Depressurization potential in new apartment buildings

In this paper, results of air leakage testing in newly constructed multi-unit residential buildings are presented, they show that individual apartments are relatively airtight. Energy use can be reduced, odor transfer between apartments can be prevented and occupant safety is enhanced during fire emergencies.
But severe pressure gradients can be generated in apartments by in-suite exhaust appliances, that could cause venting failure of combustion appliances. When all fans were activated, it created a significant negative pressure in the apartments that could induce water leakage through the building envelope.