Compares some existing performance requirements for air permeability and water-tightness of windows. Gives tables showing main European standards. Finds that a large variety of methods of test and grading systems is used and concludes that steps should be taken to unify the systems.
Reports insights from research project "Optimalisatie koelhuisbouw" (Optimisation of cold store buildings) by the Delft Technical University for the Foundation for Cooling Technique Development. Pleads for standardisation of the maximum admissible heat gain by air leakage and yearly averaged pressure differences between the cold room and its surroundings. Gives some numerical examples. Uses theory of specific equivalent leak opening.
Describes use of an acoustic method developed by Keast to detect air leaks. A loud source of sound is placed inside the building and a microphone, stethoscope, rubber hose or sound meter is used to detect places where anincrease in sound indicates air leakage. Finds method is effective in detecting simple leaks but will not spot complex paths through walls.
Reports tests on 4 different windows of air leakage and sound transmission loss. Expresses each of these two quantities by a single parameter and finds reasonable correlation between the parameters. Concludes, within the limitations of the method, that the air leakage class of a window can be deduced from field measurements of sound transmission loss, when the acoustical performance in perfect sealing conditions is known.
The conduction of sound through the gap between window and wall depends on the width of the gap. This width also determines the air leakage, suggesting that air leakage might be measured by an acoustic method. Notes method requires that cracks are relatively large and have fewer than three kinks. Reports measurements in a wind tunnel of air flow through crack models made from aluminium and compares results with theory. Finds empirical expression relating pressure difference to air flow and gives graphs of results.
Reports a programme of tests of the resistance of windows to air and water penetration. These were intended to assess the variation in the results due to different designs of window, differences between individual windows of the same type, different pressure test boxes, and different test operators. Gives tables of results and finds considerable variation but no single source of the variation. Suggests new test procedure and a statistical criterion for acceptance.
Discusses masonry walls in relation to the air tightness of buildings. Considers mainly panel walls constructed of concrete blocks. States that in general such walls are very leaky, due mainly to shrinkage of the wall itself and deformation of the surrounding structure. Discusses the addition of insulation to wall, sealing of joints around window frames and at the edge of the floor slab. Gives diagrams showing details of building construction.
Measurements have been made of the air-leakage rates through structural components of conventional metal-panel and concrete buildings which may serve as containment for nuclear reactors. The component measurements included structural penetrations such as doors and louvers as well as materials such as caulking compounds, gaskets, and paints. Specimens were sealed inside of test vessels.
Presents the results of an energy-efficiency survey of 25 homes located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Insulation levels in the walls, ceilings and basements were measured and the economics of adding insulation to these areas were investigated. Air leakage of the houses was measured using a pressure test and compared with infiltration rates measured using tracer gas in fourhouses.< Concludes that a major portion of the heat loss (30-40%) in the average home was due to excessive infiltration.
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