HSA Building Sciences


	IAQ Monitoring
IAQ Monitoring Air quality monitoring is requested for a variety of reasons. However, the introduction of an unexpected source of moisture into an occupied environment often prompts evaluation. Moisture intrusion may result from penetration of the building envelope, an internal water leak or a building design, operation or maintenance problem or just a perceived problem by the occupants. The most effective air quality evaluations provide an understanding of the problem, determination of the cause and, when required, recommended remedial actions. In some circumstances, air and other environmental sampling may be required. This could include dust samples for allergens, particulate for nuisance or construction dust, temperature and relative humidity, chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and air, surface and swab fungal and bacterial sampling. Other specialized sampling such as lead and asbestos may also be required. HSA has the experienced and multi-disciplined staff required to provide these services and more. Contact: rmoon@hsa-env.com Ventilation Compliance Studies There are two American National Standards that address ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1 “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality” and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2 “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings”. Both standards exceed ventilation compliance and address outdoor air quality, building envelopes, systems and equipment, procedures, construction, system start-up and operation and maintenance. HSA has the expertise necessary to interpret and determine the applicability of these standards to new and existing commercial, institutional and residential buildings. Contact: dherrmann@hsa-env.com Building Pressure Assessment A building pressure assessment determines and documents various pressure differences within the building as well as the buildings internal pressure with respect to the outdoors. A pressure study can reveal where moisture laden air is penetrating the building envelope and diminishing building performance. In an effort to promote acceptable Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) buildings should be neutral to slightly positive with respect to the outdoors. Interior spaces should have a pressure differential with respect to adjacent rooms with higher pressure in clean areas and lower pressures in soiled (less clean) areas, such as bathrooms. Contact: rmoon@hsa-env.com Building Air Leakage Testing Building air leakage testing can be used to determine a building's infiltration or ex-filtration rate. Other uses include determining the air leakage rate of installed duct systems, doors, windows and ceiling fixtures in addition to measuring the impact of ancillary equipment operation on the building’s overall pressure. A blower door is used to measure the air leakage and although primarily used for energy efficiency purposes, it can also be used to determine the performance of various sub-contractors after installing their respective products. Contact: dherrmann@hsa-env.com Duct Leakage Testing Duct leakage testing is similar to building leakage and uses the same principles. The difference is that it specifically measures the air leakage rate of duct systems. Leakage is expressed in a percentage of airflow at a specified static pressure. Contact: bvance@hsa-env.com Air Quality Monitoring and Certification The source of Indoor Environmental Quality in buildings takes into account several factors including but not limited to temperature, relative humidity, particulate, ventilation, chemicals, volatile organic compounds, lighting, odors, remodeling, construction changes in use and socioeconomic issues. Maintaining an acceptable indoor environment is an ongoing effort that requires frequent monitoring to be effective. By taking a pro-active approach to quality of the indoor environment through control measures and preventative strategies, one can save time and money, reduce the legal and/or economic impacts and improve productivity. HSA has developed an air quality monitoring and certification program that can be tailored to meet the needs of any client. Contact: dherrmann@hsa-env.com		Professional Services Asbestos Consulting Building Contractors Expert Witness Government Services IAQ Monitoring Insurance Services Schools and Church Buildings Specialized Requests 4019 East Fowler Avenue Tampa, Florida 33629 813-971-3882 rmoon@hsa-env.com

IAQ Monitoring

Professional Services