Florida Building Code Testing Requirements
The 6th Edition (2017) Florida Building Code air leakage testing requirements are specified in Section R402.4.1.2 of the residential Energy Conservation volume. This code section stipulates maximum leakage rates, how the test is to be conducted, who can conduct the testing, reporting requirements, and at what point in construction the test can be performed:
“The building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding seven air changes per hour in Climate Zones 1 and 2, and three air changes per hour in Climate Zones 3 through 8. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 and reported at a pressure of 0.2 inch w.g. (50 pascals). Testing shall be conducted by either individuals as defined in Section 553.993(5) or (7), Florida Statutes, or individuals licensed as set forth in Section 489.105(3)(f), (g) or (i) or an approved third party. A written report of the results of the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the code official. Testing shall be performed at any time after creation of all penetrations of the building thermal envelope...”
Note that the maximum air leakage rate allowed in Florida (Climate Zones 1 and 2) is up to 7 air changes per hour at a pressure of 0.2 inch w.g., or 50 pascals (also written as “7 ACH50”).
Documentation for your Project
Test results are reported on a form that includes space to record the home’s CFM50 measurement, conditioned volume, ACH50 value and Pass/Fail status, and an area for the tester to provide their name, company, qualification and signature. Some Florida building departments require their own version of the form.
Example form: Escambia County Florida to the right.
Next Steps...
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