In the realm of constructing new residential and commercial buildings, ensuring an optimal building envelope is paramount. However, many air gaps and leaks are hidden away in the attic or walls, or too tiny to detect with the naked eye. This is where the precision of a blower door test becomes indispensable, a requirement set by Vermont’s building energy standards to guarantee efficiency from the start.
Setting the Foundation for Energy Efficiency
When embarking on a new construction project, understanding the building’s energy profile from the outset is crucial. Before any insulation decisions are made, the Vermont Foam Insulation team provides a thorough assessment to lay a foundation for achieving a fully optimized building environment.
As part of our superior level of service, Vermont Foam Insulation can also perform post-work quality assurance, by testing the air-tightness of the the building using a blower door test. We prefer to do this work as the insulation work is coming to completion to highlight any potential oversights before the final steps. We can also provide a blower door test as a final air leakage number to verify compliance with new state guidelines.
The Process of Blower Door Testing in New Constructions
The preparation for a blower door test in new construction settings involves sealing all external openings, ensuring clear internal pathways, taping off vents, and keeping internal doors open. A specialized temporary fan is then mounted to an exterior doorway, creating a slight negative pressure by expelling indoor air. This process is monitored with sensors that measure air infiltration through unseen openings, allowing the Vermont Foam Insulation team to estimate the total leakage present.
The Importance of Air Sealing
Post blower door test, our experts employ infrared cameras to identify where the building’s envelope may be compromised, leading to effective and permanent air sealing solutions. Often, a subsequent blower door test is conducted to confirm that the air leakage issue has been thoroughly addressed.
Why New Construction in Vermont Needs Blower Door Testing
Vermont’s architectural landscape, ranging from the historic to the modern, shares a common challenge: the risk of energy loss. Blower door testing is a critical tool in identifying energy leaks and insulation voids right from the construction phase, ensuring that new residential buildings are sealed and insulated efficiently. The benefits are manifold:
- Consistently comfortable indoor climates, regardless of the season
- Noticeable reductions in energy consumption and utility bills
- Healthier indoor air quality
- Contributions to environmental sustainability
- Enhanced soundproofing for a quieter indoor experience
Addressing Air Leakage in New Constructions
As leaders in home performance and spray foam insulation, our mission extends to new constructions, aiming to provide comfortable and energy-efficient living and working spaces without the burden of excessive costs. Preparing for Vermont’s diverse climate challenges or simply adhering to energy codes, blower door testing delivers the insights necessary for implementing effective, long-term solutions in new buildings.
