pressurization

Pressurisation measurements were taken on 55 single family houses immediately before and after house tightening carried out as part of the Modular Retrofit Experiment (MRE) in New Jersey and New York. The data was reduced according totwo pres

As more component leakage test data become available, all available data has been merged using the orifice flow equation for a standard pressure differential of 50 Pa existing across the component. All component leakage areas are added to pro

A database on the airtightness performance of houses built according to current construction practices (1980 to 82) was established, province by province, across Canada. Airtightness tests were conducted using the fan-depressurisation method and the results were compared by province, builder, house style, and house size. The survey shows considerable variation in the leakiness of the houses when the results are compared by province. Less variation in airtightness exists when the houses are compared by builder, house style, and house size on a provincial basis.

Reports on pressure tests carried out on the Kasarminkatu 24 building (a museum of architecture) in Helsinki. The fans in the building were used to measure airtightness of the building envelope, and the tightness of windows and doors was measured separately by the guarded box method. The tightness of the building envelope was good (2 ach at 50 Pa). 70% of total air leakage came through the wooden roof structure, and only 5-10% through the windowstructure. Three alternative mechanical ventilation systems were also studied in the same building to assess their impact on indoor climate.

Describes a simple device which pressurises an enclosed volume of air adjacent to individual components in the building fabric. The air flow through the crackage is measured and the interdependence of the flow rate and pressure is examined. Windows, floors, loft traps and suspended ceilings are examined. A simple relationship is found to be applicable to individual components but no universal relationship is found for a general range of components with superficially similar cracks.

Describes research work in Finland concerning air infiltration and ventilation in buildings from 1979. Types of ventilation system in finnish houses, flats and other buildings are discussed. Reports on a model developed to predict the correlation between various factors and air infiltration. Gives a summary of pressure test measurements carried out in a few hundred small houses, and presents proposals for recommended airtightness levels in new buildings. Describes warm air heating systems, heat recovery systems in flats, and maintenance problems with ventilation systems.

Presents pressure tests pre and post retrofit for several groups of North American houses which have been sealed to reduce air leakage. This summarizes research carried out in Canada and the USA over the last few years. Briefly discusses test procedures used.

Describes a calibration technique to relate the air flow rate through a blower door to the fan speed and pressure difference across the door. To obtain an accurate and well-documented calibration of pressurization devices, a facility was designed and constructed at the US National Bureau of Standards. This accurately determines the flow rate through the fan as a function of fan speed, air density and pressure difference across the fan.

Presents a study to improve knowledge of the air tightness of the building envelope. The airtightness of buildings was measured by the pressure method and a literature study was carried out of corresponding measurements inScandinavia. The air tightness was measured mainly in timber frame detached houses,in some detached houses of masonry as well as flats. Notes that minorsealing techniques can improve Finnish dwellings, which are leaky compared to Swedish requirements. States that ventilation, heating and air infiltration must be considered together.

Describes a 2 year study sponsored by EPRI to ivestigate relationships between energy use, air infiltration and indoor air quality. Uses 2 bi-level, detached houses, identical in design and wind exposure. Continuously monitors parameters related to related to energy use, air infiltration, and indoor air quality.