When evaluating the tightness of a building, which component is NOT typically considered?

The tightness of a building refers to its ability to resist air leakage, which can significantly impact its energy efficiency and indoor air quality. When evaluating this aspect, certain components are critical to consider.

Outdoor wind speed is essential because it influences the pressure exerted on the building envelope, which can either push air into or pull air out of the structure. Construction components, such as windows, doors, insulation materials, and seals, are crucial as they determine how well the building can withstand external air movement. The number of occupants can also play a role since increased occupancy can lead to higher moisture and pollutants being generated indoors, affecting overall air quality and necessitating ventilation needs.

However, building age, while it can have some indirect effects on performance due to degradation of materials, is not a direct measure of tightness. Older buildings may have been constructed with different standards or materials than modern buildings, but age itself does not inherently quantify the air-tightness characteristics of a structure. Therefore, it is not typically considered a primary factor in evaluating how tight a building is.