Air Testing

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Testing For Air Tightness Is Important

Ensuring air tightness through testing is not solely a regulatory requirement; it is pivotal in guaranteeing habitable conditions within residential properties. An air tightness examination serves as a measure of the extent of air leakage, directly correlating with the amount of heat loss from the premises.

For landlords and property developers alike, substandard air tightness can result in compromised living conditions for tenants and residents. Additionally, it can significantly impact the marketability of a development, influencing its attractiveness for sale or rental purposes.

Non-compliance with Building Regulations, particularly Part L1A, carries substantial penalties and potential legal repercussions. Therefore, adherence to prescribed standards is imperative to secure the requisite certification for the property.

What Is An Air Tightness Test?

To conduct an air tightness test, access to an unoccupied dwelling is necessary. A sizable fan is installed within an adaptable door frame, typically fitted into an external entry point such as the front door. Subsequently, all other external openings, including doors and windows, are securely shut, while internal doors are left open.

The fan is then employed to depressurise the dwelling, often reaching a pressure level of at least -50Pa. While a pressurisation test is also feasible, depressurisation is the more common approach. An anemometer measures the internal and external pressures, along with the fan’s operational intensity required to establish the desired pressure differential. Typically, ten readings are recorded at various pressure levels. These data, alongside additional variables like barometric pressure and temperature, are inputted into specialised software to calculate air leakage.

The resultant metric is expressed as cubic meters of air lost per hour per square meter of the building envelope, encompassing the floor, walls, and roof areas.

How Do I Pass An Air Tightness Test?

While we cannot guarantee a successful outcome, our commitment is to provide comprehensive assistance throughout the air tightness testing process. Prior to our visit, we encourage you to refer to the diagram available on our air tightness testing page, which outlines common areas of air leakage in a property. Addressing these areas beforehand significantly enhances the likelihood of achieving a favorable test result.

In the event of a test not meeting the required standards initially, rest assured that we will extend our support within a reasonable timeframe. It is advisable to have tubes of mastic and expanding foam readily available on the day of testing. This allows our engineers to identify and address any air leakage areas promptly. Should the issues be minor and feasible to rectify during testing, we will accommodate the necessary adjustments and proceed with a re-test, striving to secure a successful outcome on the first attempt.

When Do I Need An Air Tightness Test?

Air tightness testing is typically conducted post-second fix, after all significant penetrations through walls and floors have been completed. In preparation for the test, the following prerequisites are essential:

All service penetrations must be effectively sealed.
Trickle vents should be installed.
The loft access hatch must be securely in place.
Plumbing works should be finalised, with water present in the traps.
Seals need to be fitted on external doors.
Electrical outlets must be installed.

According to Building Regulations Approved Document L, air tightness testing is mandatory for the following scenarios:

Construction of new residential dwellings.
Construction of new commercial spaces.

However, exemptions from air tightness tests are granted for:

Conversion projects.
Existing dwellings.
Extensions.

Nevertheless, it is advisable for individuals engaged in any construction activities or property ownership to consider undergoing an air tightness test. Identifying and addressing areas of air leakage can significantly reduce heating expenses, resulting in long-term cost savings.

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Noble Homes have used ATTS Ltd to undertake their Air Testing for the past 10 years and we have always found them to helpful and professional. More recently we have used them for any required sound testing.

Noble Homes

We have used ATTS Ltd because we are confident in their expertise and importantly, they are reliable - if they agree an appointment, we know they will be there, they haven’t let us down once in the 10 years.

Saul Homes

Alex and his team are very helpful . Over the last few years ATTS Ltd have worked on our sites it’s a pleasure to work with them.

Cyden Homes

We have worked with Active Training & Testing Solutions for a number of years, the level of service Alex and his team provide is of the highest quality. The turnaround on work we request is prompt and the reports are also issued quickly. Active Training & Testing Solutions are the only company we use for our requirements and we highly recommend them to our clients.