QED Lab, Inc.

  Many homes and commercial properties in Seattle lose energy every day through hidden gaps, cracks, and poorly sealed areas. These small openings in the building envelope allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to enter, increasing utility bills and impacting indoor comfort. With Seattle’s focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, detecting these hidden leaks has become more important than ever. This blog explains the tools, methods, and benefits of building envelope leak detection — and why every property owner should prioritize it. What Is Building Envelope Leak Detection? The building envelope includes your exterior walls, roof, windows, doors, and all components that separate indoor spaces from outdoor conditions.  Leak detection  involves examining these areas for defects that allow unwanted air or moisture infiltration. Cracks around window frames, loose joints, deteriorating seals, and aging materials are common causes of leaks. Even the smallest gaps...

For commercial construction in Bozeman, ensuring your air barrier performs as intended isn’t just about improving comfort or reducing drafts—it’s a mandatory requirement under Montana’s energy code and the 2021 IECC. Air barrier testing has become a critical step in passing inspections, preventing rework, and keeping projects compliant. This guide breaks down what builders need to know about ASTM E779, ASTM E1827, and ASTM E283 testing in Bozeman , and how to avoid costly code violations. Why Air Barrier Testing Is Essential in Bozeman & Across Montana Montana’s building codes require new commercial and residential structures to meet specific air leakage standards. That means installing a continuous, durable air barrier throughout the building envelope and using approved testing methods to verify performance. Neglecting proper air barrier installation can lead to: Higher heating and cooling costs Moisture infiltration and long-term structural damage Mold or microbial grow...

In today’s energy-conscious world, the construction industry is increasingly focused on improving energy performance. One of the key methods used to achieve this is   ASTM E283 testing , a standard developed by ASTM International to measure air leakage in buildings. This testing process quantifies air exchange rates—an important factor affecting a building’s overall energy consumption. By identifying and analyzing areas where air leaks occur, property owners and builders can make targeted improvements that significantly reduce energy use and costs. This article explains how   air leakage testing in Oregon   helps ensure buildings meet energy efficiency standards, particularly through the use of ASTM E283 testing. What Is ASTM E283 Testing? ASTM E283 is a standardized method used to measure the rate of air leakage through building components such as walls, doors, and windows under controlled pressure differences. The primary goal of this test is to identify areas where unw...

When it comes to energy efficiency and building performance, blower door testing in Oregon is one of the most effective ways to measure how airtight a structure really is. Both residential and commercial buildings in Oregon must meet specific air leakage requirements under the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and related standards like ASTM E779, ASTM E1827, and ASTM E3158. While the goal is the same reducing uncontrolled air leakage the methods, equipment, and performance targets differ significantly between residential and commercial testing. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between residential blower door testing in Oregon and commercial blower door testing in Oregon, why they’re both important, and what standards govern each process. What Is Blower Door Testing? Blower door testing is a diagnostic method used to measure how much air leaks through gaps, cracks, and penetrations in a building’s envelope. A calibrated fan is temporarily installed in ...