Air leakage is one of the leading causes of wasted energy, occupant discomfort, and poor indoor air quality in residential buildings. Understanding how to measure and improve airtightness is a critical skill for contractors, energy auditors, and weatherization professionals.
In this hands-on workshop, Ken Allison from IDI and Sam Myers from Retrotec will guide participants through the fundamentals of building airtightness, why it matters, how it affects energy use and durability, and the strategies that work best for improving it. Attendees will learn the essentials of blower door testing, including setup, operation, and how to interpret results. The instructors will also share practical approaches for identifying and sealing leaks in existing homes, from straightforward fixes to more advanced techniques.
By the end of this session, participants will understand the importance of airtightness in residential buildings, know how to set up and perform a blower door test, be able to recognize common leakage points, and explore proven air sealing solutions that improve comfort and efficiency.
Learning Objectives:
By attending this session, attendees will:
Understand the role of airtightness in residential buildings and how it impacts energy performance, durability, and indoor air quality
Gain hands-on experience with blower door testing, including equipment setup, test procedures, and interpreting results
Identify and apply effective air sealing strategies for existing homes, from locating common leakage sites to implementing practical solutions
