Air pressure and buildings
Air tightness refers to the continuity of a buildings fabric and its ability to retain air (and heat), it is measured in terms of an air leakage rate through the building's envelope. Air pressure might be described as the force exerted by air on any surface in contact, in a unconfined, confined or compressed space. Air tightness is measured with reference to a certain air pressure, normally given as 50 pascals, in a building this is approximately the pressure exerted on a fabric if a 20 mile an hour wind is blowing on all of its side sides at the same time.
at a given reference pressure (usually 50 pascal) divided by the: Heated building volume V. At 50·Pa, it is called the air change rate at 50 Pa and usually noted n50(units: h−1).
, air pressure and air flow in buildings are all related but also. .. of air or any other fluid is caused by a pressure differential between two points.
Flow will originate from an area of high energy, or pressure, and proceed to area(s) of lower energy or pressure.
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.























