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.
Related Stories
Codes | Mar 2, 2023
Biden Administration’s proposed building materials rules increase domestic requirements
The Biden Administration’s proposal on building materials rules used on federal construction and federally funded state and local buildings would significantly boost the made-in-America mandate. In the past, products could qualify as domestically made if at least 55% of the value of their components were from the U.S.
AEC Innovators | Feb 28, 2023
Meet the 'urban miner' who is rethinking how we deconstruct and reuse buildings
New Horizon Urban Mining, a demolition firm in the Netherlands, has hitched its business model to construction materials recycling. It's plan: deconstruct buildings and infrastructure and sell the building products for reuse in new construction. New Horizon and its Founder Michel Baars have been named 2023 AEC Innovators by Building Design+Construction editors.
Sponsored | Metals | Jan 16, 2023
Breaking The Mold: ALPOLIC MCM Accomplishes A+ Design for Ohio School
From the start, the vision for Dayton’s Northridge Local Schools included a standout architectural element. Taking inspiration from the polar bear mascot, Levin Porter Architects created an unforgettable iceberg feature with the help of ALPOLIC. Custom white MCM panels shimmer and provide a local landmark for the community.
75 Top Building Products | Nov 30, 2022
75 top building products for 2022
Each year, the Building Design+Construction editorial team evaluates the vast universe of new and updated products, materials, and systems for the U.S. building design and construction market. The best-of-the-best products make up our annual 75 Top Products report.
Sponsored | Metals | Nov 10, 2022
Largest Tulip Bulb Forcing Farm Rebuilds from Ground Up
Metl-Span insulated metal panels delivered the optimal solution for the new Pioneer Flower Farms facility to rebuild after a fire. The warehouse included the installation of movable freezers and cold storage areas.
Sponsored | Metals | Nov 9, 2022
Making a Difference: Lakeshore Lofts Brings Sustainability and Support with Inspiring Designs
Lakeshore Lofts sets a new standard for affordable housing providing expansive services and support and inspiring sustainable design made possible with ALPOLIC.
Building Materials | Nov 2, 2022
Design for Freedom: Ending slavery and child labor in the global building materials sector
Sharon Prince, Founder and CEO of Grace Farms and Design for Freedom, discusses DFF's report on slavery and enforced child labor in building products and materials.
Sponsored | Metals | Oct 13, 2022
The Benefits of Insulated Metal Panels Over Tilt-Up Walls
When it comes time to choose a building envelope material, project teams can select from a wide array of options. Tilt-up walls can offer some savings, but one system leads the industry for installation, energy, and cost efficiencies: Insulated metal panels.
Sponsored | Metals | Sep 22, 2022
Metl-Span Produces Custom-Designed Solution for Chicago’s Wanda Vista Towers
In the heart of downtown Chicago, the Wanda Vista Towers make an impression standing tall at 101 stories. The height brought a challenge to integrate blow-through floors – a challenge met by Metl-Span custom solutions for easy installation, energy-efficiency, and durability.
