The Blower Door Test

The Blower Door Test

What is a blower door test?

A blower door test locates air leaks by using a special fan to depressurize a house.  Blower door tests are usually performed before and after air sealing to measure the effectiveness of the home sealing.

A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door located on the home. The fan removes air out of the house, and lowers the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings. A smoke pencil is used to detect air leaks. These tests determine the air infiltration rate of a building.

Blower doors consist of a frame and flexible panel that fit in a doorway, a variable-speed fan, a pressure gauge to measure the pressure differences inside and outside the home, and an airflow manometer and hoses for measuring airflow.

Who needs a blower door test?

Blower-door testing is useful for both new construction and existing homes. By testing a new home, we can determine whether a certain air tightness target has been achieved.  This is especially important when building an ENERGY STAR home or an R-2000 home.  The results of the blower door test are required for certification of the home.

Why is an airtight home important?

  • Energy consumption due to air leakage is reduced
  • Moisture condensation problems are avoided
  • Uncomfortable drafts caused by cold air leaking in from the outdoors are eliminated

We have been performing blower door tests on our homes for over 10 years.  It’s our way of showing our customers we stand behind our promise of building quality into our homes.

Sonbuilt Tradeshow Booth

Home Shows

It’s that time of year again!  Home Shows!

Home Show season is just around the corner.  We’ll be in three shows this year so mark these upcoming dates on your calendar and we hope to see you at the show!

Fraser Valley Home & Garden Show      February 12 – 14

Location:  Tradex in Abbotsford    Booth Numbers:  212, 213, 214
Hours:      Friday, Feb. 12         1pm – 9pm
Saturday, Feb. 13     10am – 6pm
Sunday, Feb. 14       10am – 4pm
Cost:        $7 (Cash only)   Parking:  $6

BC Home & Garden Show      February 17 – 21

Location:  BC Place Stadium
Booth Number:  217  *Holmes Approved Homes Booth
We are excited to be a Holmes Approved Homes Builder!
Visit www.bchomeandgardenshow.com for show times and tickets info

Sonbuilt will be at the booth:
Thursday, Feb. 18        5pm – 9pm
Friday, Feb. 19             12pm – 9pm
Saturday, Feb. 20         10am – 9pm
Sunday, Feb. 21           10am – 6pm

Langley Spring Home Expo      April 8 – 10

Location:  George Preston Rec Centre  –  20699 42 Ave. Langley
Booth Numbers:  79, 80

Hours:      Friday, Apr. 8         5pm – 9pm
Saturday, Apr. 9     9:30am – 5:30pm
Sunday, Apr. 10     10am – 4pm
Cost:        Free
We will have both the Sonbuilt booth and the Holmes Approved Homes booth at the show at Tradex.  We will be using the Holmes Approved Homes booth at the BC  Home and Garden Show.  Details are still being confirmed for the Langley show.

Visit our website blog and Facebook page for updates.  See you at the show!