Wall System and Air Barrier Testing

Maximize your building's performance, meet code requirements, and ensure long-term durability with comprehensive wall system and air barrier testing. Elements' fast, accurate evaluations verify continuous air barrier performance, preventing energy loss, moisture intrusion, and structural issues, while enhancing occupant comfort.

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What is Wall System and Air Barrier Testing at Element?

Air Barrier Testing evaluates how effectively building materials prevent uncontrolled airflow through the building envelope. At Element, we evaluate air barrier materials and full-scale assemblies for air leakage, water penetration under uniform and cyclic static air pressure difference, wind resistance, thermal performance, acoustics, seismic response, and structural adequacy. Our comprehensive approach ensures continuous air barrier performance, preventing uncontrolled airflow, energy loss, and moisture intrusion throughout your building's service life, even under varying environmental conditions and wind pressure loads.

Element building products testing engineer wearing safety equipment and hard hat

What can Element offer you for Wall System and Air Barrier Testing?

Key Tests Offered

Elements' testing evaluates critical performance aspects that directly impact your building's energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort. We assess air leakage rates, water penetration resistance under static and dynamic conditions, structural performance under wind loads, thermal efficiency, acoustic properties, and seismic response to provide comprehensive performance data.

Air leakage testing for energy efficiency

Water penetration testing for moisture control

Structural wind load resistance for safety and durability

Thermal performance testing for energy conservation

Acoustic performance testing for occupant comfort

Seismic performance assessment for safety compliance

Building envelope field inspections and field testing
We conduct building envelope and curtain wall inspections and testing, as well as on-site dew point determinations of insulating glass units. Infrared thermographic services are also available for building envelopes, electrical services or mechanical system evaluations.

Wall systems testing
We also conduct dynamic response tests on Pressure Equalized Rain (PER) screens in accordance with AAMA 508 simulate positive and negative gust wind loads, monitoring real-time pressure changes within the wall cavity. Tests can incorporate water spray and temperature variations to assess system resilience in various environmental conditions.

Materials We Test

Element tests a comprehensive range of air barrier products including sheets, liquid-applied membranes, and sprayed polyurethane foams manufactured from organic fibers or synthetic plastics. Our evaluations cover air barrier materials and full-scale assemblies, including products sold as sheets, liquid-applied membranes, and sprayed polyurethane foams, whether pre-assembled or site-constructed. This ensures a continuous air barrier to resist wind pressure loads and environmental conditions throughout the building's lifespan.

Sheet air barrier materials for continuous barriers

Liquid-applied membranes for versatile applications

Sprayed polyurethane foams for insulation and air sealing

Pre-assembled wall systems for simplified installation

Site-constructed wall assemblies for custom applications

Methods And Solutions Offered

Our laboratories feature a large two-story chamber enabling full-scale testing of wall systems under realistic conditions. We perform dynamic response tests on Pressure Equalized Rain (PER) screens per AAMA 508, simulating positive and negative gust wind loads and monitoring pressure changes within wall cavities. Testing can incorporate water spray and temperature variations. Our field services include on-site inspections, infrared thermography, and dew point determinations for insulating glass units.

Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use

Our facilities include specialized chambers for testing full-scale wall systems under various environmental conditions. Our large two-story chamber allows for complete wall assembly evaluation, while specialized equipment enables dynamic wind load simulation and pressure monitoring within wall cavities. We also utilize advanced infrared cameras for thermographic analysis.

Two-story testing chamber for full-scale wall assemblies

Dynamic wind simulation equipment for PER screen testing

Advanced monitoring systems for cavity pressure measurement

Calibrated water spray systems for penetration testing

Infrared thermographic cameras for building envelope evaluation

Which Labs Offer This Service

Our team operates from Construction hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find your nearest Construction Testing hub on our Locations Page.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

ASTM E2178
ASTM E2357
CAN/ULC-S741
CAN/ULC-S742
AAMA 508
SS 492/BS 5234-2
BS 476-22
EN 1634-1
SS 332 Clause 4
BS 6206
AS 2208
EN 12600
AS 1530-4

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Energy efficiency without compromise

Rising energy costs demand effective air barriers. Our comprehensive testing identifies potential weaknesses in your system before installation, helping you maximize building performance while reducing ongoing operational costs through validated air barrier performance.

Evolving code compliance requirements

Building codes increasingly mandate air barriers in designs. Our testing services align with all North American standards including ASTM E2178, ASTM E2357, CAN/ULC-S741, and CAN/ULC-S742, providing the documentation you need for seamless code approval.

Risks of moisture damage

Even small air barrier discontinuities can create moisture problems. Our detailed testing evaluates water penetration resistance and system integration, helping prevent costly damage, mold growth, and air quality issues throughout your building's service life.

Occupant comfort demands

Poor air barriers lead to drafts, temperature variations, and noise transmission. Our comprehensive testing across air leakage, thermal performance, and acoustics helps ensure comfortable interior environments, enhancing occupant satisfaction and productivity.

Why Choose Element

Element building products testing engineer wearing safety helmet and protective eyewear in industrial facility

Industry association recognition

Our membership in the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) demonstrates our commitment to industry best practices and continuous improvement.

Accredited testing protocols

With IAS 17025 accreditation and membership in the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), our testing meets rigorous international standards.

Comprehensive evaluation approach

Beyond air barriers, we also test windows, doors, roofing products, and other construction materials to ensure building envelope performance.

Global testing capabilities

With Element's network and Warringtonfire's accredited laboratories in the UK, Belgium, Singapore, and Malaysia, we offer worldwide testing coverage with local expertise.

Frequently asked questions

Why are air barriers critical for building performance?

With today's high energy costs, air barriers prevent uncontrolled outside air from entering through gaps in your building envelope. Without effective air barriers, buildings experience unnecessary energy consumption, indoor air quality problems, excessive moisture buildup, and occupant discomfort.