Air and Moisture Infiltration Testing Facilities

The BCERL also includes facilities for evaluation of air leakage and air infiltration in accordance with ASTM and NFRC standards and their effects on thermal performance and for the evaluation of water infiltration, penetration and leakage in masonry and curtain wall systems in accordance with ASTM and AAMA standards. The PHRC can help apply the results of air and moisture transport testing to building energy analysis. This type of testing is sometimes required after simulated seismic testing in order to determine air/water-leakage rates after a seismic event, which would indicate the degree of serviceability damage sustained as a result of racking. Facilities are also available for field determinations of envelope leakage. Air/water-leakage and air/water-infiltration tests can be conducted on window joints, construction joints, and other types of building components using custom chamber shrouds.