Product Overview

Summary: This Airtightness Measurement Techniques Standard Operating Procedure provides a consistent, defensible method for conducting blower door and related air leakage tests in Australian buildings. It supports energy efficiency, occupant comfort and NCC compliance by standardising how tests are prepared, executed, recorded and reported across your projects.

Airtightness testing is becoming a core requirement in Australian residential and commercial construction, driven by the National Construction Code’s increasing focus on energy efficiency, building performance and occupant comfort. Yet many organisations still rely on ad‑hoc testing methods, inconsistent equipment setups and variable reporting formats, which can lead to unreliable results, disputes with clients and difficulties demonstrating compliance. This Standard Operating Procedure establishes a clear, repeatable process for planning, conducting and documenting airtightness measurements, including blower door tests and related diagnostic techniques.

The SOP guides your team through each stage of the airtightness testing lifecycle: from pre‑test coordination with site personnel and preparation of the building, through equipment calibration and test execution, to data analysis, troubleshooting and final reporting. It clarifies roles and responsibilities, standardises test conditions, and sets out documentation requirements so that results are comparable from project to project. By embedding this procedure into your quality management system, you reduce the risk of failed inspections, rework and client disputes, while building a robust evidence base to support NCC and Australian Standards requirements on building sealing and energy performance.

Key Benefits

• Standardise airtightness testing methods across projects to deliver consistent, repeatable results.
• Demonstrate compliance with NCC energy efficiency and building sealing requirements using defensible test evidence.
• Reduce costly rework and delays by identifying air leakage issues early and providing clear diagnostic guidance.
• Support high‑performance building outcomes by integrating airtightness testing into commissioning and quality assurance processes.
• Enhance client confidence with transparent, professional test reports and traceable measurement records.

Who is this for?

• Building Surveyors
• Energy Assessors and NABERS Consultants
• ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design) Consultants
• Mechanical Services Engineers
• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Residential and Commercial Builders
• Commissioning Engineers
• Facility Managers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (including blower door, Pa, n50, ACH)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Standards, Codes and References
• 5.0 Pre‑Test Planning and Site Coordination
• 6.0 Building Preparation and Test Conditions
• 7.0 Equipment Requirements, Calibration and Verification
• 8.0 Step‑by‑Step Airtightness Test Procedure
• 9.0 Data Recording, Quality Checks and Error Handling
• 10.0 Data Analysis, Calculations and Interpretation of Results
• 11.0 Diagnostic Techniques for Locating Air Leakage Paths
• 12.0 Documentation, Reporting and Record Keeping
• 13.0 Integration with Commissioning and Quality Assurance Processes
• 14.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and Training Requirements

Legislation & References

• National Construction Code (NCC) – Volume One and Two energy efficiency and building sealing provisions
• AS/NZS 4234: Heated water systems – Calculation of energy consumption (contextual for energy performance assessments)
• AS/NZS ISO 9001: Quality management systems – Requirements (for integrating airtightness testing into QA systems)
• ISO 9972: Thermal performance of buildings – Determination of air permeability of buildings – Fan pressurization method (commonly referenced methodology)
• NABERS and Green Star technical requirements relating to building envelope performance (where applicable)
• Relevant state and territory WHS Acts and Regulations (for safe test planning and site access obligations)