Energy-Related Architectural Services; Building Envelope Testing & Inspection Project

In 2019, a mechanical engineer was designing a new HVAC system for a 15,000 square foot section of an institutional building.  The mechanical engineer was concerned that air leakage at the borders of this part of the building could reduce the performance of the new HVAC system.  So, the engineer asked BPA to design an air sealing system for the borders of the new HVAC area. 

BPA began the process by conducting an envelope air leakage and leak hunting test, to quantify and find air leakage locations, and determine how best to air seal them.  Then, BPA developed a series of air sealing architectural details, keying them to the proper locations in the building. 

These air sealing details then became part of the overall project’s construction documents.  The air sealing details were clear enough that the Contractor was able to follow them and properly create effective air sealing in all locations indicated on the drawings, thus helping to optimize the new HVAC system’s performance.