In the world of construction, one important aspect that should not be overlooked is air leakage testing. This testing is commonly referred to as the "blower door test" and is mandatory for new low-rise buildings meeting the definition of a "residential building" in Chapter 2 of the 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (2020 ECCCNYS), including low-rise residential "factory manufactured buildings". In addition to the requirements of the 2020 ECCNYS, Section 401.2 of the 2020 Mechanical Code of New York State (2020 MCNYS) provides that "all dwelling units, where natural ventilation is proposed, shall be tested in accordance with Section R402.4.1.2 of the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State."
Air leakage testing is required for all new buildings that contain dwelling units, where natural ventilation is proposed, regardless of whether they are classified as commercial buildings or residential buildings in the 2020 ECCCNYS. Air leakage testing is also required in "spaces undergoing a change in occupancy that would result in an increase in demand for either fossil fuel or electrical energy" or "any space that is converted to a dwelling unit or portion thereof from another use or occupancy". However, air leakage testing is not required when the scope of work performed in existing buildings is limited to repairs, additions, and alterations; nor is it required for "manufactured homes" constructed in compliance with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's "Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards" (24 CFR Part 3280).
The building thermal envelope shall be constructed to limit air leakage in accordance with the requirements of Sections R402.4.1 through R402.4.5. The term "building thermal envelope" is defined in Chapter 2 of the 2020 ECCCNYS as "the exterior walls (above and below grade), floors, ceiling, roofs, and any other building element assemblies that enclose conditioned space or provide a boundary between conditioned space and unconditioned space."
Section R402.4.1.2 of the 2020 ECCCNYS provides that "the building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding three air changes per hour. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with RESNET/ICC 380, ASTM E779 or ASTM E1827 and reported at a pressure of 0.2 inch w.g. (50 Pascals)." It is essential to note that the entity performing air leakage testing should possess adequate training and expertise in the applicable reference standard and testing method. Before approving a third-party tester, the building official should review their qualifications and determine that they are competent to perform the test.
It is also essential to document the test results. According to Section R402.4.1.2 of the 2020 ECCCNYS, "a written report of the results of the test shall be prepared and signed by the party conducting the test." The items required to be included in the report are listed in Section R402.4.1.2 or Section R402.4.1.3. The results of the building envelope air leakage testing (as documented in the written report) shall be included in the mandatory posted certificate in accordance with Section R401.3 of the 2020 ECCCNYS.
In summary, air leakage testing, also known as the "blower door test," is mandatory for new low-rise buildings meeting the definition of a "residential building" in Chapter 2 of the 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State. The building thermal envelope shall be constructed to limit air leakage, and the entity performing air leakage testing should possess adequate training and expertise in the applicable reference standard and testing method.
Check out New York States Bulletin on the subject here.