Save Energy Costs with Air Barrier Testing

Air leakage in buildings has been shown to be a significant percentage of energy costs for buildings

Why is Air Barrier Testing Important?

Credit: ABAA; installing a whole building blower door test.

In recent years, the critical impact of air leakage on buildings has come to the forefront, with its direct correlation to moisture-related issues. The potential entry of thousands of gallons of water through air leakage into the building envelope has underscored the urgency of addressing this issue. While whole building testing has long been acknowledged as an option in the International Codes and ASHRAE standard 90.1, it is now gaining traction among individual states that recognize the manifold benefits of a comprehensive approach. The pivotal tool in this endeavor is the whole building blower door test, standing as the singular method to ascertain the installed performance of an air barrier system. The efficacy of such testing hinges on the proficiency and qualification of the personnel conducting it, emphasizing the paramount importance of precision in evaluating the structural integrity of the air barrier system.

Air-barrier specifications and testing are required in Great Britain, where this blower-door test is taking place at a new commercial building. Large blower doors like these depressurize a building, allowing air-leakage testing. Photo Credit: Bill Bordass in the article “Making Air Barriers that Work: Why and How to Tighten Up Buildings” in BuildingGreen.

Become A Certified Blower Door Technician

The Air Barrier Association of America’s (ABAA) cutting-edge Blower Door Technician Certification Program is currently the MOST comprehensive blower door testing training program available covering ASTM E3158, E779, E1827, CGSB 149.10, ISO 9972, and USACE (2012). The training aims to equip blower door technicians with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to appropriately evaluate, prepare, test, analyze, and report on a building’s airtightness performance. For the purposes of demonstrations, activities, and simulations, this training program uses equipment from two widely used blower door fan manufacturing companies. Join the executive director of ABAA tomorrow for an overview of the 5-day certification program.

METALCON Live! and ABAA Presents “Air Barriers for Whole Buildings” Tomorrow, 12/6 at 1:00 pm EST

As part of our Technical Know-How webinar series, tomorrow’s session covers the importance of air barriers for whole barriers and blower door testing. It will cover the work leading up to the training and certification program development, provide an overview of both the training program and the ISO 17024 certification program, and outline two new programs being developed to support the whole building testing program. Register to watch it LIVE tomorrow or ON DEMAND after 4:00 pm tomorrow.

Champion of Air Barrier Testing

There is no greater industry champion than your speaker tomorrow — Laverne Dalgleish, Executive Director, Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). Mr. Dalgleish works tirelessly to champion energy conservation in buildings while educating the building owners and designers about the benefits of energy conservation such as durability, comfort, reduced maintenance, reduced HVAC equipment costs and the positive impact on the environment. His education mission includes working with standards development organizations, training and education groups, government policy departments, and quality assurance program developers for the construction industry, traveling around North America on a weekly basis to educate building owners and designers on the benefits of effective and working air barrier systems in buildings. His other credentials include: Secretariat of two ISO Committees, ISO TC61 SC10 Cellular Plastics and ISO TC163 SC3 Thermal Insulation Products, Chair of the ULC Thermal Performance in the Building Environment Standards Committee, and key developer of the ABAA Quality Assurance Program for the installation of air barrier systems in buildings, a program based on ISO9000 and ISO 12576-2 but brings the ISO requirements together with practical applications for the air barrier industry.

More Posts from the METALCON blog:

Build Connections at METALCON

Connecting and building meaningful connections at METALCON has never been easier and more accessible. Dive in to today’s blog to learn about new networking events available at this year’s event along with annual favorites!

Efficiency at Every Step: How Strategic Services and Innovation Enhance Commercial Roofing Projects

In commercial roofing, efficiency isn’t just a goal — it’s the key to staying competitive, profitable and trusted by building owners. Contractors face pressure to deliver high-quality installations on tight timelines, all while managing rising labor costs and increasingly complex project demands. That’s why choosing a manufacturer that provides more than just products can make all the difference. Partnering with a company that offers services and solutions designed to save time, reduce labor and increase accuracy sets up contractors to

Florida Contractor Continuing Education Credits: Maximizing Your Experience at METALCON 2025

METALCON 2025, scheduled for October 21 – October 23 in Las Vegas, is the perfect opportunity for Florida contractors to earn their required continuing education credits while immersing themselves in the latest developments in metal construction. Learn more about sessions certified by the Florida DBPR.

Specifier and Architect Courses at METALCON

Metal is an essential component in modern architectural design. The “Design District @ METALCON” offers a unique opportunity for architects and specifiers to expand their expertise. Learn more about specifier and architect courses available at this year’s event.

Building for the Future: How Coated Metals Are Advancing Sustainability in Construction

Sustainability is no longer a trend—it’s the new standard. As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to deliver longer-lasting, energy-efficient buildings, the materials we choose play a critical role. Among the most sustainable solutions? Coated metals like Galvalume®, Galvanized, and pre-painted steel offer both strength and longevity while supporting green building goals. Durability That Reduces Waste At the heart of sustainable construction is the concept of building once and building well. Coated metals, especially Galvalume and Galvanized steel, deliver exceptional

Alternatives to Traditional Coil Coatings Systems Are Here, Offering Faster Line Speeds, Energy Savings and Smaller Carbon Footprints

Energy curing has been used for decades on wood-based products like flooring, but new technologies formulated for pre-painted metal mark a major leap forward for the coil coating industry. Unlike traditional liquid coatings that rely on air or heat to cure, energy-curable coatings use radiant energy from ultra-violet (UV) lamps and electron beam (EB) devices to initiate the cross-linking process. These next-generation solutions offer significant opportunities for coil coaters to boost productivity and improve sustainability performance. Regulatory efforts to restrict

Speed Takes the Spotlight at METALCON

When speed leads, projects move further and opportunities grow bigger. That’s the focus at METALCON 2025, where MetalForming is putting speed on display with two standout attractions at Booth 1003. First, attendees will get a first look at the North American debut of Schroeder’s architectural machines: the PowerBend Architectural (PBA) folding machine and the MHSU shear. Second, attendees can step into the fast lane with the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge, a hands-on competition that tests skill, agility, and teamwork

Meet the Industry Press at METALCON Las Vegas

Leading Trade Pubs Invite Exhibitors to Share Their Latest News, Innovations & Announcements (Newton, Mass., – October 2, 2025)—METALCON 2025 is excited to announce this year’s exclusive Meet the Press opportunity, taking place at the upcoming show in Las Vegas. The only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction invites this year’s exhibitors to meet with editors and reporters from 11 leading industry trade publications to introduce a new product, service or solution, or