Resource
What your airtightness number actually means
Airtightness is more than a score. Here’s how to interpret it and how to use it to make real improvements.
A blower door test gives you a measured leakage rate under controlled pressure conditions.
It’s valuable because it’s measurable—but it’s not the whole story.
Three ways to use airtightness results
1) Benchmarking
A score helps you compare to typical construction outcomes and track improvement.
2) Diagnostics
When used in diagnostic mode, testing helps identify where air is moving.
3) Planning
Airtightness targets can guide trade sequencing and mid-construction checks.
What the number doesn’t tell you by itself
- where leaks are located (unless diagnostics are done)
- whether comfort issues are caused by leakage vs distribution vs ventilation
- how attached geometry affects interpretation (multi-unit context matters)
Related services
Where this shows up in scope.
Diagnostics
Airtightness Testing
Blower door testing to quantify leakage and support airtightness decisions across Alberta.
Diagnostics
Envelope Analysis
Assembly and transition review to identify continuity risks and practical correction opportunities.
Diagnostics
Stressed Thermography and Leakage Location
Pressure-assisted thermal investigation to identify leakage pathways and envelope anomalies.
Keep reading
Adjacent resources.
thermography / diagnostics
Stressed thermography: what it can prove (and what it can’t)
Pressure-assisted thermal imaging is powerful—but only when conditions and scope fit.
ghg / emissions
GHG analysis: why emissions outcomes can differ from energy outcomes
Why two upgrades with similar energy savings can have different emissions impacts—and how to compare pathways.
energuide / energy-star
Label readiness checklist (EnerGuide / ENERGY STAR / Built Green)
A practical pre-checklist to reduce friction in labelling workflows: specs alignment, documentation, and verification readiness.