lufttæthedeprøvninger

Lufttæthedsprøvninger, often translated as airtightness testing or blower door testing, are a crucial part of modern building construction. These tests are designed to measure how airtight a building envelope is. A building envelope refers to all the elements that separate the interior of a building from the exterior, including walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors. The primary goal of a lufttæthedsprøvning is to identify and quantify uncontrolled air leakage.

The most common method involves using a blower door, which is a powerful fan mounted in an external doorway. This fan is used to either pressurize or depressurize the building. By measuring the airflow rate required to maintain a specific pressure difference, the overall airtightness of the building can be determined. This measurement is typically expressed as air changes per hour (ACH) at a given pressure. Higher ACH values indicate a less airtight building.

Air leakage can lead to several issues. It contributes to heat loss in colder climates and heat gain in warmer climates, increasing energy consumption and utility bills. Uncontrolled air movement can also cause moisture problems, such as condensation within building structures, which can lead to mold growth and material degradation. Furthermore, poor airtightness can impact indoor air quality by allowing pollutants from outside to enter the building and by hindering the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation systems.

Lufttæthedsprøvninger are often performed towards the end of the construction process before interior finishes are complete, allowing for easier identification and sealing of air leaks. They are also used in existing buildings to diagnose problems or to verify performance after renovations. Regulations and building codes in many regions now mandate airtightness testing to ensure energy efficiency and occupant comfort.