Course Code: ATT-BDM202
Course Duration: 2 days (16 hours total, 9 AM to 5 PM daily)
Location: Sea Star Base, Galveston, Texas
Course Description:
This two-day training course on air-tightness testing, commonly known as blower door testing, is designed for building professionals, energy auditors, and quality control personnel. The program provides comprehensive instruction on the theory and practical aspects of air-tightness testing according to the ASTM E779-19 standard. Participants will engage in both classroom learning and hands-on sessions, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct blower door tests confidently. By the end of this intensive course, candidates will be able to use a blower door testing kit and perform tests independently, with additional training available for those seeking formal certification.
Learning Objectives:
After completing the course, participants will:
Course Tutor:
Barry Cope is the Group Managing Director of the Building Compliance Testers’ Association (BCTA) which operates certification schemes for parts of the construction industry that are required to demonstrate that they are competent to do the work they do.
Barry studied engineering and high performance manufacturing at Oxford Instruments Analytical before moving into the construction industry with BM TRADA (now Element) in 2007. Barry spent several years conducting testing and consultancy on buildings for air tightness testing before training in acoustics, designing and building two of only a handful of acoustic sound insulation suites in the UK. Barry moved on to be a Technical Manager at Site Sound Ltd in 2014 before joining BCTA as the General Manager in 2015.
Barry is passionate about the construction industry, conducting and overseeing training of many trades and parts of the construction industry, becoming an industry advocate for compliance and integrity – doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching.
Course Schedule:
Day 1: Theoretical Foundations and Equipment Familiarization
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Introduction and Goals
Introduction to the course and participants
Overview of air-tightness testing and its significance
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Understanding Air-Tightness
Principles of building science and air-tightness
Introduction to the ASTM E779-19 standard
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Coffee Break
11:15 AM – 12:45 PM: Blower Door Testing Equipment
Components of a blower door system
Setting up the blower door equipment
Calibration and safety considerations
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch Break
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM: Preparing for the Test
Steps for conducting a blower door test
Ensuring accurate test conditions
Common setup issues and how to overcome them
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: Afternoon Tea Break
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Practical Demonstration
Live setup of a blower door test
Walkthrough of a standard testing procedure
Day 2: Hands-On Testing and Analysis
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Conducting the Test
Participants conduct a blower door test
Troubleshooting common issues during testing
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Coffee Break
10:45 AM – 12:30 PM: Data Analysis and Interpretation
Understanding test results
Analyzing data in accordance with ASTM E779-19
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Advanced Testing Scenarios
Handling complex building geometries
Multi-unit testing considerations
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Afternoon Tea Break
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM: Diagnostics and Air Leakage Solutions
Diagnosing air leakage using blower door test results
Strategies for air-tightness improvements
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Course Review and Next Steps
Review of key learning points
Discussing further certification and training options
Presentation of certificates and closing remarks
Teaching Methods:
Lectures and Discussions
Hands-On Equipment Training
Practical Testing Exercises
Case Studies and Problem-Solving Sessions
Group Activities and Analysis
Assessment Methods:
There are no formal assessments; however, participants are encouraged to engage actively in all practical exercises and discussions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the course material.
Pre-requisites:
There are no formal prerequisites, but a basic knowledge of building construction and principles of building science is highly beneficial.
Materials Provided:
Course Manual with ASTM E779-19 Standard Overview
Testing Checklists and Forms
Notepad and Pen
Catering:
Morning and afternoon tea/coffee and lunch will be provided on both days.
Dress Code:
Casual or work attire suitable for practical activities and testing.
Note:
For those interested in pursuing formal certification, additional training sessions can be arranged following this course to prepare for certification exams.