Behind the Scenes of 'Home Diagnosis' Season 2

We took our sponsors and supporters behind the cameras in June 2020 when we shot episodes 8-9 of Season Two, and they loved it so much we're sharing it with you too. Please consider supporting this FIRST-EVER TV show about the Science of Homes at: https://Patreon.com/HomeDiagnosisTV

Building Science Podcast features HOMEChem

Corbett and Kristof Irwin from Positive Energy Austin dive deep into the revolution that's brewing. Building Science will never be the same after the HOMEChem Experiment shows us the 4-dimensional chess game that's happening at a molecular level inside every building and vehicle in the world.

Subscribe to the Building Science Podcast on iTunes or any other podcast platform. More at: https://positiveenergy.pro/building-science-podcast/2018/9/20/0asmwbpk31r3ced6myrqjjeg9smvy4

DEAR CORBETT: Multifamily Blower Door Testing Nuances

Good day Corbett,

I wanted to let you know, that I really enjoy your approach to the whole building science and your building performance workshop website. I am relatively new as a Resnet Rater and the county where I live is Collier County in Florida.

They recently adopted the new code standard set by the state. My question relates to multifamily condo units. I have a client that did renovations to a 2,500 sq. ft. penthouse condo and the front door to the unit is I a common area. The county wants them to perform a blower door test in order to obtain their certificate of occupancy.

I realize this would be a compartmentalize test, since I can only have access to the unit they renovated for their client. Knowing that I will encounter not only leakage to outside but also internal leakage between units. I was wondering what the best approach would be to ensure a successful test. Collier County requires between 3 ach and 7 ach for a test to pass code.

Any information would be appreciated. Thanking you in advance.

Best Regards,
Norm Giguere
www.blowerdoorenergyexperts.com

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Dear Norm-

Thanks for your question, it's a good one! First off, you should be fine if they did a good job with the renovations- 7 ACH50 is not terribly hard to achieve.

When you set up your blower door at the front door of the condo, you'll blow air out into the common hallway, so you want to make sure all possible windows/doors in that hallway are open to the outdoors. Use the emergency exits if necessary (make sure maintenance knows what you're up to).

You'll be testing the condo's leakage to everything outside of it, including the downstairs unit, but that's intended. They really will have air leaking between the two condos, if there are leakage pathways, and you want to be testing for that and including it in your blower door test result.

Ask your code official if they want the result to pass the residential code or commercial code, because you have to test at 75 Pa in commercial. I always advise doing a multipoint test (get the flows on at least two pressures, like 25 Pa and 50 Pa) so you can extrapolate the 75 Pa if anyone ever wants it in the future. Saves you a trip.

AS AN ADDED BONUS, consider doing a Zonal Pressure Test on the unit downstairs, to see how much the blower door is affecting it. Always nice to have more data than you need.

Happy Testing,
Corbett

Home Performance Mastermind Minute: WEEK 2

Corbett knows every Mastermind needs Master Plans, but overthinking doesn't do anyone any good. Learn to recognize when you're over-planning and expecting yourself to gain too much knowledge, skill, equipment, or personnel to make Mastery practical!

Infinite Toolbox: OCT 2015 Building Forensics Mastermind Webinar

Join Corbett as he shows off the advanced building performance testing and data gleaned from the past month's projects.  This month, focus on simple, inexpensive tools that can help get your brain in shape to master building performance- HOBO dataloggers, theodolite photo app and roomscan app, and a great graphical weather forecaster.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=greendreamgroup

PODCAST #47 BIG SEXY MORTGAGES: Kerry Langley on How to Borrow More, Lend More, and Keep More with Energy Efficient Mortgages

Today we talk with Kerry Langley of Synovus Mortgage about how his company collaborated with Southeastern builders, HERS raters, and homebuyers to make an absolute killing for everyone involved. Corbett: "Why hasn't everyone been lending money this way?" Kerry: "I have absolutely no idea." YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS.

To download this episode or hear more, subscribe in iTunes or visit BuildingPerformancePodcast.com