Measuring your comfort
RE2020 airtightness test
Air permeability testing quantifies the airtightness defects of a building (unwanted air infiltration) by depressurising or pressurising houses, apartment buildings or commercial buildings.
FREE GUIDE · 3 PAGES · IN FRENCH
The 2 right moments to test air permeability
4 out of 10 measurements fail at handover. Our guide shows you how to avoid being one of them.
- When to schedule the intermediate test, and why it makes all the difference
- The conditions for the final test and the value to achieve
- The 5 most common leaks and the checklist to give your tradespeople
Technique
What is building envelope airtightness testing?
Airtightness testing, or building air permeability measurement, shows the quality of a construction. The blower door test,
combined with leak detection, can be carried out on any type of building and ensures the durability of the structure and the comfort of its occupants.
Set-up and preparation
Our operators fit the blower door into the frame of the building’s main or secondary entrance door. The building is then prepared: air inlets and extract vents are temporarily sealed so that only unwanted leaks are measured.
Measurement and leak detection
The operators measure the envelope airtightness by pressurising or depressurising the building according to European standard ISO 9972 and French standard FD P50-784. Leak detection is then carried out at a pressure difference of 50 Pa to locate and fix envelope defects.
Writing the report
A test report compliant with current standards is drawn up, with the measurement results (Q4Pa-surf at 4 Pa and n50 at 50 Pa) and the main indicators required by RE2020 or the thermal calculation. Our reports always include detailed photos of envelope defects and located leaks.
Why carry out an airtightness test?
Energy savings
Air leaks in a building waste as much energy as poor insulation. In a new house, all the leaks together can add up to a hole several centimetres wide that is permanently open. Fixing the located leaks reduces heat loss.
Building durability
Air leaks cause excess moisture in the building structure (dew point). Reducing leaks and their flow rate therefore extends the life of the building.
Improving your insulation
And therefore your comfort. Insulation only works if the air it contains is still. Stopping air flow through insulation with suitable airtight membranes improves its performance and your thermal comfort.
What value must be achieved under RE2020?
The indicator measured is Q4Pa-surf: the leakage rate at 4 Pa divided by the surface area of the walls, in m³/(h.m²). The target is the value in your thermal study, within the limit of:
| Building type | RE2020 limit (Q4Pa-surf) |
|---|---|
| Single-family house | 0.6 m³/(h.m²) |
| Apartment building | 1.0 m³/(h.m²) |
| Commercial buildings | 1.7 m³/(h.m²) |
For commercial buildings, the measurement is mandatory for offices with a reference area of up to 3,000 m²; above that, it remains possible and is often requested by clients. See our tests for commercial buildings.
We also report n50 (air changes at 50 Pa), required by labels such as Passivhaus.
When should the test be done?
Intermediate test (recommended)
When the building is weathertight, with windows and membrane fitted, before the plasterboard goes up. Any leaks found can be fixed without dismantling anything.
Final test (mandatory)
Construction completed, ventilation installed. This is the report used for the RE2020 end-of-works certificate.
Free guide (in French): the 2 right moments to test air permeability
When to schedule the intermediate test, the conditions for the final test and the checklist of the most common leaks.
Get the guidePrices and lead times
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Intermediate test, single-family house | On quotation |
| Final test, single-family house | On quotation |
| Apartment building | Contact us |
| Commercial buildings, large volumes (multi-fan), all over France | Contact us |
Intervention possible within 48 h in Alsace and the Grand Est. Report delivered within 24 to 48 h.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the test fails?
We locate the leaks during the test, with photos. Once the contractors have fixed them, a new test confirms the result.
Do I need to be there during the test?
Yes, or someone who can open the building. We agree on the time slot together.
How should the building be prepared?
Windows and doors fitted and closed, electricity available, ventilation installed for the final test. We send you a checklist before our visit.
Who can carry out the final RE2020 test?
A Qualibat 8711 qualified operator, independent of the company that built the house. Exp’Air 67 has been Qualibat 8711 qualified since 2010.
Turnkey RE2020 certificate.
Our expertise
Our operators have been Qualibat 8711 qualified since 2010 and work together on site to keep testing lead times as short as possible. This is how we can guarantee reports within 24 or 48 hours, depending on how urgent our clients’ needs are.
