Hightower Labs specializes in building envelope testing, providing precise air, water, and thermal performance evaluations to ensure compliance with ASTM standards and industry best practices. Whether you need to diagnose leaks, verify air infiltration rates, or assess thermal efficiency, our testing services deliver the data you need to make informed decisions.
Hightower Labs delivers precise, independent testing services to assess the performance of building envelope systems under real-world conditions. Using advanced methodologies and industry-standard procedures, we provide lab-quality data that objectively measures critical factors such as air tightness, water resistance, and thermal performance. Our comprehensive testing ensures that envelope components meet design expectations, comply with regulatory standards, and perform reliably over time—whether for new construction, retrofit projects, or forensic investigations.
At Hightower Labs, we specialize in evaluating and improving the performance of building envelope systems. Our completed projects, some of which are showcased here, reflect our commitment to precision, problem-solving, and delivering actionable insights for building owners, developers, and design professionals.
At Hightower Labs, we provide industry-leading building envelope testing designed to ensure long-term performance, durability, and compliance for commercial, institutional, and high-performance buildings. Our expertise, precision, and commitment to actionable results set us apart from standard testing providers.
Protect Your Investment with Hightower LabsWhether you’re constructing a new building, diagnosing a leak, or verifying envelope performance, Hightower Labs delivers the highest level of expertise and accuracy in building envelope testing. Contact Us Today to discuss your project and schedule testingE-mail: service at hightower-labs.com Phone: 312.897.3742 |
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Air Tightness of the Building's Envelope
Comfort & Energy
Air barrier code criteria have been introduced slowly, in measured increments, are heavily balanced by manufacturer and contractor incumbrance, and are therefore not stringent. A code-compliant thermal envelope is both relatively energy-efficient and easy for your builder to achieve.
There is little reason to fear test validation for air barrier code compliance with modern budgets, materials, and design/install practices. Even the most egregiously-detailed projects have a decent chance to meet 0.4 cfm/ft² @ 75 pa, and we offer cost-efficient pre-test diagnostic reviews that offer recommendations for improvement and make the results known prior to the formal test.
For ASHRAE 90.1, IECC 2021 C402.5.2 & C402.5.3, or project-specific air barrier performance criteria compliance, call 312.897.3742 or e-mail service@hightower-labs.com. With the midwest’s largest CFM capacity and experience in projects widely ranging in volume and complexity, HTL is best equipped to support your project’s energy efficiency verification.
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 E1827
Standard Test Methods for Determining Airtightness of Buildings Using an Orifice Blower Door
ASTM D4541
Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
ASHRAE 90.1 2016 Testing
ASHRAE 90.1 2019 Testing
IECC Air Barrier Testing
USACE Test Protocol
Water-Resistive Properties
Fenestration | Cladding | Masonry | Flashing
The water-resistive performance of the building envelope is critical for structural integrity (reference nearly every recent catastrophic building collapse), indoor air quality (organic growth formation), humidity/moisture control, component deterioration and rot, etc. HTL has a complete suite of field tests to evaluate a building's water-resistive performance with lab-quality data and comprehensive report deliverables.
AAMA 501.2-15
Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems [sic]
AAMA 502-21
Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products
AAMA 503-14
Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped GLazing Systems [sic]
AAMA 511
Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products
ASTM E1105
Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference
ASTM E783
Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
On-Site Mockup
Save cost and improve awareness of critical system detailing and transitions among on-site personnel. Rather than a remote location with, often times, little involvement from key on-site installers and documentatation of critical detailing/remediation lost in the subsequent reporting - consider an on-site or local "mini-PMU" with participation from all building envelope trades (e.g. block, framing, sheathing, vapor barrier install, rain screen, metal panels, windows, etc.).
Electronic Leak Detection (ELD)
Among HTL's roster of test equipment is the Electronic Leak Detection system compliant with ASTM D7877 - Standard Guide for Electronic Methods for Detecting and Locating Leaks in Waterproof Membranes.
A meticulous and thorough procedure, we can detect voids, tears, slices, and holes in roof and parapet membranes with pinpoint accuracy so that they can be repaired before leaking into the roof assembly. This method can detect even miniscule breaches undetectable to the human eye and overlooked by the often misused thermal camera approach.
Critical step in responsible envelope procurement
HTL provides on- and off-site mockup arrangements at a fraction of the cost for traditional PMU mobilizations. We are local to Chicago and therefore save travel and lodging expense for the project team & installation contractor(s).
In this environment of unreliable test and certification data, skipping the PMU is malpractice.
With HTL's budget-conscious and highly informative PMU offering, there is little reason to accept a VE deduct for pre-mobilization testing ever again.
Hightower Labs, Inc. is an AAMA-accredited field testing agency.
Accurate Measurement of Adhesive Attachment for Installed Materials
Air barrier adhesion can be evaluated under ASTM D4541, where the ultimate force applied at barrier detachmnet is measured and recorded.
For air barrier and EIFS systems where the structural attachment is entirely dependent on adhesive bond, this procedure provides an important evaluation of that structural attachment before the system is buried under rainscreen cladding.
Independent studies, industry papers, slideshows, video presentations, and other content benefiting those in the industry with the patience to read five pages, and diagrams for the developers.
Industry-wide, invalid and improperly executed ASTM E783 test data are not providing a reliably accurate accounting of the building's air-tightness on window wall and curtain wall systems comprising the majority of envelopes built this century and, consequently, building stakeholders are blind to their property's performance.
In this Notes From The Field article, HTL checks in on the U.S. construction industry's widespread use and mis-use of structural glazing systems.
The BEAM03 procedure introduces a novel approach to evaluating building envelope water resistivity, addressing critical gaps in traditional QAQC practices. BEAM03 delivers reliable, repeatable data for assessing large-scale envelope performance, including complex geometries and system transitions.
Consider raising your expectations and building structures that are not defective monstrosities by augmenting your project with Chicago's very own building envelope QAQC services company.