What is Airtightness Testing? A Complete Guide for Builders – Aerotight – Blower door testing
Aerotight – Australia's Airtightness Experts
← All Resources Contact Aerotight
Article Architects Builders 19 November 2025

What is Airtightness Testing? A Complete Guide for Builders

Everything builders need to know about airtightness testing in Australia — NCC requirements, testing methods, and how to achieve compliance.

What is Airtightness?

Airtightness refers to how well a building’s envelope (walls, roof, floor, windows and doors) resists uncontrolled air leakage. A leaky building wastes energy, reduces thermal comfort, and can cause condensation and moisture damage.

Why Does It Matter?

Since NCC 2022, airtightness testing is mandatory for many Class 2 residential buildings in Australia. Commercial buildings targeting Green Star, NABERS 5-star, or Passive House certification also require testing.

How is it Measured?

Aerotight uses calibrated Minneapolis Blower Door equipment. The building is pressurised or depressurised to 50 Pascals, and airflow required to maintain that pressure is measured. Result is expressed as m³/(h·m²) of envelope area.

Need airtightness testing for your project?

Aerotight provides expert airtightness testing and consultancy across Australia.

Contact Aerotight

Related Resources

Installation Guidance

Facade

Airtightness for Facades – Guide for Facade Contractors

Facade contractors are responsible for some of the most critical airtightness junctions. This guide…

Technical Detail

Builders

Common Airtightness Defects – Photo Guide for Site Inspectors

A photographic guide to the most common airtightness defects found during site inspections, with…

Video

Architects

Introduction to Blower Door Testing – Video Guide

A video walkthrough of the blower door testing process — equipment setup, test procedure,…