Project Example: Building Enclosure Testing

A chain restaurant reached out to the NTi team to perform Building Enclosure Testing at a restaurant in Missouri. This was the first time the testing was ever required for project completion on one of their stores because of updates in energy codes in Kansas City. The NTi team quickly jumped on the project and helped their team navigate this new code.

Building Enclosure Testing (BET) is becoming a requirement for new construction projects across the country as a result of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standardizing it in its energy codes. BET is a process involving evaluation, verification, and documentation that the building’s design and construction meet defined performance expectations. BET results in better building energy performance through improved thermal performance and decreased air leakage issues.

The test was performed per the 2021 IECC using the ASTM E1827 methodology and NEBB Procedural Standard. NTi’s technician, certified by NEBB for BET, used the testing instruments to measure leakage rates during depressurization and pressurization tests.

The test failed – NTi evaluated the building to understand why it failed and provided direction for next steps. It was found that the majority of leakage was in the back of house by using a thermal camera; this revealed that part of the flashing hadn’t been completed. After sharing the findings with the general contractor, the GC also noted that the flashing and caulking around that area had not been completed. The next steps provided were to fix this to meet the IECC’s acceptable leakage rates.

General contractors are finding themselves navigating through these new energy codes, which have not been required on many of their previous projects. The NTi team serves as their partner for understanding and meeting the codes, as well as running diagnostic services.