What does zonal or guarded testing involve?

Zonal or guarded testing specifically involves assessing the exterior enclosure of a designated zone within the building. This approach allows for a focused evaluation of a specific area, which is particularly useful for understanding the air leakage characteristics and performance of that section. By concentrating on a zone, the testing can identify issues within that specific area without interference from the rest of the building, providing valuable insights into localized air-tightness and helping to inform necessary remedial actions.

This method contrasts with others, which may involve the entire building without isolating specific areas, thus not allowing for as detailed an analysis of the air tightness of individual zones. Such targeted testing can be critical in multifaceted structures, where different parts may exhibit varying performance levels.