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
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?