NIST Net Zero House Obtains “Phenomenal Result” for Blower Door Test

The following statement was released from A. Hunter Fanney, Chief of the Building Environment Division at NIST:

On August 8th the first performance test of the Net Zero Energy Residential Test Facility took place. The objective of this test was to determine the air tightness of the facility at the current stage of construction. The test was performed upon completion of the exterior sheathing and installation of the air/moisture barrier. The window/door openings were sealed.  The blower door test was conducted by Daniel Bergey from Building Science Corporation.  Kevin Gallagher, Senior Superintendent/QC Manager from Therrien Waddell, Hunter Fanney from NIST, and Betsy Petit, Cathy Gates, and Joe Lsitburek from Building Science Corporation witnessed the test.

As noted in the test report “the results were phenomenal”, “tighter than all targets set for low-energy homes.” The result was less than 1/10 of the workmanship target, or less than 3% of the Building America Target (see bar chart). As additional building elements are added, these results will change as the installation of windows and doors will increase the leakage whereas other building elements such as exterior insulation, drywall, etc may reduce the leakage rate, but we are off to a truly outstanding start. Additional tests will be conducted as the project moves forward.

These results are a result of Building Science Corporation’s extreme attention to design detail, quality oversight by Jacobs Engineering, quality workmanship by Therrien Waddell, and overall project oversight by the Office of Facilities and Property Management.  A special note of appreciation is due to Kevin Gallagher and his assistant superintendent Neal Diehl for ensuring that the specifications are rigorously followed and quality craftsmanship is strictly enforced.