Have anyone performed a blower door test on a new home that has a multi bi-fold door installed on an exterior wall? (As in NanaWall, Lanai or Sierra Pacific bi-folds). Is there any performance difference if the doors are configured in-swing or out-swing? I'm concerned with air leakage for a tight envelope. Thanks.
Tags:
Permalink Reply by David Meiland on April 17, 2012 at 6:18pm I assume they're referring to an ASTM E283 test, although I could be completely wrong... and as far as I know, that test uses a number of different test pressures and conditions, it's not a simple -50pa blower door test. BUT... if that .20CFM/ft2 is anywhere near what you'd get at -50, you'd be looking at about 20CFM50 contributed by the door unit. Just a WAG. I've never read the standard.
Really, window and door manufacturers should start testing their units in a standard blower door format, and publishing the results. As builders start to have to comply with standards like 3ACH50, they're going to want to know how the windows are going to do.
You are so right David. It would be nice if their testing is done under the same realistic conditions as their products are tested in real world... that maybe too much to ask. I'll keep waiting on a rater's test one of these days.
Home Energy Pros was founded by the developers of Home Energy Saver Pro (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and brought to you in partnership with Home Energy magazine.
Meagan Foster posted events
Meagan Foster updated an event
Meagan Foster updated an event
Meagan Foster updated an event
Meagan Foster updated an event
Anna Svensson posted a discussion
Bryce Cramer joined Leslie McDowell, BPI's group
Bryce Cramer replied to Mike Kandel's discussion June's Stump the Chump: What's Wrong with this Picture? in the group Building Performance Institute (BPI)
James Hatheway added a discussion to the group Job Board© 2013 Created by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.