Protocols for measuring the airtightness of multi-dwelling units in Southern Europe

Abstract

The airtightness of building envelopes is one of the factors which most affects the hygrothermal conditions and the air quality of the indoor environment, as well as the energy consumption of the building. In multi-dwelling units this contributes significantly to the overall load for heating or air conditioning, making it possible to calculate the repercussion of infiltrations on the energy demand of a dwelling as between 20 to 50% of the total amount, depending on the climate zone and construction characteristics of the envelope. Hence the importance of knowing the parameters that characterise it. Pressurisation/depressurisation tests are the best method for characterisig these, but must be carried out in accordance with specific measurement procedures. The main objective of this paper is the proposal of five specific protocols for carrying out these tests in MDU, and their specific use in buildings in Southern European regions. In order to develop and validate this proposal we have carried out a series of multi test in ten dwelling units in a block recently built in the south of Spain. The results of these tests are presented and analysed here. These confirm the need for some protocols to distinguish between wet and dry spaces within the dwelling, given the difference in airtightness between them, and to expand the study indicators proposed by international regulations for a more accurate rendering of the behaviour of the envelope and the elements within it.