Air Leakage: The Problem and the Solution

Uncontrolled air leakage could be making your life uncomfortable and expensive – do you ever feel a chill in your home, even with the thermostat cranked up? Or maybe you manage a commercial building where energy bills seem inexplicably high? These could be signs that you need an air leakage test.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What air leakage is and its impact on homes and commercial buildings
• Common causes and consequences of air leaks
• Identifying leaks with DIY test methods and professional air tightness testing
• Solutions for a tighter, more efficient building

What is Air Leakage?

Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building envelope, the barrier between the conditioned interior and the outside environment. Air leaks can occur in any and all building types – business or residential, new build or older buildings and regardless of the climate or construction materials.

The Causes of Air Leakage in Your Building

Several factors can contribute to air leakage:

• In Homes: Cracks around windows and doors, gaps in attics, basements, and crawl spaces, and imperfections around plumbing and electrical penetrations.
• In Commercial Buildings: Similar to homes, but also around building envelope connections (walls, roof, foundation) due to complex construction methods and larger footprints. Additionally, gaps around HVAC systems and improperly sealed access points for maintenance can be significant sources.

The Effects of Building Air Leakage

Uncontrolled air leakage can lead to several problems:

• Increased Energy Bills: Leaky buildings require more energy to maintain comfortable temperatures as conditioned air escapes and unconditioned air enters. This can significantly impact both home energy budgets and commercial operational costs.
• Poor Indoor Air Quality: Air leaks can allow unwanted pollutants like dust, pollen, and even moisture to enter the building, compromising indoor air quality and potentially leading to respiratory problems.
• Comfort Issues: Drafts and uneven temperatures caused by leakage can make a building feel uncomfortably cold or hot.
• Potential Structural Damage: In severe cases, leakage can contribute to moisture problems within walls and ceilings, leading to mould growth and potential structural damage.

Identifying Air Leaks with Testing

While some air leaks are easy to spot, such as drafty windows, others can be hidden. Here are some ways to identify them:

• DIY Methods: Feel for drafts around windows and doors with your hand or hold a lit incense stick near potential leak points to see if the smoke wavers. These methods provide a starting point, but may miss hidden leaks.
• Professional Air Leakage Testing: This involves using specialised equipment to pressurise a building and measure the rate of air leakage with an air tightness test. This is by far the most accurate way to identify and quantify leaks.

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Solutions for Air Leakage

The good news is that air leakage can be addressed through various solutions:

• Sealing and Weatherproofing: Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and other penetrations with caulk, weather stripping, or spray foam can significantly reduce leaks. In commercial buildings, specialised sealants and techniques may be required for building envelope connections and HVAC systems.
• Improving Ventilation: While reducing leakage is important, proper ventilation is still crucial for healthy indoor air quality. Consider installing or upgrading ventilation systems to ensure a healthy balance between air tightness and fresh air exchange.

Having an IAA-accredited professional conduct an air leakage test will ensure a thorough evaluation and pinpoint areas requiring attention. This allows for targeted solutions to be implemented, maximising the effectiveness of air sealing measures.

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What’s Next?

Addressing air leakage is a worthwhile investment for both homes and commercial buildings. By stopping drafts and uncontrolled airflows, you can improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and create a healthier indoor environment. Our professional air tightness testing service, conducted by our IAA-accredited testers, is a valuable tool to test air leakage and identify the extent of the problem as well as guide targeted solutions.

Don’t let air leakage compromise your comfort or building efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about our air testing services. We can help you identify and address leaks – creating a tighter, more energy-efficient building.