Building Officials Association of Florida
Protecting Lives and Property since 1953

Interpretation #7996

Published September 19, 2017

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Original Request

Code Version
2014
Code
EXTBLDG
Code Description
Chapter
7
Section
707.1
Topic
Energy Conservation

Question

Is it the intent of the Existing Building Code, Section 707.1, that all alterations will require a blower door test at completion?

Answer Published 09/19/2017 at 8:24 AM

No. The codes did not contemplate the application of the blower door test requirements to alterations or repairs. The FBC-EC 6th Edition has been modified with a Florida specific amendment to create an exception to R402.4.1.2 for work in existing buildings as shown in the commentary section.

Commentary

"Exception: Testing is not required for additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs, of the building thermal envelope of existing buildings in which the new construction is less than 85 percent of the building thermal envelope."