our office and GC team.”
A chain restaurant reached out to the NTi team to perform Building Enclosure Testing at a restaurant in Missouri. This was the first time the testing was ever required for project completion on one of their stores because of updates in energy codes in Kansas City.