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Get in touch early in the construction process to ensure that the airtightness test is carried out at the right time. The best time is during construction, once the vapor barrier is in place but still visible. This way, any air leaks found can still be easily repaired. See the specific steps from our checklist.

Ensure the success of your sealing repairs

You verify the success of the energy efficiency renovation

We provide the best service in the construction industry

All site measurements under one roof

Perform a leak test during construction

It is best to perform the measurement during construction, once the vapor barrier is in place and all penetrations have been installed. However, this should be done before covering the vapor barrier with sheets or panels. This way, any leaks found can still be easily repaired, and you will get the most out of the measurement.

Check out the customer checklist

How is a leak test performed?

1. The inspector first shuts off the ventilation unit, closes the windows and doors, and seals the ventilation ducts and flues.
2. A pressure door is installed on one of the exterior doors to create a negative pressure of 50 pascals inside the building. Air begins to flow through the leaks into the interior, cooling the structures near the leaks.
3. Leaks are located using a thermal imaging camera. Air leaks are also detected by feeling with the palm of the hand and, if necessary, using smoke sticks.
4. Finally, a pressure test is conducted, which determines the building’s air leakage rate.
5. The report will be delivered within one week of the inspection. The report serves as proof of the measured air leakage rate and includes thermal images illustrating the locations of the leaks found.

Locating leaks is an essential part of leak testing

Leak detection is performed as part of the airtightness test. During leak detection, the locations of leaks are identified while the house is under a negative pressure of 50 Pascals. When the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is at least 5 degrees, leaks can be easily detected using a thermal camera and by visual inspection. If the temperature difference is less than 5 degrees, smoke dye is also used as needed to help locate leaks. Thanks to leak detection, you can repair leaks that would otherwise go unnoticed. Leaks can often be repaired during the inspection visit.

The pressure door blows air out, creating a vacuum that draws air in through any leaks, making it easy to locate the leaks using a thermal imaging camera.

Repair any leaks found

In the properties we have measured, we have found issues requiring repair in up to 80% of cases, and in the best-case scenarios, we have been able to reduce the total air leakage by half during the measurement visit itself. Most importantly, however, potential risk areas (moisture damage, contaminants entering the indoor air, drafts, etc.) can be eliminated. These risk areas can be found even in otherwise very airtight homes. That is why leak detection is performed as part of the airtightness measurement.

Air tightness testing of large buildings

We provide airtightness testing for large buildings throughout Finland. With our equipment, we are able to test sites of up to 400,000 m³.

Air Tightness Testing for Apartment Buildings

Air tightness testing in an apartment building is conducted one stairwell at a time. In stairwell-specific air tightness testing, the pressure door is positioned as close to the center of the building as possible in the vertical direction to minimize the effect of the chimney effect. Leakage points are located within the stairwell enclosure. Leaks found in this way can be repaired, thereby improving the airtightness of the entire building. The air leakage rate is measured separately for each stairwell. The final air leakage rate for the building is the average of the air leakage rates for the different stairwells.

Alternatively, apartment buildings can also be tested on a unit-by-unit basis. In this case, it is sufficient to test at least 20 units to determine the air leakage rate. In unit-specific airtightness testing, leakage points are located in the units where the testing is conducted. The measurement results are influenced by the airtightness of the exterior walls as well as the walls between apartments. The final air leakage rate is determined as the average of the measured apartments.

Air tightness testing for buildings up to 400,000 m³

Measurements of large commercial, industrial, and other buildings are always planned on a case-by-case basis. The measurement can be performed either using multiple airtightness testing systems or by utilizing the building’s own ventilation system. The building’s own ventilation system can be used if the ventilation is sufficiently efficient. In most cases, however, the best way to measure large sites is to use multiple airtightness testing systems simultaneously.

It is a good idea to measure even large buildings while they are still under construction

The greatest benefit of airtightness testing in new buildings is achieved when the test is conducted during construction, before the air and vapor barriers are covered with panels and trim. This allows any air leaks detected to be easily repaired without having to dismantle the structures.

The best time to perform a leak test is when

• The air/vapor barrier is complete.
• The feed-throughs have been installed and sealed.
• The windows and exterior doors are in place and sealed.
• The air/vapor barrier is still visible

Get your sealing work done right the first time with a quality meeting

Before waterproofing work begins, it is usually advisable to hold a quality meeting on waterproofing construction that lasts about an hour. During this brief consultation, the site’s waterproofing solutions are reviewed, along with advice on how to implement them in the best possible way. As a result, the site team can avoid typical mistakes made during sealing work and schedule airtightness testing and leak detection in a way that maximizes their effectiveness. This helps avoid unnecessary repair costs and ensures the best possible outcome from the start.

The most reliable result with a two-step leak test

The two-stage airtightness test is for builders who settle for nothing less than the best possible result. Normally, air tightness testing involves locating air leaks and measuring the air leakage rate during a single visit. In a 2-step measurement, the first visit is used to locate air leaks under optimal conditions so that most potential air leaks can still be repaired. Before the move-in inspection, once the house is ready, a separate visit is made to measure the final air leakage rate. This ensures the best possible result.

The report serves as valuable proof of the building's quality

You will always receive a clear report from the airtightness test. The report serves as proof of the measured air leakage rate and includes thermal images illustrating the leaks found. You can use the report to repair the leaks found. The report serves as proof of the actual air leakage rate for the energy certificate. It is also useful to show the buyer when selling a home as proof of the quality of construction.

Functional, healthy, and energy-efficient construction requires airtightness

Air tightness affects a building’s thermal performance, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Good air tightness is achieved through careful construction. Air tightness testing ensures the quality of the construction.

Learn more about why a modern home should be airtight.

Learn more about air leakage rates

Make your home energy-efficient and save energy

When a house is designed to be airtight from the outset, savings can be made in other areas, such as by installing a more affordable ventilation system. The air leakage rate specified in the energy certificate must be verified through an airtightness test. The airtightness test report also serves as proof of high-quality construction and is a valuable asset when selling the house.