Terry McWilliams
Deer Park, Texas
Beyond Passing: A Custom Builder's Pursuit of a Tighter, Better Home
Already meeting requirements, this custom home underwent advanced blower door and theatrical fog testing to uncover hidden air leakage.
The problem
A quality-focused custom builder had already passed the required air leakage testing but wanted to go beyond minimum standards. Texcellent was engaged to independently evaluate building enclosure airtightness and identify opportunities to further improve construction quality.
The process
Blower door testing established airtightness, while positive pressurization and theatrical fog revealed specific air leakage pathways.
Tools used · 8 across 4 categories
Airflow & Air Quality
- Air & Gas Manometers / Pressure Gauges
- Airflow Indicators & Measurement
- Temperature & Humidity Meters
- IAQ Instruments & Monitors
Building Performance
- Blower Door Systems
- Duct Leakage Testers
Combustion & Safety
- Personal CO Detectors
Inspection
- Inspection Cameras / Borescopes
The result
Although the home had already met required airtightness standards, the builder gained valuable insight into opportunities for further improvement. By making otherwise invisible air leakage pathways visible, our testing identified specific areas where additional attention to air sealing and craftsmanship could make a difference.
These findings provide the builder with a clear, actionable roadmap to further improve the building enclosure, reduce uncontrolled air infiltration, and support greater comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term performance.
More importantly, the evaluation reinforces the builder's commitment to exceeding minimum standards and continuously improving the quality of the homes they deliver.
Equipment installed
N/A
Measurable results
Verified Airtightness: Blower door testing documented 2.147 ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 Pascals), establishing a measurable baseline for the home's building enclosure performance.
Beyond Code Compliance: Despite already passing required airtightness testing, the builder voluntarily pursued additional evaluation to identify opportunities for improvement.
Hidden Leakage Revealed: Positive-pressure testing and theatrical fog visually exposed otherwise difficult-to-detect air leakage pathways, identifying specific areas requiring additional attention.
Targeted Quality Improvements: The findings provided a clear roadmap for additional air sealing, allowing the builder to focus efforts where they could have the greatest impact.
Commitment to Excellence: The evaluation demonstrated that meeting minimum requirements was only the starting point. The builder now has objective data and visual evidence to guide further improvements in airtightness, comfort, energy efficiency, and construction quality.
Project photos
7 photosTerry McWilliams
Deer Park, Texas