ASTM E1186-03(2009)
(Practice)Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems
Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Air infiltration into the conditioned space of a building accounts for a significant portion of the thermal space condition load. Air infiltration can affect occupant comfort by producing drafts, cause indoor air quality problems by carrying outdoor pollutants into occupied building space and, in hot humid climates, can deposit moisture in the building envelope resulting in deterioration of building envelope components. In cold climates, exfiltration of conditioned air out of a building can deposit moisture in the building envelope causing deterioration of building envelope components. Differential pressure across the building envelope and the presence of air leakage sites cause air infiltration and exfiltration (1).
In some buildings, restricting air movement between interior zones of a building may be desired to separate dissimilar interior environments or prevent the movement of pollutants. Although not dealt with specifically in this standard, the detection practices presented can also be useful in detecting air leaks between interior zones of the building.
Air leakage sites are often difficult to locate because air flows may be small under the prevailing weather conditions. Wind conditions can aid in air leakage detection by forcing air to enter a building; however, where air is exiting, the building envelope construction may make observations difficult. For these reasons, forced pressurization or depressurization is strongly recommended for those practices which require controlled flow direction.
The techniques for air leakage site detection covered in these practices allow for a wide range of flexibility in the choice of techniques that are best suited for detecting various types of air leakage sites in specific situations.
The infrared scanning technique for air leakage site detection has the advantage of rapid surveying capability. Entire building exterior surfaces or inside wall surfaces can be covered with a single scan or a simple scanning actio...
SCOPE
1.1 These practices cover standardized techniques for locating air leakage sites in building envelopes and air barrier systems.
1.2 These practices offer a choice of means for determining the location of air leakage sites with each offering certain advantages for specific applications.
1.3 Some of the practices require a knowledge of infrared scanning, building and test chamber pressurization and depressurization, smoke generation techniques, sound generation and detection, and tracer gas concentration measurement techniques.
1.4 The practices described are of a qualitative nature in determining the air leakage sites rather than determining quantitative leakage rates.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
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Designation: E1186 − 03 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Practices for
Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air
Barrier Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1186; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 Other Standards:
ANSI-ASHRAE Standard 101 Application of Infrared Sens-
1.1 These practices cover standardized techniques for locat-
ing Devices to the Assessment of Building Heat Loss
ing air leakage sites in building envelopes and air barrier
Characteristics
systems.
ISO Standard 6781 Thermal Insulation—Qualitative Detec-
1.2 These practices offer a choice of means for determining
tion of Thermal Irregularities in Building Envelopes—
the location of air leakage sites with each offering certain
Infrared Method
advantages for specific applications.
3. Terminology
1.3 Some of the practices require a knowledge of infrared
scanning, building and test chamber pressurization and 3.1 Definitions:
depressurization, smoke generation techniques, sound genera-
3.1.1 air barrier system, n—a system in building construc-
tion and detection, and tracer gas concentration measurement tion that is designed and installed to reduce air leakage either
techniques.
into or through the building envelope.
3.1.2 air exfiltration, n—air leakage out of the building.
1.4 The practices described are of a qualitative nature in
determining the air leakage sites rather than determining
3.1.3 air infiltration, n—air leakage into the building.
quantitative leakage rates.
3.1.4 air leakage rate, n—the volume of air movement per
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
unit time across the building envelope or air barrier system,
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
including flow through joints, cracks, and porous surfaces, or
standard.
combinations thereof, in which the driving force for such air
leakage in buildings is either mechanical pressurization or
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
evacuation, natural wind pressures, or air temperature differ-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ences between the building interior and the outdoors, or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
combinations thereof.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
3.1.5 air leakage site, n—a location on the building enve-
statements, see Section 6.
lope or air barrier system where air can move between the
building interior and the outdoors.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.6 building system, n—the boundary or barrier separating
2.1 ASTM Standards:
theinteriorvolumeofabuildingfromtheoutsideenvironment.
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
3.1.6.1 Discussion—For the purpose of these practices, the
E741 Test Method for Determining Air Change in a Single
interior volume is the deliberately conditioned space within a
Zone by Means of a Tracer Gas Dilution
building generally not including the attic space, basement
E779 TestMethodforDeterminingAirLeakageRatebyFan
space, and attached structures, unless such spaces are con-
Pressurization
nected to the heating and air conditioning system, such as a
crawl space plenum. The actual building envelope may extend
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
beyond these boundaries because of ducting or other construc-
Performance of Buildings and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41
on Air Leakage and Ventilation Performance. tion features.
Current edition approved April 15, 2009. Published June 2009. Originally
3.1.7 test specimen, n—the part of the air barrier system on
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as E1186 – 03. DOI:
the building to be tested that may consist of the selected areas
10.1520/E1186-03R09.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1186 − 03 (2009)
of materials comprising the principle resistance to airflow, cal systems and moving an anemometer over the interior
joints between such materials and joints between the materials building envelope surface. If the building is depressurized, air
and structural, mechanical, or other penetrations through such jets will be present within the building at each air leakage site.
materials, and excludes any material which does not form an As the anemometer is moved over the building envelope
integral part of the air barrier system. surface, it will register an air velocity peak at the location of
the air leakage site. If the building is pressurized, interior air
3.2 For other definitions, see Terminology E631.
willflowtowardeachairleakagesite.Inthiscase,theresulting
measured air velocity peak will be less distinct.
4. Summary of Practice
4.2.4 Generated Sound in Conjunction With Sound
4.1 This standard presents the following seven practices for
Detection—Thispracticeconsistsoflocatingasoundgenerator
detecting air leakage sites in building envelopes:
within the building and moving a sound detection device over
4.1.1 Combined building depressurization (or pressuriza-
the exterior of the building envelope. Increased sound intensity
tion) and infrared scanning,
is indicative of an air leakage site. Alternatively, the sound
4.1.2 Building depressurization (or pressurization) and
generator can be located outside the building and the interior
smoke tracers,
surface of the building envelope can be surveyed using the
4.1.3 Building depressurization (or pressurization) and air-
sound detection device.
flow measuring devices,
4.2.5 Tracer Gas—This practice consists of releasing a
4.1.4 Generated sound and sound detection,
tracer gas on one side of the building envelope and using a
4.1.5 Tracer gas detection,
tracer gas detector to measure the concentration of the tracer
4.1.6 Chamber depressurization (or pressurization) and
gas on the other side. A measurable tracer gas concentration
smoke tracers, and
indicates the location of an air leakage site. Pressurizing or
4.1.7 Chamber depressurization and leak detection liquids.
depressurizing the building envelope using a fan or the
4.2 These practices are described as follows:
building’s mechanical system improve the results obtained by
4.2.1 Building Depressurization (or Pressurization) with
this method.
Infrared Scanning Techniques—This practice relies on the
4.2.6 Chamber Pressurization or Depressurization in Con-
existence of an indoor–outdoor temperature difference of at
junction With Smoke Tracers—This practice consists of sealing
least 5°C. In most geographic locations, this condition is met
anapproximatelyairtightchambertoasectionoftheinterioror
duringsomeportionofthedayoveralargefractionoftheyear.
exterior of the air barrier system and using a fan to create a
Outdoor air is moved through the building envelope by
pressure differential across the air barrier specimen. If a smoke
depressurizingthebuildinginteriorwithafan(seeTestMethod
tracer source is moved over the surface of the test specimen on
E779) or using the mechanical system in the building. Because
thehigherpressureside,airleakagewilldrawsmoketowardan
the infiltrating air is at a different temperature than the interior
air leakage site, visually indicating the location. Conversely, if
surfaces of the building envelope, local interior surface tem-
a smoke tracer is moved over the surface of the test specimen
perature changes take place which can be detected by infrared
on the low pressure side, air jets at air leakage sites will cause
scanning equipment. The infrared pattern resulting from air
smoke to move away from the air leakage site.
leakage is different from that associated with varied levels of
4.2.7 Chamber Depressurization in Conjunction With Leak
thermalconductanceintheenvelope,allowingairleakagesites
Detection Liquid—The practice consists of applying a leak
to be identified. This practice can also be performed by
detection liquid to the test specimen surface, sealing a trans-
pressurizing the building and scanning the exterior of the
parent chamber around the specimen and depressurizing the
building envelope.
chamber with a fan. The location of an air leakage site is
4.2.2 Smoke Tracer in Conjunction With Building Pressur-
indicated by bubbling of the detection liquid at the air leakage
ization or Depressurization—This practice consists of pressur-
site.
izingordepressurizingthebuildingusingafanorthemechani-
4.2.8 Other Practices—Practices such as the use of a smoke
cal system in the building and moving a smoke tracer source
bombarenotdescribedheresincetheyareveryspecializedand
over the interior or the exterior surface of the building
require extreme caution due to additional difficulties such as
envelope. If the building is pressurized and the smoke tracer
triggering smoke alarms and causing lingering odors.
source is moved over the interior of the building envelope, air
exfiltration through air leakage sites will draw smoke from the
5. Significance and Use
tracer source to the site, revealing its location visually.
Alternatively, if the building is depressurized and the smoke 5.1 Air infiltration into the conditioned space of a building
tracer source is moved over the interior of the building accounts for a significant portion of the thermal space condi-
envelopesurface,thenairjetsateachairleakagesitewillcause tion load. Air infiltration can affect occupant comfort by
the smoke to move rapidly inward. Similarly, the smoke tracer producingdrafts,causeindoorairqualityproblemsbycarrying
source can be employed on the exterior of the building outdoor pollutants into occupied building space and, in hot
envelope. humid climates, can deposit moisture in the building envelope
4.2.3 Building Depressurization (or Pressurization) in Con- resulting in deterioration of building envelope components. In
junction With Airflow Measurement Devices, or cold climates, exfiltration of conditioned air out of a building
Anemometers—This practice consists of depressurizing or can deposit moisture in the building envelope causing deterio-
pressurizingthebuildingusingafanorthebuilding’smechani- ration of building envelope components. Differential pressure
E1186 − 03 (2009)
across the building envelope and the presence of air leakage 6. Hazards
sites cause air infiltration and exfiltration (1).
6.1 Glass should not break at the pressure differences
5.2 In some buildings, restricting air movement between
normally applied to the test structure. However, for added
interior zones of a building may be desired to separate
safety, adequate precautions such as the use of eye protection
dissimilar interior environments or prevent the movement of
should be taken to protect the personnel. Occupant protection
pollutants.Althoughnotdealtwithspecificallyinthisstandard,
must also be considered.
thedetectionpracticespresentedcanalsobeusefulindetecting
6.2 Since the test is conducted in the field, safety equipment
air leaks between interior zones of the building.
required for general field work also applies, such as safety
5.3 Air leakage sites are often difficult to locate because air
shoes, hard hats, etc.
flows may be small under the prevailing weather conditions.
6.3 Because air-moving equipment may be involved in
Wind conditions can aid in air leakage detection by forcing air
these tests, provide a proper guard or cage to house the fan or
to enter a building; however, where air is exiting, the building
blower and to prevent accidental access to any moving parts of
envelope construction may make observations difficult. For
the equipment.
these reasons, forced pressurization or depressurization is
strongly recommended for those practices which require con-
6.4 Noise may be generated by the moving air from pres-
trolled flow direction.
surization systems. Therefore, make hearing protection avail-
able to personnel who must be close to the noise source.
5.4 The techniques for air leakage site detection covered in
these practices allow for a wide range of flexibility in the
6.5 Use of smoke tracers often produces pungent and
choice of techniques that are best suited for detecting various
caustic fumes. Although extremely localized, precautions
types of air leakage sites in specific situations.
should be taken so that smoke inhalation is minimized and
respiratory protection is provided as required. (See Note 1.)
5.5 The infrared scanning technique for air leakage site
detection has the advantage of rapid surveying capability.
NOTE 1—Hands should be washed before eating if large quantities of
Entire building exterior surfaces or inside wall surfaces can be
pungent or caustic fumes have been generated.
covered with a single scan or a simple scanning action,
6.6 Moving air from the pressurization devices can produce
provided there are no obscuring thermal effects from construc-
cold drafts affecting plants, birds, wall-mounted pictures,
tionfeaturesorincidentsolarradiation.Thedetailsofaspecific
papers on desks, etc. These sensitive items should be moved
air leakage site may then be probed more closely by focusing
out of the air path. Prolonged depressurization testing may
on the local area. Local leak detection is well addressed with
resultinlowertemperaturesincriticalareasofthebuildingand
the smoke tracer, anemometer, sound detection, the bubble
may adversely affect building components, for example frozen
detection, and the tracer gas techniques, however these tech-
pipes.
niques are time consuming for large surfaces. The pressurized
or depressurized test chamber and smoke tracer or a depres-
6.7 Depressurization in buildings with fireplaces can cause
surized test chamber and leak detection liquid practices can be
movement of ashes into occupied spaces. Close dampers or
used in situations where depressurizing or pressurizing the
cover fireplaces, or both, prior to depressurization.
entire envelope is impractical, such as is the case during
6.8 Caution must be exercised as to the choice of tracer
construction. Both of the practices enable the detection of
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E1186–98 Designation: E 1186 – 03 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Practices for
Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air
RetarderBarrier Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1186; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 These practices cover standardized techniques for locating air leakage sites in building envelopes and air retarderbarrier
systems.
1.2 These practices offer a choice of means for determining the location of air leakage sites with each offering certain
advantages for specific applications.
1.3 Some of the practices require a knowledge of infrared scanning, building and test chamber pressurization and
depressurization, smoke generation techniques, sound generation and detection, and tracer gas concentration measurement
techniques.
1.4 The practices described are of a qualitative nature in determining the air leakage sites rather than determining quantitative
leakage rates.
1.5
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E 631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E 741 Test Method for MeasuringAir Leakage Rate by Tracer Dilution Test Method for Determining Air Change in a Single
Zone by Means of a Tracer Gas Dilution
E 779 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization
2.2 Other Standards:
ANSI-ASHRAE Standard 101 ApplicationofInfraredSensingDevicestotheAssessmentofBuildingHeatLossCharacteristics
ISO Standard 6781 Thermal Insulation—Qualitative Detection of Thermal Irregularities in Building Envelopes—Infrared
Method ISO Standard 6781 Thermal Insulation—Qualitative Detection of Thermal Irregularities in Building Envelopes—
Infrared Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 air leakage rateair barrier system, n—the volume of air movement per unit time across the building envelope or air
retarder system, including flow through joints, cracks, and porous surfaces, or combinations thereof, in which the driving force for
such air leakage in buildings is either mechanical pressurization or evacuation, natural wind pressures, or air temperature
differences between the building interior and the outdoors, or combinations thereof. —a system in building construction that is
designed and installed to reduce air leakage either into or through the building envelope.
3.1.2 air leakage siteair exfiltration, n—a location on the building envelope or air retarder system where air can move between
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-6 E06 on Performance of Buildings and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41 on Air
Leakage and Ventilation.
´1
Current edition approved June 10, 1998. Published August 1998. Originally published as E1186 – 87. Last previous edition E1187 – 87 (1992) .on Air Leakage and
Ventilation Performance.
Current edition approved April 15, 2009. Published June 2009. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as E 1186 – 03.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 04.11.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1186 – 03 (2009)
the building interior and the outdoors. —air leakage out of the building.
3.1.3 air infiltration, n—air leakage into the building.
3.1.4 air exfiltrationair leakage rate, n—air leakage out of the building. —the volume of air movement per unit time across the
building envelope or air barrier system, including flow through joints, cracks, and porous surfaces, or combinations thereof, in
which the driving force for such air leakage in buildings is either mechanical pressurization or evacuation, natural wind pressures,
or air temperature differences between the building interior and the outdoors, or combinations thereof.
3.1.5 building envelopeair leakage site, n—the boundary or barrier separating the interior volume of a building from the outside
environment.
3.1.5.1Discussion—Forthepurposeofthesepractices,theinteriorvolumeisthedeliberatelyconditionedspacewithinabuilding
generally not including the attic space, basement space, and attached structures, unless such spaces are connected to the heating
and air conditioning system, such as a crawl space plenum. The actual building envelope may extend beyond these boundaries
because of ducting or other construction features. —a location on the building envelope or air barrier system where air can move
between the building interior and the outdoors.
3.1.6 air retarder systembuilding system, n—a system in building construction that is designed and installed to reduce air
leakage either into or through the building envelope. —the boundary or barrier separating the interior volume of a building from
the outside environment.
3.1.6.1 Discussion—For the purpose of these practices, the interior volume is the deliberately conditioned space within a
building generally not including the attic space, basement space, and attached structures, unless such spaces are connected to the
heating and air conditioning system, such as a crawl space plenum. The actual building envelope may extend beyond these
boundaries because of ducting or other construction features.
3.1.7 test specimen, n—the part of the air retarderbarrier system on the building to be tested that may consist of the selected
areasofmaterialscomprisingtheprincipleresistancetoairflow,jointsbetweensuchmaterialsandjointsbetweenthematerialsand
structural, mechanical, or other penetrations through such materials, and excludes any material which does not form an integral
part of the air retarderbarrier system.
3.2 For other definitions, see Terminology E 631.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This standard presents the following seven practices for detecting air leakage sites in building envelopes:
4.1.1 Combined building depressurization (or pressurization) and infrared scanning,
4.1.2 Building depressurization (or pressurization) and smoke tracers,
4.1.3 Building depressurization (or pressurization) and airflow measuring devices,
4.1.4 Generated sound and sound detection,
4.1.5 Tracer gas detection,
4.1.6 Chamber depressurization (or pressurization) and smoke tracers, and
4.1.7 Chamber depressurization and leak detection liquids.
4.2 These practices are described as follows:
4.2.1 Building Depressurization (or Pressurization) with Infrared Scanning Techniques—This practice relies on the existence
of an indoor–outdoor temperature difference of at least 5°C. In most geographic locations, this condition is met during some
portion of the day over a large fraction of the year. Outdoor air is moved through the building envelope by depressurizing the
building interior with a fan (see Test Method E 779) or using the mechanical system in the building. Because the infiltrating air
isatadifferenttemperaturethantheinteriorsurfacesofthebuildingenvelope,localinteriorsurfacetemperaturechangestakeplace
which can be detected by infrared scanning equipment. The infrared pattern resulting from air leakage is different from that
associated with varied levels of thermal conductance in the envelope, allowing air leakage sites to be identified. This practice can
also be performed by pressurizing the building and scanning the exterior of the building envelope.
4.2.2 Smoke Tracer in Conjunction With Building Pressurization or Depressurization—This practice consists of pressurizing or
depressurizingthebuildingusingafanorthemechanicalsysteminthebuildingandmovingasmoketracersourceovertheinterior
ortheexteriorsurfaceofthebuildingenvelope.Ifthebuildingispressurizedandthesmoketracersourceismovedovertheinterior
of the building envelope, air exfiltration through air leakage sites will draw smoke from the tracer source to the site, revealing its
location visually. Alternatively, if the building is depressurized and the smoke tracer source is moved over the interior of the
building envelope surface, then air jets at each air leakage site will cause the smoke to move rapidly inward. Similarly, the smoke
tracer source can be employed on the exterior of the building envelope.
4.2.3 Building Depressurization (or Pressurization) in Conjunction WithAirflow Measurement Devices, orAnemometers—This
practice consists of depressurizing or pressurizing the building using a fan or the building’s mechanical systems and moving an
anemometer over the interior building envelope surface. If the building is depressurized, air jets will be present within the building
at each air leakage site. As the anemometer is moved over the building envelope surface, it will register an air velocity peak at
the location of the air leakage site. If the building is pressurized, interior air will flow toward each air leakage site. In this case,
the resulting measured air velocity peak will be less distinct.
4.2.4 Generated Sound in Conjunction With Sound Detection—This practice consists of locating a sound generator within the
building and moving a sound detection device over the exterior of the building envelope. Increased sound intensity is indicative
E 1186 – 03 (2009)
of an air leakage site.Alternatively, the sound generator can be located outside the building and the interior surface of the building
envelope can be surveyed using the sound detection device.
4.2.5 Tracer Gas—This practice consists of releasing a tracer gas on one side of the building envelope and using a tracer gas
detector to measure the concentration of the tracer gas on the other side. A measurable tracer gas concentration indicates the
locationofanairleakagesite.Pressurizingordepressurizingthebuildingenvelopeusingafanorthebuilding’smechanicalsystem
improve the results obtained by this method.
4.2.6 Chamber Pressurization or Depressurization in Conjunction With Smoke Tracers—This practice consists of sealing an
approximately airtight chamber to a section of the interior or exterior of the air retarderbarrier system and using a fan to create
a pressure differential across the air retarderbarrier specimen. If a smoke tracer source is moved over the surface of the test
specimen on the higher pressure side, air leakage will draw smoke toward an air leakage site, visually indicating the location.
Conversely, if a smoke tracer is moved over the surface of the test specimen on the low pressure side, air jets at air leakage sites
will cause smoke to move away from the air leakage site.
4.2.7 Chamber Depressurization in Conjunction With Leak Detection Liquid—Thepracticeconsistsofapplyingaleakdetection
liquid to the test specimen surface, sealing a transparent chamber around the specimen and depressurizing the chamber with a fan.
The location of an air leakage site is indicated by bubbling of the detection liquid at the air leakage site.
4.2.8 Other Practices— Practices such as the use of a smoke bomb are not described here since they are very specialized and
require extreme caution due to additional difficulties such as triggering smoke alarms and causing lingering odors.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Airinfiltrationintotheconditionedspaceofabuildingaccountsforasignificantportionofthethermalspaceconditionload.
Air infiltration can affect occupant comfort by producing drafts, cause indoor air quality problems by carrying outdoor pollutants
into occupied building space and, in hot humid climates, can deposit moisture in the building envelope resulting in deterioration
of building envelope components. In cold climates, exfiltration of conditioned air out of a building can deposit moisture in the
building envelope causing deterioration of building envelope components. Differential pressure across the building envelope and
the presence of air leakage sites cause air infiltration and exfiltration (1).
5.2 In some buildings, restricting air movement between interior zones of a building may be desired to separate dissimilar
interior environments or prevent the movement of pollutants. Although not dealt with specifically in this standard, the detection
practices presented can also be useful in detecting air leaks between interior zones of the building.
5.3 Air leakage sites are often difficult to locate because air flows may be small under the prevailing weather conditions. Wind
conditions can aid in air leakage detection by forcing air to enter a building; however, where air is exiting, the building envelope
constructionmaymakeobservationsdifficult.Forthesereasons,forcedpressurizationordepressurizationisstronglyrecommended
for those practices which require controlled flow direction.
5.4 The techniques for air leakage site detection covered in these practices allow for a wide range of flexibility in the choice
of techniques that are best suited for detecting various types of air leakage sites in specific situations.
5.5 The infrared scanning technique for air leakage site detection has the advantage of rapid surveying capability. Entire
building exterior surfaces or inside wall surfaces can be covered with a single scan or a simple scanning action, provided there
are no obscuring thermal effects from construction features or incident solar radiation.The details of a specific air leakage site may
then be probed more closely by focusing on the local area. Local leak detection is well addressed with the smoke tracer,
anemometer, sound detection, the bubble detection, and the tracer gas techniques, however these techniques ar
...
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