To discuss your project and to learn more about our services, contact: airbarrier@morrisonhershfield.com Morrison Hershfield is internationally recognized as a leader in the building envelope field. Part of our expertise is specifically related to air flow management. Our strength resides with our team of engineers, architects, technologists and construction trade specialists, who have a direct knowledge of the issues involved with providing a functional and durable air flow management system as part of the building envelope.
Air barrier consulting focuses on solving or preventing performance problems associated with uncontrolled air flow across the enclosures of buildings. Air leakage is driven by the air pressure differences across the building envelope assembly. The design of an effective air barrier should include the selection of appropriate materials, developing attachment methods to withstand calculated air pressure loads, detailing for continuity across identified leakage paths and the resolution of those across both vertical and horizontal surfaces. We collaborate with owners and designers of new construction and renovation projects to create high performance building envelope systems that reduce uncontrolled air movement, saving energy and increasing indoor air quality.
Services include:
Design Services - Selection of air barrier materials
- Design of air barrier assemblies
- Design of air barrier interface details
- Performance specifications
- Establish performance testing requirements
Design Review Services
- Review of air barrier assemblies
- Placement of air barrier
- Material selection
- Air barrier interface detail review
- Analysis of structure for resistance to wind loads
- Analysis of pressure equalization
- Review of performance criteria
- Review of testing requirements
- Review of contractor submittals
- Review of alternates and value engineering options
Performance Modeling Service
- Air barrier performance modeling (Delphine, WUFI, Emptied)
- Analysis of condensation risk for 2D and 3D assemblies (THERM, FEMAP Maya, hygIRC)
- Whole building energy modeling (Ecotect, E-Quest, Energy Plus)
- Life cycle cost and life cycle assessment (ATHENA Impact Estimator and EcoCalculator)
Air Barrier Commissioning - Design review
- Submittal review
- Field testing
Field Services
- Qualification of trades
- Pre-qualification meetings
- Sequencing of trades
- Observation of mock-ups
- Periodic site observations
Performance Testing
- Qualitative diagnostic testing
- Air leakage site detection (ASTM E1186)
- Smoke tracing
- Infrared thermal imaging
- Quantitative compliance testing
- Material testing
- Measurement of air permeance (ASTM E1677, ASTM E2178)
- Assembly testing
- Air barrier membranes (ASTM E2357)
- Window assemblies (ASTM E283, ASTM E783)
- Blower door fan depressurization (ASTM E779)
- Whole building testing
- Tracer gas testing (ASTM E741)
- Depressurization with HVAC system (CAN/CGSB 149.15-96)
Maintenance Manuals
Litigation Support and Expert Witness
Morrison Hershfield has written many technical papers on topics related to air barriers, including a recent assessment of "Controlling Air Barrier Leakage in Building Assemblies" .