ABAA Field Auditor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Air barrier system

A continuous assembly of materials and joints that limits unintended air leakage between conditioned and unconditioned spaces under expected pressure differences.

Stack effect

Buoyancy-driven pressure difference caused by indoor-outdoor temperature and density differences; it drives air upward in tall buildings and increases with building height.

Air leakage condensation

Moisture accumulation caused when air carries water vapor through envelope defects and reaches a surface below dew point; exfiltration wets cavities in cold weather.

ACH50

Air changes per hour at a 50 Pa indoor-outdoor pressure difference; calculated from measured airflow in cubic feet per minute times 60 divided by building volume.

Air permeance

Airflow rate through a unit area of material at a specified pressure difference, commonly reported in liters per second per square meter at 75 Pa.

Transition membrane

Flexible or fluid-applied air barrier component used to bridge joints and material changes, such as wall-to-floor or wall-to-window interfaces, while maintaining continuity.

Closed-cell spray foam

Two-component polyurethane insulation that can also serve as an air barrier when installed at sufficient thickness with continuous coverage and compatible substrates.

Compatibility testing

Evaluation of whether sealants, tapes, primers, and membranes adhere to substrates and to each other without degradation; manufacturer instructions and mockups guide acceptance.

ASTM E2178

Standard test method measuring air permeance of building materials at a specified pressure difference; results support material qualification, not completed assembly performance.

ASTM E2357

Standard test method measuring air leakage of air barrier assemblies, including joints and penetrations, under specified pressure differences; it evaluates assembled system performance.

ASTM E783

Field test method for measuring air leakage through installed exterior windows, doors, and curtain walls under specified pressure differences; it verifies installed fenestration airtightness.

ASTM E1186

Standard practices for detecting air leakage sites in building envelopes using tracer smoke, infrared thermography, or other methods under controlled pressure differences.

Shingle lap

Overlap arrangement in which upper membrane courses lap over lower courses so gravity drainage sheds water outward; air barrier laps follow manufacturer direction and pressure equalization needs.

Sealant tooling

Shaping and pressing fresh sealant against joint surfaces to improve adhesion and form a concave profile; tooling helps eliminate voids and ensures contact.

Fastener overdriving

Excessive driving of mechanical fasteners that compresses or tears membrane, washers, or substrates; it can create air leakage paths and reduce cladding attachment capacity.

Penetration sealing

Treatment of pipes, conduits, ducts, and anchors passing through the air barrier using sleeves, sealants, membranes, or gaskets to restore continuity and limit leakage.

Risk-based sampling

Audit sampling strategy that prioritizes locations with high leakage consequence, complex geometry, transitions, penetrations, or repair history rather than choosing only convenient areas.

Chain of custody

Chronological record tracking test equipment, samples, photographs, and documents from collection through analysis; it supports integrity and defensibility of audit findings.

Audit scope statement

Written description defining what buildings, systems, time period, requirements, and exclusions an audit covers; it prevents misunderstandings about auditor responsibility and conclusions.

Random sample

Selection method in which each unit has a known chance of selection, reducing auditor bias; sampling frames and random number tools document the process.

Blower door test

Pressurization test using a calibrated fan and manometer to measure building airflow at multiple pressure differences; results quantify envelope airtightness and locate leakage.

Tracer smoke

Visual diagnostic using smoke released near suspect envelope details under controlled pressure; moving smoke indicates leakage paths and helps identify defect locations.

Infrared thermography

Diagnostic imaging of surface temperature differences caused by air leakage, missing insulation, or moisture; interpretation requires suitable temperature difference and pressure conditions.

Baseline pressure

Background indoor-outdoor pressure difference measured before fan operation; it is used to correct test pressures and reduce bias from wind or stack effects.

Nonconformance report

Document identifying a requirement, observed condition, location, evidence, and severity where work or documentation fails to meet specified criteria; it triggers corrective action.

Corrective action

Documented response to a nonconformance that corrects the condition, investigates root cause, prevents recurrence, and provides verification evidence for closure.

Observation versus finding

An observation records a condition without concluding noncompliance; a finding states a verified failure against a specific requirement and is supported by evidence.

Closeout evidence

Records demonstrating corrective work is complete and effective, such as photographs, material receipts, inspection sign-offs, and retest results; it supports audit closure.

Conflict of interest

Situation where financial, personal, or professional interests could improperly influence audit judgments; auditors disclose and manage such situations to preserve impartiality.

Stop-work authority

Right to halt an activity when imminent danger or serious noncompliance exists; it is exercised promptly and reported through agreed project channels.

Fall protection

System of guards, harnesses, anchors, or nets used when working at heights; it must match the hazard and comply with applicable safety requirements.

Confidentiality

Ethical obligation to protect client information from unauthorized disclosure; auditors use information only for authorized audit purposes and follow applicable privacy requirements.