Air infiltration management
- 1 Air quality standards
- 2 Smoking ban
- 3 Ventilation effectiveness
- 4 VOC reduction
- 5 Air filtration
- 6 Microbe and mold control
- 7 Construction pollution management
- 8 Healthy entrance
- 9 Cleaning protocol
- 10 Pesticide management
- 11 Fundamental material safety
- 12 Moisture management
- 13 Air flush
- 14 Air infiltration management
- 15 Increased ventilation
- 16 Humidity control
- 17 Direct source ventilation
- 18 Air quality monitoring and feedback
- 19 Operable windows
- 20 Outdoor air systems
- 21 Displacement ventilation
- 22 Pest control
- 23 Advanced air purification
- 24 Combustion minimization
- 25 Toxic material reduction
- 26 Enhanced material safety
- 27 Antimicrobial surfaces
- 28 Cleanable environment
- 29 Cleaning equipment
14. Air infiltration management
A building's air quality and thermal comfort is compromised by leaks and gaps that break the building's air barrier. These weak points are not only wasteful, but can also lead to conditions conducive to growth of molds and the infiltration of pests or polluted air.
This feature is a performance test to check for air leakages in the building envelope. Such tests are often used to optimize a building's energy efficiency and can also be used to maintain indoor air quality and comfort.
The following is performed after substantial completion and prior to occupancy to ensure the structure is airtight:
One of the following methods is used to evaluate the building envelope:
Applicability Matrix
| Core & Shell | New Construction | WELL Interiors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Air Leakage Testing | O | O | O |
| Part 2: Leak tests for residences | - | - | - |
| Commercial Kitchen | Education | Multifamily Residential | Retail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Air Leakage Testing | - | - | - | O |
| Part 2: Leak tests for residences | - | - | O | - |
| 14.1.a |
NIBS recommends conducting blower door testing and infrared thermography in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards. |