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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.
- Residential
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)
Air Testing Process
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 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
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
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.
