2021 Code changes took place 3/15/2024 .
Make sure to review energy credit information and note that any credits in section 2 will require you to test to a lower number. Review new code at the link below.
Effective March 15, 2024
Based on the 2021 IECC. Please note that "Residential" includes One- and Two-family dwellings, Townhouses and R-3 buildings three stories or less, and Group R-2 buildings three stories or less with dwelling units that are accessed directly from the exterior. "Commercial" includes all buildings not covered under "Residential."
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/BuildingEfficiency/EnergyCode/AdditionalResources.aspx#New
Link to 2021 residential Code: https://sbcc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-4/2021_WSEC_R_1stPrint-1_042623.pdf
Link to 2021 commercial Code: https://sbcc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/2021_WSEC_C_2ndPrint_0518023.pdf
ADVANCED BLOWER DOOR TEST COMPANY
425-870-1837
Blower door testing on New residential homes and commercial buildings. We also offer testing on existing homes to find areas of air leakage.
Is it required? Per R402.4.1.2, this test is required to be done on every new construction home, additions over 500 sf and all multi family buildings. As of July 1st 2016 the standard has been set to 5 or less ACH @ 50 pascals (ACH= air changes per hour). All projects must meet this standard.
R402.4.1.2 Testing. The building or dwelling unit shall be tested for air leakage. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with RESNET/ICC 380, ASTM E779, or ASTM E1827. Test pressure and leakage rate shall comply with Section R402.1.3. A written report of the test results, including verified location and time stamp of the date of the test, shall be signed by the testing agency and provided to the building owner and code official. Testing shall be performed at any time after creation of all penetrations of the building thermal envelope. Once visual inspection has confirmed air sealing has been conducted in accordance with Table R402.4.1.1, operable windows and doors manufactured by small business are permitted to be sealed off at the frame prior to the test. Testing of single-family dwellings and townhouses shall be conducted in accordance with RESNET/ICC 380. Test pressure and leakage rate shall comply with Section R402.1.3.1. For Group R-2 occupancies, testing shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM E779, ASTM E1827, or ASTM E3158. Test pressure and leakage rate shall comply with Section R402.1.3.2. The individual performing the air leakage test shall be trained and certified by an certification body that is, at the time of permit application, an ISO 17024 accredited certification body including, but not limited to, the Air Barrier Association of America. During testing: 1. Exterior windows and doors, fireplace and stove doors shall be closed, but not sealed, beyond the intended weatherstripping or other infiltration control measures. 2. Dampers including exhaust, intake, makeup air, backdraft and flue dampers shall be closed, but not sealed beyond intended infiltration control measures. 3. Interior doors, if installed at the time of the test, shall be open, access hatches to conditioned crawl spaces and conditioned attics shall be open. 4. Exterior or interior terminations for continuous ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators shall be sealed. 2021 Washington State Energy Code RE-27 5. Heating and cooling systems, if installed at the time of the test, shall be turned off. 6. Supply and return registers, if installed at the time of the test, shall be fully open. Exception: Additions less than 500 square feet of conditioned floor area
We want to try to ensure you are able to pass your blower door test on your first try.
We offer consultations during construction to help make sure you have good airtightness during framing this will in return help you pass your blower door/air leakage test.
We understand the importance of our customers time & the need of getting your blower door and duct testing sign off. That is why we will be there when we say we will. We always do our best to work with all of our clients and their schedules, so if you are needing a test done in a rush please give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
R402.4.1.3 Leakage rate. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) shall comply with Section R402.4.1.3.1. Group R-2 multifamily buildings shall comply with Section R402.4.1.3.2. R402.4.1.3.1 Dwelling unit leakage rate. The maximum air leakage rate for any dwelling unit under any compliance path shall not exceed 4.0 air changes per hour. Testing shall be conducted with a blower door test at a test pressure of 0.2 inches w.g. (50 Pa). Exception: Additions tested with the existing home having a combined maximum air leakage rate of 7 air changes per hour. To qualify for this exception, the date of construction of the existing dwelling must be prior to the 2009 Washington State Energy Code. R402.4.1.3.2 Group R-2 multifamily building leakage rate. For Group R-2 multifamily buildings, the maximum leakage rate for any dwelling unit shall not exceed 0.25 cfm per square foot of the dwelling unit enclosure area. Testing shall be conducted with a blower door at a test pressure of 0.2 inches w.g. (50 Pa). Doors and windows of adjacent dwelling units (including top and bottom units) shall be open to the outside during the test