Air and Sound Testing of Houses and Flats
Air tightness and sound insulation are requirements of the Building Regulations (Approved Documents L and E, respectively):
- Air tightness must be demonstrated by an on-site pressure test.
- Sound insulation can be demonstrated by the use of accredited details or by pre-completion testing.
So, it is relatively common for new-build semi-detached and terraced houses, flats, and maisonettes to need both air and sound testing.
Testing Services
ATTMA air tightness testing
UKAS accredited sound insulation testing.
Our test engineers are dual-trained, which means the same person can carry out both types of testing on the same visit. As a result, costs and disruption can be minimised.
We provide ventilation air flow rate measurements, which can be done on the same visit for further savings.
Air tightness test results feed into SAP calculations that produce the EPC so are a key part of the energy requirements for any property. The latest version of Approved Document L (Volume 1) requires all new houses and flats to have an air test.
Sound insulation testing is a requirement of Approved Document E (unless Robust Details have been used), in this case a sample of testing is required on the party walls and/or floors. Typically, this means:
- For houses, 2 airborne sound insulation tests on party walls (to cover 1-10 units)
- For flats, 2 airborne sound insulation tests on party floors, 2 impact sound insulation tests on party walls and 2 airborne sound insulation tests on party walls (to cover 1-10 units)
Sound testing is done between ‘habitable’ rooms, so sometimes, it isn’t possible to complete all the wall tests.
So, for example, if you have built a pair of semi-detached houses, you would be looking at 2 air tests and 2 sound tests on walls. Or if you have built 10 flats, you are likely to be looking at 10 air tests and 6 sound tests.
In both cases, a single test engineer could complete all the testing on one visit, reducing your admin time (you only have to deal with one testing company), site disruption, and testing costs.
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Air Testing Process
Our air test engineers are home-based and well-placed to cover Greater London and the City, Kent, Essex, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, we are able to test all over the UK.
We are happy to talk through what is involved, what to watch out for and when to test. We can provide guidance and checklists.
The below checklists can be downloaded and used to manage air testing from design/planning, through construction to preparation for the test:
We confirm a date. Our engineer will call you ahead of the test date to talk you through the preparation and process plus agree the timings. We would also look to confirm the air permeability that has been targeted in the energy model (SAP) at this stage, if it hasn’t been discussed already. The results of the test are a key component of the calculation of the overall energy efficiency of the building and, therefore, achieving the necessary air tightness is a critical part of building control sign-off.
4. On the day of testing
On smaller houses and flats we would typically complete the temporary sealing for the test when we arrive on site.
We conduct the test. Testing is done through a pressure test whereby fans are installed into a doorway of the building and used to create a measurable difference between the pressure inside and outside of the building. The amount of air needed to maintain this difference can be used to indicate the volume of air escaping through the fabric (what would be draughts in the building’s day-to-day life).
If the building doesn’t achieve its target at the first time of asking, we can use our equipment to identify the leakage paths. If these can be addressed relatively quickly, then we can repeat the test on the same day. In order to achieve increasingly challenging energy performance targets, air tightness requirements are becoming tighter. Typically, a good level of air tightness can still be achieved with excellent attention to detail in the decorative finish but, to achieve tighter targets, consideration must be given to air permeability within the design of the fabric, including use of membranes and tapes to maintain the air barrier – please see FAQs.
5. Paperwork
AND THERE’S MORE ...
What our clients say about us
Why CHOOSE ALT?
Helpful Engineers
We work with you to achieve the best result, identifying potential issues and repeating the testing once these have been addressed. We are on hand to answer any questions before, during and after the testing.
Flexible & Responsive
We try to fit in with the dates and times you need the test, we try to work around other trades to minimise disruption on site. We issue quotes and certificates within 1 working day, our lead-times are typically around a week but we will try and fit you in sooner if required.
Knowledgeable
We have been air testing since 2002 and keep pace with changing regulations. All our test engineers hold ATTMA L1 registration and have considerable experience in undertaking tests and resolving potential issues.
Great value
Our prices are very competitive but we can also undertake air and sound testing on the same visit to save you more money. If you do manage to find the testing cheaper, we will beat any quote.
Get a quote
Fill in the form at the top of this page, and we will provide an estimated cost.
Provide more information, and we will issue a formal quotation.
