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Blower door test and patching holes, and best time to test

  • 04-04-2010 10:30pm
    #1
    tails_naf
    Registered Users Posts: 861 ✭✭✭


    Hi All,

    I am currently finishing off the air-tight membrane in the ceilings of my house. Slow job, but has to be done right.

    I wanted to know if anyone had any tips on getting the blower-door test done. I don't actually want a BER cert per-say, as I've no plan to sell the house, but I would like to know where I stand in terms of air changes. I'm shooting for 2-3.

    It seems most BER assessors don't do the blower-door test, and the one or two I did find just want to be in and out in a matter of hours.
    What I'd like ideally is someone who would at least give 6 to 8 hours on site with the machine running, so we could find and quickly patch any air holes (using the smoke machines to find the holes).

    Does anyone know a BER assessor (or similar) who can do the blower door test, or even anyone who would rent the machine for a day? Please PM me, or comment.

    Also, if anyone knows if it is best to do the test before or after slabbing - what the pros and cons are, please let me know - the way I see it:

    test before slabbing: pros are it is easy to find and fix holes
    test after slabbing: if any of the membrane is punchured during slabbing, you will find it at test time. Better idea of 'real results'

    Finally, if anyone can give me ideas of how to seal off chimneys during the test, as well as around the bottoms of doors (footpaths are not in), that would be great.

    Any and all comments are greatly appreciated!!


Comments

  • #2
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,543 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    As far as im aware, you need a blower door test as part of your building regulation signoff.
    All new dwellings also need a BER prior to first occupation.


  • #3
    sinnerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,433 ✭✭✭sinnerboy


    Well done for the smart investment choice of membrane and tapes . You should test twice - before and after slabbing .

    The first test is to find and repair leaks you will not be realistically able to repair if you only do one test at completion.

    The final test to check that second fix m+e has not damaged the membrane and give you your actual result .

    1 hour should be plenty of time to find all leaks - you won't need 6-8 hours .

    Testers use an adhesive pvc sheet with peel of paper backing to seal vents and fireplaces with - sorry I don't have a product name for it .


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