You can build better.

Building Performance

building performance testing illustration

ThermalWise provides institutional and commercial building owners and contractors with the knowledge of how to create healthy and durable built environments that also generate cost savings.

thermal imaging gun
air leakage testing
window leaking water
air blowing through ventilation

Whole Building Air Leakage Testing

ThermalWise acts as third-party independent testing agency employing ASTM and CSA standardized test procedures to quantify and report the air leakage performance of building enclosure components, assemblies and systems.

  • Preventing air leakage through a building enclosure is fundamental for achieving energy efficiency and durability. Quantifying and verifying the airtightness of a building's air barrier system is possible through the specification of air leakage performance targets and the use of airtightness testing.

  •  Airtightness testing is conducted by using fans to induce pressure differentials across a building's air barrier system.

ThermalWise conducts airtightness testing in general accordance with:

ASTM E779 – Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization

ASTM E1186 – Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems

ASTM E783 – Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows

ASTM E3158 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Air Leakage Rate of a Large or Multizone Building

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Air Leakage Test Protocol for Building Envelopes

two people looking at thermal imaging

Thermal Imaging

ThermalWise conducts comprehensive thermal imaging evaluation services for home and building owners.

  • Locating and remediating sites of air leakage, incorrect installation of insulation, and water leaks in the building enclosure is vital for ensuring building performance and durability.

  • Thermal imaging is used to visualize and diagnose building enclosure deficiencies in air, thermal, and water barrier systems. Thermal imaging can be combined with other services or can be delivered as a stand-alone service.

setting up for water penetration test

Water Penetration Testing

ThermalWise acts as a third-party testing agency specializing in window, door and curtain wall water penetration testing. ThermalWise employs ASTM and CSA standardized testing procedures to assess and report the performance of building enclosure components.

  • The prevention of water entry through fenestration and door assemblies is fundamental for durability. Qualifying and verifying the water penetration resistance of a building enclosure is possible through the specification of performance targets and water penetration testing. Water penetration testing can also be used as a diagnostic tool to help locate leaks.

  • Water penetration of windows is measured by applying water to the outside face of the window using a spray rack. The interior of the window area is chamber sealed to reveal leaks.

ThermalWise conducts water penetration testing in accordance with:

ASTM E1105 – Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, Curtain Walls, and Wall Assemblies

CSA A440.4-07 – Window, Door and Skylight Installation: Appendix D Field testing of window and door installations

Ventilation Testing, Adjusting and Balancing

person conducting ventilation test in nova scotia

ThermalWise provides commissioning and adjustment of mechanical ventilation systems for residential and commercial buildings.

  • Mechanical ventilation influences both occupant comfort and health. Ventilation systems are also an electrical load and frequently have a role in space conditioning. Efficient and optimal operation of mechanical ventilation systems is critical for high-performance buildings.

  • This service includes measuring and adjusting the total supply and exhaust air flows of whole systems, measuring and adjusting individual exhaust and supply diffuser flow rates, measuring room-by-room pressure differences, and ensuring that design values are being met.