Where should exterior pressure taps be installed for testing?

The installation of exterior pressure taps at ground level is essential because it provides a stable reference point for measuring the pressure differential across the building envelope. Ground-level taps can accurately capture the environmental conditions affecting the façade, which is crucial during airtightness testing.

When performing airtightness tests, it’s important to ensure that the pressure readings reflect the influences of wind and ambient pressure changes that are experienced most consistently at this height. Placing taps at ground level helps establish baseline readings that are less influenced by the dynamics occurring at elevated positions, such as the roof or higher points on the building, where wind patterns may differ significantly.

Testing at higher points could lead to misleading data because pressures can vary greatly depending on the height and exposure of the building, complicating the interpretation of results. Similarly, using the building perimeter without reference to ground level might overlook important fluctuations in pressure that are integral to understanding the overall air barrier performance. Therefore, the correct placement of pressure taps at ground level is foundational to achieving accurate and reliable airtightness test results.