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Purpose of the work
According to the two Swiss building standards Minergie-P and Minergie-A, individual dwelling units are considered measuring zones for airtightness, irrespective of whether they are in a new, renovated or modernized building. The Minergie standards focus on comfort between the dwelling units and the energy losses caused by infiltration.
Do zone measurements meet relevant requirements? Which requirements do the zone measurements fail to meet?
Method of approach
We are a certification body and grant the aforementioned labels after reviewing airtightness test reports. Based on these test reports we can ascertain whether individual dwelling units meet airtightness requirements. Analyses based on the test reports indicate that zone measurements have been made in compliance with our requirements.
Content of the contribution
- Definition of zone measurements according to Minergie-P/-A and number of measurements to be performed.
- Evaluation of the measurement results qE50 at negative and positive pressure and mean value checked against requirements.
- Evaluation of test results with regard to the air flow exponent n (for measurements according to EN 13829 and ISO 9972) and the coefficient of determination r2 (for measurements according to ISO 9972).
- Ratio between air flow exponent n and air permeability of the building envelope qE50.
- Guidance in the event of many leakages.
- Guidance for non-residential buildings.
Results and assessment of their significance
Minergie has specified requirements for zone measurements since 2007 as does the SIA standard 180:2014. The test results indicate that zone measurements are feasible and that the requirements have been met for the most part.
Conclusions
If airtightness is well-designed and well-executed, these requirements can also be met when conducting zone measurements.
After renovations / modernizations it is not that easy to comply with these requirements, because joints in false ceilings often cannot be sealed well enough.
For further information please contact Gregor Notter at: gregor.notter@hslu.ch