Development of Non-Destructive /Non-Invasive Techniques for Assessing Building Envelope Performance: Air Leakage & High Moisture

Assessing the performance of building envelopes is becoming more important, especially when retrofitting existing buildings. Using non-destructive methods for these assessments is ideal because they are usually quicker and cheaper than destructive means. In this presentation we will discuss available non-destructive and non-invasive technologies for assessing the building envelope and then describe two novel techniques being developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The first is an application of background oriented Schlieren photography to enable visualization and even measurement of air flow from leakage points in the building envelope. The second technology uses radar to look inside the building envelope to measure the moisture content of wood sheathing, a critical layer when assessing the envelopes moisture durability. For each of these technologies we will explain how they work and our progress in developing them for eventual commercialization.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Describe widely used non-destructive testing techniques to assess the building envelope.
2.  Discuss why locating and sealing air leakage in building is important.
3. Explain how cameras can be used to see air leakage.
4. Explain how radar can be used to measure moisture content.

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