Services for General Contractors and Home Builders

We Ensure Your Project Passes 2009 WSEC Requirements!

Building Air Leakage Testing
Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) section 502.4.5 requires air leakage testing for all new houses. The requirement is met if the house has a Specific Leakage Area (SLA) of .00030 or less. SLA is an estimate of a home’s leakage area, in square inches, under “typical” conditions, divided by the conditioned floor area of the home. The test must be performed using Blower Door equipment. Our weatherization methods can ensure your project passes this test. 

Q: When to do the test?
A: WSEC states that the test may be performed at any time after rough in. All penetrations in the building envelope must be sealed including those for utilities, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and combustion appliances. The code also states that when required by the building official, the test shall be conducted in the presence of department staff.

Q: What happens if you fail the Blower Door Test?
A: Due to the test occurring at or near the completion of the home, failure puts both the applicant and code enforcement personnel in a difficult position. This could prevent you from meeting your deadline of getting your Certificate of Occupancy. If there is one large hole in the building, it is fairly easy to identify the air leakage path and plug it. In most cases, the additional leakage is the result of a series of very small failures in air sealing. Finding and fixing these failures can be difficult – particularly in very tight homes.  

Insulation:
Per WSEC insulation must be: installed to maintain uniform R-values; installed so R-value mark can be seen by the inspector; installed in a permanent manner; insulation in substantial contact with the surface being insulated; supports 24” o.c. max; don’t block vents with insulation batts. WSEC for insulation levels in remodeled buildings do not have to meet current requirements but framing cavities must be filled to their full depth when exposed. 

Don’t let this happen to you: 
General Contractor in Burien, WA had house completed and ready for inspection. We were hired to perform the state required blower door test. House failed test. Identified over 20 discrepancies. Contractor tried to correct discrepancies himself. Performed 2nd blower door test and house failed again. This delayed contractor from getting final for over one month.
 

With Air 1 Heating, we know the Code and we do it right the first time

Our Weatherization Services:

• Insulation
  
• Caulk & Seal
  
• Duct Seal
  
• Blower Door Test