Quantifying Building Air Leakage and Verifying Building Envelope Performance

Building Enclosure Forensics, LLC provides independent air leakage testing for commercial, institutional, multifamily, and government buildings throughout Colorado. Using calibrated Retrotec blower door systems and industry-standard testing procedures, we measure building airtightness, identify air leakage pathways, and verify building enclosure performance.

Air leakage can contribute to increased energy costs, occupant discomfort, moisture intrusion, condensation, poor indoor air quality, and premature deterioration of building components. Our testing provides objective data that helps owners, contractors, architects, and commissioning teams evaluate building performance and identify deficiencies before they become costly problems.

Our Air Leakage Testing Services

Whole Building Air Leakage Testing

We perform whole-building blower door testing to quantify the airtightness of completed buildings and verify compliance with project performance requirements.

Applications include:

Commercial buildings, • Government facilities, • Schools and Universities Healthcare Facilities • Multifamily Housing • Office Buildings • Existing Building-Evaluations • New construction verification

Testing is performed in accordance with:

  • ASTM E779 - Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization

  • ASTM E1827 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Airtightness of Buildings Using an Orifice Blower Door

  • USACE Air Leakage Testing Requirement

  • Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)

    • UFC 3-101-01 (Architecture)

    • Project-specific USACE specifications that reference ASTM E779 or ASTM E1827

  • Applicable project specifications

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements

Industries We Serve

Building Enclosure Forensics provides air leakage testing for:

  • Building owners

  • Commercial property managers

  • General contractors

  • Architects

  • Engineers

  • Commissioning authorities

  • Government agencies

  • School districts

  • Healthcare organizations

  • Homeowner associations

  • Attorneys and insurance professionals

Why Air Leakage Testing Matters

Uncontrolled air leakage is one of the most common causes of reduced building performance. Air escaping through gaps and discontinuities in the building enclosure can lead to increased energy consumption, occupant discomfort, condensation, moisture intrusion, poor indoor air quality, and premature deterioration of building materials. These issues often remain hidden until they result in costly repairs or ongoing operational problems.

Building Enclosure Forensics utilizes calibrated blower door testing in accordance with ASTM E779 and ASTM E1827, combined with advanced diagnostic tools, to identify air leakage pathways that cannot be detected through a visual inspection alone. By evaluating the performance of the building enclosure and air barrier system, we help building owners and project teams understand where air leakage is occurring and why.

Our testing supports:

  • Building enclosure commissioning

  • New construction quality assurance

  • Existing building performance evaluations

  • Air barrier performance verification

  • Water intrusion and moisture investigations

  • Building enclosure forensic investigations

  • Repair verification and quality control

Air leakage testing is particularly valuable when buildings experience excessive drafts, elevated heating and cooling costs, unexplained condensation, moisture-related concerns, or indoor comfort issues. Identifying the source of uncontrolled air leakage allows corrective measures to be focused on the root cause, helping to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and the long-term performance of the building enclosure.

As an independent building enclosure consulting firm, Building Enclosure Forensics provides objective evaluations, industry-standard testing, and evidence-based recommendations to help owners, architects, contractors, developers, and commissioning agents make informed decisions regarding building performance and corrective actions.

Why Choose Building Enclosure Forensics?

Building Enclosure Forensics provides independent building enclosure consulting, forensic investigations, and performance testing for residential, commercial, institutional, and government facilities throughout Colorado. Unlike contractors who perform repairs or manufacturers who promote specific products, we have no financial interest in the outcome of our evaluations. Our objective is to identify the root cause of building enclosure failures and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations that serve our clients' best interests.

Every investigation is supported by industry-standard testing, building science principles, and thorough documentation, allowing owners, architects, contractors, attorneys, developers, and commissioning agents to make informed decisions with confidence. Whether verifying new construction, investigating existing deficiencies, or supporting litigation, we deliver objective findings, practical recommendations, and professional expertise focused on improving long-term building enclosure performance.