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Air tightness testing of buildings for energy efficiency requirements for all building types.
Our experienced test engineers are registered with ATTMA, and are available to provide a comprehensive air tightness testing and consultancy service.
Our experienced test engineers are registered with ATTMA, and are available to provide a comprehensive air tightness testing and consultancy service.
Types of air testing services
- Residential
Dwellings for Part L Volume 1
Air Tightness testing is a requirement for all new houses and flats. Testing must be conducted by a competent person, typically a company registered with the Air Tightness Testing & Measurement Association (ATTMA). All of our test engineers hold ATTMA L1 registration.
Air Tightness is a key factor in achieving an energy efficient building fabric in combination with insulation. The England & Wales Building Regulations require air tightness to be measured through site testing.
In June 2022, a revised version of Approved Document L came into force. It is divided into Volume 1 for dwellings and Volume 2 for buildings other than dwellings. There are some significant changes included in this revision in order to achieve a 31% reduction in carbon emissions from new buildings, this impacts a wide range of aspects energy efficiency including insulation and fuel types as well as air tightness, as a stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard in 2025.
The highlights with respect to air tightness include:
- No sampling – all units must be tested
- Maximum air permeability reduced from 10 m3.h-1.m-2@50Pa to 8 m3.h-1.m-2@50Pa (i.e. less draughty)
- A different test standard (CIBSE TM23)
- Commercial
Air Tightness testing is a requirement for all new buildings. Testing must be conducted by a competent person, typically a company registered with the Air Tightness Testing & Measurement Association (ATTMA). We have a number of experienced test engineers with ATTMA L2 registration and a lot of fans which allows us to test all types and sizes of building.
Air Tightness is a key factor in achieving an energy efficient building fabric in combination with insulation. The England & Wales Building Regulations require air tightness to be measured through site testing.
In June 2022, a revised version of Approved Document L came into force. It is divided into Volume 1 for dwellings and Volume 2 for buildings other than dwellings. There are some significant changes included in this revision in order to achieve a 31% reduction in carbon emissions from new buildings, this impacts a wide range of aspects energy efficiency including insulation and fuel types as well as air tightness, as a stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard in 2025.
The highlights with respect to air tightness include:
- Maximum air permeability reduced from 10 m3.h-1.m-2@50Pa to 8 m3.h-1.m-2@50Pa (i.e. less draughty)
- A different test standard (CIBSE TM23)
- Air Tightness Testing – Low Energy
PassivHaus, EnerPHit and similar low energy schemes prioritise the importance of the building fabric being well insulated and airtight so that other energy saving measures/design can be fully effective.
Passive House requires certified properties to achieve less than 0.6 air changes per hour which is the equivalent of less than 1 m3.h-1.m-2@50Pa, which is tight but the design also incorporates suitable ventilation strategies.
We undertake air tightness testing of PassivHaus houses, apartment blocks and commercial properties.
Our test engineers are ATTMA L4 registered.
- Air Tightness Testing – Existing
Air Tightness is a key factor in achieving an energy-efficient building fabric in combination with insulation.
It is increasingly common for homeowners and building landlords to consider improved air tightness as part of a wider refurbishment/retrofit strategy. In so doing, they are able to reduce heat loss through draughts which makes the buildings cheaper to heat and more comfortable.
The results of the air tightness test can be incorporated into energy calculations to improve energy ratings/EPCs which make the home/building more attractive to future buyers/prospective tenants.
Our Air Leakage Testing Process
Our air leakage test engineers are home-based and well-placed to cover the following areas in South East England: Greater London and the City, Kent, Essex, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. We do provide services to companies across 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:
Download – Dwelling checklist and Guidance for Housebuilders
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 tigF.A.Q. and Resourceshtness 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
NEED SOME HELP?
We also offer advice and support on achieving air tightness in advance of undertaking the test, including:
- Desktop design reviews – a review of the key design details that make up the air barrier
- Attendance of design meetings
- Pre-test inspections and reports – walking the building with the site team to review the air barrier and identify potential issues/solutions, plus agree pre-test preparations and practicalities of the test (timings, access, etc)
- Toolbox Talks
AND THERE’S MORE ...
We also carry out air tightness testing for other purposes, including:
- Smoke shafts for smoke ventilation
- Plenums/raised access floors
- Hospital isolation areas – Isolation suites, operating theatres, etc
- To identify the source of smells/smoke
IF THINGS DON’T GO TO PLAN
What our clients say about us
Why Air Leakage Testing
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 aim to fit in with your chosen dates and times, to work around other trades and to minimise on-site disruption. Our lead times are typically a week but it may be possible to fit you in sooner. We issue quotes and certificates within 1 working day.
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 efficient processes help us to offer very competitive prices. In addition, we can undertake air and sound testing on the same visit to save you more money. If you do receive a cheaper air testing quote, we will beat it.
Get a quote
Complete a few details about your project and we will provide an estimated cost. Provide more information and we will issue a formal quotation.
