• Properly installed air barriers are the key to an air tight home
• Airtightness tests are performed to determine the effectiveness of the air barrier system
• There are various programs used for existing and new home assessments. Some require a specified airtightness to meet the program requirements, while others do not
• During new construction, an airtightness test (pre-test) can be performed before the dry wall is installed to check for and identify leakage areas that can easily be fixed before the drywall is installed
• The leakage areas found should be noted and those areas should be double checked on the next home being constructed

The OBC will be implementing airtightness awareness and requirements in the near future.

• Effective January 1, 2019: Air leakage testing will be mandatory (no minimum or maximum ACH at this point). There will also be a 100% requirement for continuous insulation.
  
• Effective January 1, 2022: There will be an air leakage requirement.