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Airtightness Testing is a simple and effective way to maximise your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating and ensures you achieve a high quality build. It is now a mandatory test in order to minimise thermal bridging and air leakage in the fabric of the building.
For any new build project, dwellings require an Airtightness Test to prove compliance with Part L1 of the Building Regulations. Airtightness Testing will identify air leakage paths using special equipment. Any air leakage will comprise the comfort within a building and cause heat loss, thereby increasing your heating bills.
Airtightness Testing quite often uncovers air leakage paths via skirting boards, loft hatches, floor-to-wall & wall-to-ceiling joints, around windows, waste pipes and extractor fans. Eliminating air leakage paths can help a developer/builder to determine whether the dwelling has been built to a high standard and also improves the overall energy efficiency - hence, a higher rating on the EPC for the dwelling and therefore, enhanced saleability.
Benefits of Airtightness Testing
We offer a UK wide Airtightness Testing service, with dedicated team members who specialise solely in this particular field.
Airtightness testing is one of our more popular services, so book early to avoid disappointment on 0845 519 2065
* Speedy service - allow 7 days notice to arrange a test
* On-site test takes approximately 2 hours
* On-site report available once test is complete
* Test data incorporated into SAP 'as built' calculations within a few days
* Full BINDT (British Institute for Non Destructive Testing) certificate forwarded to you within 7 days of test date
* National, highly skilled and trained staff
* Range of calibrated airtightness fans to suit all domestic building types
* Cost effective
* Avoid costs of site delays
* Technicians BINDT registered
* Test compliant with PART L1A Building Regulations
How many dwellings need to be tested?
Air leakage is measured in m³/h/m² at a reference pressure of 50 Pa between the inside and outside of the dwelling. Approved Document L1A of the Building Regulations defines a reasonable limit for the design air permeability is 10m³/h/m². The Energy Saving Trust adds that a good practice standard is 7m³/h/m² and best practice standard 3m³/h/m².
It is possible to reduce the number of dwellings to be tested by following Accredited Construction Details (ACDs), an updated version of Robust Details.
In a development following ACDs one test must be carried out for each dwelling type.
In a development NOT following ACDs, the guidelines below should be followed as stipulated in Approved Document L1A of the Building Regulations.
* Project with 4 or less types of dwellings - 1 test on each dwelling type
* Projects with between 4-40 types of dwellings - 2 tests on each dwelling type
* More than 40 - At least 5% of the dwelling type, unless the first 5 units of the type that are tested achieve the design air permeability, when the sampling frequency can be subsequently reduced to 2%. Building control will select the dwellings
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