1. Scope
1.1 This practice is a technique for using theatrical fog to detect air-leakage in a building envelope where the building is under pressurization or de-pressurization.
1.2 This practice is applicable to a wide range of temperature differentials and low-wind pressure conditions. For tests conducted in the field, it must be recognized that field conditions may be less than ideal. Nevertheless, strong winds and lower temperatures may adversely the the method’s performances and should be considered.
1.3 This practice is intended for use in the diagnosis of the air barrier systems of a building enclosure. This practice is qualitative, does not measure air leakage rates, but can be used to detect air leakage sites or “holes” in air barrier systems and components. This is not a tool for reaching a specific compliance threshold. To measure air-change rate directly, use the fan pressurization method or tracer gas dilution method (see Test Method E 779 or E 741). Other qualitative methods for detection air leakage in building envelopes can be found in E 1186.
1.5 This practice is applicable to building envelopes of single-zone buildings or in isolated components or sections of the building envelope.
1.6 This practice is effective for detecting large or direct leak paths. It is not as effective for detection of complex channel leak paths due to diminished visibility of the fog over these paths.
1.7 This standardized practice does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements see Section 7.
Keywords
air leakage; site detection; airtightness
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
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