Best practices guide for air leakage testing for metal building systems released

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) released a new guidebook, Metal Building Systems - Best Practices to Comply with Whole-Building Air Leakage Testing Requirements.

The free publication identifies procedures for metal building manufacturers and contractors to improve the ability of having metal buildings pass whole-building air leakage testing requirements.

“Whole-building air leakage testing is specified in the latest energy code updates,” says Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager. “As more and more states and municipalities adopt these codes and testing requirements, this new guide will help manufacturers, builders, and owners to meet these demands by following some basic steps.”

Material from the guide was drawn from air leakage testing performed in the field, which has shown that certain parts of a building need special attention. These include:

• Dissimilar material interfaces, such as wall bases, doors, and windows
• Intersections/changes in air barrier configuration, including wall-to-roof interfaces, and wall corners
• Penetrations, including canopy framing members, mechanical (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing

The document includes detailed drawings and images, along with appendices that include a project checklist, overhead door specifics, and applicable codes, test methods, and material requirements.