SKG-IKOB tests air and water tightness of facades on site with various equipment
Airtight construction is a trend while contributing to building quality. Reducing energy consumption is becoming more important as government requirements become more stringent. With current techniques and controls, the requirements are met. However, it is now very important that with the more stringent requirements, windows doors and façade elements are carefully produced and assembled. Imperfections in production or assembly lead to air losses or water leaks in practice.
It is often contractually agreed that an air or water tightness measurement must be carried out in practice (in situ) before the delivery of a building. SKG-IKOB has various test methods with which these in situ measurements can be carried out. Read more about the possibilities at SKG-IKOB.
1. Blower Door Measurement
A standard blower measurement provides a relatively low under- or overpressure at a building or space. The positions with the largest air leaks in windows, doors and façade elements can be easily detected. These measurements can help improve the facade with respect to airtightness.
In order to perform a more representative measurement, SKG-IKOB has recently acquired heavier blower-door equipment. As a result, larger pressure differences between inside and outside can also be realized. This makes it easier to determine whether the air and water tightness of the facade meets the requirements that apply to the application (position, height, building location, etc.).
Impression of the implementation powerful blower door
2. Hose test
In England, an on-site Hose test is often prescribed according to CWCT Directive Section 9 and Technical Note No. 41. The test is performed using a jet of water from a nozzle at constant pressure and flow rate. Intended to determine the water tightness of seams of curtain walls and element facades after installation.
The purpose of this test is to obtain assurance that manufacturing and assembly did not reduce performance and to verify performance of connections that were not part of the regular laboratory test. SKG-IKOB also conducts this test.
3. Mobile testing facilities for on-site testing.
For the performance of a quantitative measurement of the air and water tightness of windows, doors and facade elements, SKG-IKOB has mobile testing facilities. Tests for air and water tightness can be carried out on location, such as on building sites, but also at already completed buildings.
Tests are carried out in accordance with EN 1026/EN 12153 (air) and EN 1027/EN 12155 (water), the standards used in the facade industry. Test results are therefore comparable on a one-to-one basis. It can therefore also be determined whether the facade elements meet the set requirements and the performance that can be achieved with the facade system.
Learn more
For more information on the test methods described at SKG-IKOB, please contact Harm van Dartel at
