So why test for Air Leakage?
The air-tightness of a building is known as its 'air permeability' or leakage rate. Air leakage can occur through gaps, holes and cracks in the fabric of the building envelope which are not always visible. This air leakage affects the building's performance and is now firmly enshrined in Part L2 of the Building Regulations and Conservation of Fuel and Power. Making a building more air tight reduces the amount of fuel needed to heat it. This in turn reduces the CO2 produced, reduces your carbon footprint, and conserves energy.
What the Law says about Air Leakage Testing.
If your building is a dwelling or it is a non-dwelling and exceeds a certain size you will require an air leakage test pass certificate before you can hand over to your client.
Part L1A calls for a representative sample of dwellings, in a development of more than two properties, to be tested. Confusingly though this means for only one or two dwellings air tests are not actually mandatory. However in real life it is easier and more cost effective to actually carry out an air test rather than demonstrate energy saving by more complex methods, such as thicker insulation.
Part L2A of the Building Regulations calls for all non-dwellings with a gross floor area exceeding 500m2 to be air tested. Part L2B applies to large extensions added to non dwellings. These extensions also now require an air test.
Q. So how do builders achieve compliance with
the new Part L requirements?
A. Among other things, compliance involves demonstrating that:
- the CO2 performance target has been met;
- elements of the design do not fall outside energy efficiency limits unless there are exceptional circumstances;
- the building will not suffer from excessive solar gain;
- the building as constructed matches the design intent;
- information is provided to enable the building to be operated efficiently.
For more information on compliance and many other questions visit: www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partl/faqs
Air Leakage Testing the easy way!
Air Leakage Testing Ltd have been air testing buildings for many years. Our highly tuned equipment identifies air leakage and excessive CO2 emissions, but we don’t just leave you with our findings. We will happily make recommendations to help you correct the problems.
We are members of ATTMA, BINDT and are also a UKAS accredited testing laboratory. We are therefore able to test both domestic and commercial buildings for air leakage, air tightness and air permeability to comply with the current ATTMA TSL1 and ATTMA TSL2 regulations.
Our clients range from self-builders to the largest developers. All contracts receive the same level of service and the same attention to detail.