dublin airtightness presentation

8/12/2019 Dublin Airtightness Presentation

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Airtightness Of TheBuilding Envelope

David Unwin

General Manager BSRIA Commercial Airtightness


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Corporate status

The Building Services Research andInformation Association

a company limited by guarantee

non profit distributingnon tax paying650 MembersGlobal presence

BSRIA Limitedwholly owned trading subsidiary


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BSRIA is ..

a consultancy, test and research organisation,working with construction and building servicescompanies and their clientsadding value to your business, saving you moneyand giving you peace of mind


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BSRIA has

an independent and objective approachan authoritative reputationa unique blend of technical and marketing capability53 years of building services research and consulting

experience, and a turnover of 10.5 million (08/09)160 people, operating in 4,000 square metres of laboratoryspaceUKs leading information database for building services

We serve the whole built environment chain from client toconsultant and facilities manager


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Being a BSRIA member

Demonstrate that you are leading the industry through innovation and best practice

Access to all BSRIA

services, and, specially formembers:Personal and web access tothe Information CentrePublications packageNetworks for informationexchange and researchExpert enquiry service

0 100 200

Academics, institutionsand associations

Clients and buildingoperators

Manufacturers

Consulting engineers

Contractors


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Airtightness

We can help you save energy by delivering an airtight building

Pressure testing of buildings forPart L compliance

Nationwide services with fourregional UK offices and a fifth onthe way

Armagh office covering all of Ireland

for both domestic and commercialtesting

Expert input to the design process

Support services including thermalimaging and smoke testing

Guidance on fume cupboard andlocal ventilation systems


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What Is Airtightness ?


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What Is Airtightness ?

Or to put it another way


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What Is Air Leakage ?


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Air LeakageIs The

UNCONTROLLEDFlow Of Air Through

Gaps And CracksIn The

Fabric Of A Building


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Air Leakage Is Measured As Either Air Leakage Index Air Permeability

The leakage of air (m 3/hour) in or out of thebuilding, per square metre of buildingenvelope at a pressure differential of 50Pascals (m 3/ (h.m 2) @50Pa) between the

inside and outside of the building.


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What Is The Building Envelope?


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20m

12m

30m

Envelope Area For Air Leakage Index = Combined Area Of Walls + Ceiling

= 2 x (30 x 12) + 2 x (20 x 12) + 30 x 20 = 1800 m 2

Envelope Area For Air Permeability = Combined Areas of Walls + Ceiling + Floor

= 2 x (30 x 12) + 2 x (20 x 12) + 2 x (30 x 20) = 2400 m 2

If the Airtightness Test shows a total air flow of 4.50 m 3/s (ie. 16,200 m 3/h), the results of the Airtightness Test will be

Air Leakage Index = 9 m3

/h.m2

Air Permeability = 6.75 m 3/h.m 2

Calculation Of The Building Envelope ALI v AP


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History Of Airtightness Testing

Pioneered in ScandinaviaTracer Gas TechniquesPressurisation

Fan RoverIndividual Client Airtightness SpecificationsBuilding Regulations 2002Formation Of ATTMABuilding Regulations - 2006


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Formation Of ATTMA

Air Tightness Testing and Measurement AssociationFounded in 2002 at the request of the ODPM (Office Of The Deputy

Prime Minister Now CLG (Communities & Local Government)BSRIA Founder Member Industry Self Certification Body To Demonstrate CompetenceHelps Specifiers and Building Control in the selection ofappropriately experienced airtightness contractors


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Building Regulations Part L - 2006

REGULATION 20BTesting Of Buildings With A Usable Floor Area GreaterThan 500 m 2 Is Now A LEGAL Requirement

A local authority is authorised to accept, as evidence thatthe requirements of paragraph 2.a.ii have been satisfied,a certificate to that effect by a person who is registered bythe BINDT in respect of pressure testing for the air

tightness of buildings


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REGULATION 20BTesting Of Buildings With A Usable Floor Area GreaterThan 500 m 2 Is Now A LEGAL Requirement

A local authority is authorised to accept, as evidence thatthe requirements of paragraph 2.a.ii have been satisfied,a certificate to that effect by a person who is registered bythe BINDT in respect of pressure testing for the airtightness of buildings


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Paragraph 2.a.ii states the testing is carried out inaccordance with a procedure approved by the Secretaryof State

The 2006 Approved Document goes on to say Theapproved procedure for pressure testing is given in the

ATTMA publication Measuring Air Permeability OfBuilding Envelopes


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Type Air Permeabilitym 3/(h.m 2) at 50 Pascals

Best Practice NormalOffices

Naturally Ventilated 3 7Mixed Mode 2.5 5

Air Conditioned/Low Energy 2 5

Factories/Warehouses 2 6Superstores 1 5Schools 3 9Hospitals 5 9Museums & Archival Stores 1 1.5Cold Stores 0.2 0.35

DwellingsNaturally Ventilated 3 9Mechanically Ventilated 3 5

Good And Best Practice Standards


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0

2

4

6

8

10

Schools Offices Factories Dwellings

Part L 2006 Normal Best Practice


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Airtightness In Ireland

The ROI document LimitingThermal Bridging and Air Infiltrationis an adaptation of the UK DCLGdocument of the same name, thedetails having been modified andextended to reflect construction

practice in Ireland


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Background

The energy consumed by dwellings accounts for a largeproportion of Irelands total energy consumption, and of thecarbon dioxide emissions which contribute to climate changeSide effects of thermal bridging & air leakage include

Surface condensation, damaging decorations and enabling mouldgrowthDeterioration of the building fabric caused by interstitial condensationOccupant discomfort caused by draughts and cold rooms

Continuity of Insulation and Airtightness need to bethoroughly considered at all stages of design and

construction


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ROI - Building Regulations Part L - 2007

Air pressure testing should be carried out on aproportion of dwellings on all development sites

Including attached garages/conservatories/commercial work spaces

A performance level of 10m 3/(h.m 2) represents a

reasonable upper limit for air permeability


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DEAP Calculations

For some dwellings where the carbon emission rateis difficult to achieve for architectural reasons, the

Airtightness target under the DEAP (Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure) calculations MAY need to bereduced to 7, 5 or even 3 m 3/(h/m 2) @ 50 Pa to meetthe overall carbon emission rate required by theregulations


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ROI - Building Regulations Part L 2007Number Of Pressure Tests Per Dwelling

Number of units Number of tests

4 or less One test

Greater than 4, but equal or less than40

Two tests

Greater than 40, but equal or lessthan 100 At least 5% of the dwellingtype

More than 100:a)Where the first five tests achievethe design air permeabilityb)Where one or more of first fivetests do not achieve the design air

permeability

At least 2% (for dwellings inexcess of first 100 units)

At least 5% of units, until 5successful


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Dwelling Types

Various generic forms of dwelling are considered asseparate discreet types, these are detailed in SEIswebsite, www.sei.ie , including

Change in method of construction e.g.timber frame andbrick/blockGround floor, mid floor and top floor flatsEnd of terrace and mid terraceSemi-detached and detached

Significant changes in the building floor level


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Dwelling TypesWhat Is A Dwelling Type

Apartments

The above shows 3 types of apartment, testing requirements would be as follows:

1 of 1 or 21 of 3 or 45


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Technical Guidance Document L

Paragraph 1.3.4.4

Air pressure testing should be carried out on a

number of new dwellings on all development sites. A performance level of 10 m 3/(h.m 2) @ 50 Parepresents a reasonable upper limit


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Paragraph 1.5.4.1

Tests should be carried out by a competent person

and in accordance with IS EN 13829:2000 Thermalperformance of buildings: determination of airpermeability of buildings: fan pressurisation method


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Paragraph 1.5.4.5

Where remedial work and a new test is required on

any dwelling, following an initial test, the size ofsample for testing should be increased by one, forthat dwelling type


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Competent Testers

The Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) andthe United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)both run schemes to accredit companies to carryout Airtightness Tests on buildings.Both organisations base their schemes on the ISEN 13829:2000 and ATTMA Technical Standard 1TS1 can be downloaded from www.attma.org


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Airtightness of Commercial Buildings

Not mandatory in ROI (?yet) BUT regularly specifiedIndividual Client Requirement Some as tight as 2 or 3 m 3/(h.m 2)

Why?Energy efficiency & design low energyOccupant comfortSeen to be green Marketing considerations

politically expedientCompliance with potential future legislation


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Offices Air conditioned and mixed mode offices should have amaximum specified air permeability of 5 m 3/(h.m 2) andpreferably 3 m 3/(h.m 2) @ 50 Pascals in order to achieve

good control for occupant satisfaction and minimiseenergy consumptionIndividual designDiverse architectural variations


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Factories, Warehouses and SuperstoresMajor retail superstore and department store owners andoperators in the ROI have been specifying have beenspecifying (and achieving) air permeability standards of 2

or 3 m 3/(h.m 2) for many years.Regular roof and wall panels or brickworkGood detailing at material interfaces, particularly roof towallBetter quality loading bay doors


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Museum & Archival Storage FacilitiesGenerally require very tight control over temperature andhumidity, therefore require very tight Airtightnessstandards

Maximum Air Permeability of 1.5 m 3/(h.m 2) isrecommended

h f l ld


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Cold StoresVery high internal to external temperature differentialsand therefore require special attention to control producttemperature and minimise significant energy running

costs.Current maximum recommended Air Permeabilityspecification is 0.3 m 3/(h.m 2)This has been achieved and exceeded regularly forseveral years


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2010

Reduction Of Target Figures Best Practise shows scope for 8 as a maximum


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02

4

6

8

10


Part L 2006 Normal Best Practice 2010 ??


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European Airtightness Standards

2.5 m 3/(h.m 2)

4.0 m 3/(h.m 2)

2.5 m 3/(h.m 2)

2.2 m3/(h.m

2)


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02

4

6

8

10


Part L 2006 Normal Best Practice 2010 ??


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2010


Consistency Of Quality Of Testing How many people and/or companies are offering Part L tests

without the desired competence and training


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2010


Consistency Of Quality Of Testing How many people and/or companies are offering Part L tests

without the desired competence and training

Register Of Approved Testers ATTMA membership for Part L2A

The Company with UKAS accreditation BINDT registration for Part L1A

The individual NOT the company


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Design Stage

Specify the Airtightness Target at an early design stageThe Air Barrier Line

Closely follow the line of the inside face of the insulation in theexposed elements of the fabric of the buildingThe airtight surface should be brought inside rooms which will be

ventilated to the outside, such as boiler rooms, plant rooms, electricalswitch rooms and lift shafts

Pen-on-Section DrawingsMark up the air barrier line on the architectural main section drawingsas a bold distinguishable line

Larger Scale DrawingsSensitive points and complex interfaces

Design Considerations


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Design ConsiderationsKeep it Simple

More likely to be built right

Identify Air Barrier LinePen on section testMaterials

Always specify materials which are appropriate to the Air Barrier Line

Minimise Construction TypesJunctions cause potential problems

Material Interfaces DetailContinuity of the Air Barrier LineSpecific attention to roof/wall interfaces

Allocate responsibility for sealing the interface

Minimise PenetrationsWhere unavoidable, develop appropriate details for their properexecution


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Construction Stage

ManagementOn-going review of design

Communication & EducationSite Briefings & Tool Box Talks

Involve an Airtightness Specialist (such as BSRIA) as a ConsultantQuality Control

Regular inspection of workmanship by site managementIndependent assessment of QA for complex detailingConsider specifying an Airtightness Consultant (such as BSRIA) toinspect the building during the construction process


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Other Considerations

Cladding and Curtain WallingConstruction process on site may introduce fixing andsealing problems to an otherwise robust systemIncompatibility of adjoining systems

Fire SealsLoading Bay DoorsLift Doors


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The Airtightness Test

Specify that the Airtightness testing shall beundertaken by an independent organisation (suchas BSRIA) which is a member of ATTMA or onethat is accredited by INAB

Preparation For The Test


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Preparation For The Test All External Doors Closed

All External Windows Closed All Internal Doors Wedged OpenDrainage Traps Filled With Water Trickle Vents Closed

Mechanical Ventilation ExtractsSealed Air Handling Plant SealedAs Near To Operating Conditions

As Possible

Wind Speed < 8m/s (Force 3)

Temporary Seals To External

DoorsTemporary Seals To WindowsOr SillsTemporary Seals To Drains OrOverflows

Temporary Seals To TrickleVents


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How Do We Test ?

Before The TestSet Up The Equipment In A Suitable Opening In TheBuilding Seal The Test Equipment Into The Building

Measure The Wind SpeedMeasure The Temperature Inside The Building Outside The Building

Measure The Barometric PressureTake The Fan Off Pressure Readings

Single Fan Blower Door


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Single Fan Blower Door

Twin Fan Blower Door


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Twin Fan Blower Door

Triple Fan Blower Door


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Triple Fan Blower Door

Minifan


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Minifan

Fan Rover


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Four Fan Rovers Working Together


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g g


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When Things go Wrong


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g g g

Smoke tests

Thermographic survey


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Air leakage locations


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Air leakage locations

14.1C

21.3C

16

18

20

SP01

SP02SP03

SP04


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Common Site Problems


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Airtightness Specification Clauses


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The building air tightness pressure test shall be carried

out in accordance with the requirements detailed in the ATTMA Technical Standard 1, Measuring Air Permeabilityof Building Envelopes



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(For Dwellings) The building air tightness test shall becarried out by a suitably qualified person



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(For Dwellings) The building air tightness test shall becarried out by a suitably qualified person(For buildings other than dwellings) The building airtightness test shall be carried out by a member company ofATTMA (the Air Tightness Testing and MeasurementAssociation). The company shall also be UKAS Certified



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The building has been designed to achieve an air

permeability of XX m 3/(h.m 2) at an applied pressuredifference of 50 Pa.



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XX = 10 or lower



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XX = 10 or lower

The specified value for air tightness should be determinedwhen the SBEM or SAP calculations are completed.



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XX = 10 or lower

The specified value for air tightness should be determinedwhen the SBEM or DEAP calculations are completed.

The instrumentation used to carry out the building testshall be UKAS or INAB certified and have a valid

calibration certificate.



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For your own peace of mind, you really should

specify the following,

The building air tightness test shall be carried outby:-

A Member of ATTMA the Air Tightness Testingand Measurement Association. The company shallalso be UKAS or INAB Certified



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You may if you wish specify the following, however,

The Building Airtightness Test shall be carried out by:-

Anderson Mechanical Services (in partnership with BSRIA),

77B Main St,

Loughgall,

Armagh

BT61 8HZ


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Thank You

David UnwinGeneral Manager

BSRIA Commercial Airtightness

dublin airtightness presentation

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