Testing

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Pretium applies physical testing, data logging, and computer models to support assessments and design services.  These protocols allow our clients to have confidence that the design or construction they wish to prove meets all applicable requirements.  Similarly, existing construction can be assessed using physical tests and instrumentation to demonstrate deficient performance or non-compliance with design requirements.  Here are a few examples:

Air Leakage Testing

• Either qualitative and quantitative air leakage testing of building envelope components for diagnostic and compliance assessments. 
• In-situ performance testing of windows and doors to applicable codes and standards such as ASTM E783,
• Air leakage and air movement using smoke generating devices on a broad scale and smoke pencils on a small scale in combination with instrumented blower doors. 
• Compliance reports and recommendations for repair of defects.

Water Penetration

• Either qualitative and quantitative water leakage testing of building envelope components for diagnostic and compliance assessments. 
• In-situ performance testing of windows and doors to applicable codes and standards such as ASTM E1105.
• Use of a water spray rack or localized water hose tests in conjunction with blower doors or depressurization chambers as appropriate to simulate the effects of a wind-driven rain. 
• Compliance reports and recommendations for repair of defects.

Enclosure Integrity Testing

• Enclosure Integrity Testing: NFPA2001 (2012 Edition) and its Appendix C Enclosure Integrity Procedure.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of clean agent fire suppression systems.
• Containment Level 3 laboratory (CL3) smoke testing to address bio-safety concerns to Health Canada “Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines”.
• LEED air leakage testing for EQp2 to control migration of Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) in buildings.
• Whole building air tightness testing for energy conservation to:
  • ASHRAE 189.1
  • US Army Corps of Engineers
  • 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
  • Energy Star rating
• Energy Star homes and multifamily buildings for energy conservation.
• Troubleshooting and failure analysis.
• Design simulation with Retrotec FanTestic software
• Retrofit consulting

Infrared Thermography

Infrared thermography can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify anomalies in building envelope and roofing assemblies.  These can identify:

• Air leakage.
• Conductive heat loss (e.g. thermal bridging, missing, and/or lack of insulation).
• Trapped water.

The successful use of thermography for building applications depends not only on a thorough knowledge of building construction and the principles of heat, air, and moisture transmission, but also on an understanding of infrared radiation and the factors that can affect its detection and measurement. - Canadian Building Digest 229.

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