MBMA Releases Best Practices Guide for Air Leakage Testing
The best practices specified are drawn from air leakage testing performed in the field
The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has released a new guidebook, Metal Building Systems - Best Practices to Comply with Whole-Building Air Leakage Testing Requirements. This free publication, authored by Robert A. Zabcik, PE, LEED AP, of Z-Tech Consulting and created in partnership with the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) and the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), is available for download on the MBMA website. It identifies practices for metal building manufacturers and contractors to improve the ability of having metal buildings pass whole-building air leakage testing requirements.
"Whole-building air leakage testing is specified in the latest energy code updates,” said Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager. “As more and more states and municipalities adopt these codes and testing requirements, this new guide will help manufacturers, builders and owners to meet these demands by following some basic steps.”
The best practices specified are drawn from air leakage testing performed in the field, which has shown that certain parts of the building need special attention. These are:
The guide goes on to describe these concerns and lays out practical steps to take, both prior to and during metal building construction. In addition to many detailed drawings and images throughout, it has appendices that include a project checklist, overhead door specifics, and applicable codes, test methods and material requirements.