Air barrier requirements have been included in IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 for nearly two decades, but whole building airtightness testing has only recently become a code requirement in many jurisdictions. While both codes now require testing for certain building types, they provide multiple compliance paths and limited guidance on selecting the most appropriate testing method. Accepted standards include ASTM E779, ASTM E1827, and ASTM E3158, each with different procedures, building preparation requirements, weather limitations, and applications. Additional options allow testing of entire buildings, representative portions, or samples of dwelling units, creating uncertainty for owners, designers, contractors, and testing agencies. This presentation examines the code-referenced testing standards, explains the practical differences between them, and discusses when each method is most appropriate. Participants will gain an understanding of the limitations, costs, and challenges associated with various testing approaches and learn how building type, occupancy, and project conditions can influence testing strategy and results.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss different test methods for air barriers
2. Review recent code updates around air barrier testing
3. Show the benefits of multipoint testing
4. Convey the importance of proper training and certification for large building airtightness testing

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Denali Jones, P.E., Technical Director, Air Barrier Association of America

Denali is an engineer focused on building enclosures for his entire career. After working for a manufacturer he transitioned into consulting, working for one of the leading building science firms in North America for over a decade. Denali’s work focused on finding practical and performance driven solutions to complex enclosure problems, ranging from high-rise office towers to hospitals, multifamily, manufacturing facilities, and everything in between. He has extensive experience in all aspects of enclosure design, including roofing, glazing systems, horizontal waterproofing, below grade waterproofing, air barriers, and rainscreen wall assemblies with just about any type of cladding. Denali also is an industry leading expert in whole-building air leakage testing, having helped develop several test standards and code language around testing requirements. He was instrumental in developing ABAA’s whole-building air leakage testing training program and is the lead instructor for this program. Denali now serves as the technical director for ABAA, focusing on driving the adoption and advancement of air barriers both at a committee level as well as providing support for ABAA members in answering technical questions or delivering presentations and training.