Air Tightness Test

Air Permeability testing
With the aim to reduce CO2 emissions and to increase the energy efficiency of new buildings, our building regulations undergo some drastic changes which force house builders to increase the performance of their dwellings. In order to comply with Building Regulations April 2006 part L1A (for England & Wales), all newly built homes must undergo a mandatory Air Permeability Test prior to occupation. This is also known as air tightness testing, pressure testing, air leakage testing or the blower door test.

Tests must be carried out by an approved tester registered with the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT). Sustainable Homes Scotland has BINDT registered engineers and can provide fully complaint Building Regulation L1A testing and certification to the required ATTMA ‘TS1’ standard. Although we are based in Scotland, we operate on a nationwide basis for residential dwellings.

Green Home Improvements:
If you are interested in making your home more energy efficient, we are happy to test existing homes to identify your main areas of energy loss – thus resulting in a more comfortable, more economic and more sustainable home.

For more information on how we operate click here

Explanations

What is Air Leakage?Air leakage of dwellings
In contrast to controlled ventilation, air leakage is the migration of uncontrolled air to and from a building, which does not have a design purpose such as providing fresh air. It is the flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of the building (sometimes referred to as infiltration or draughts).
Too much air leakage leads to unnecessary heat loss and discomfort for the occupants from cold draughts.

Why should we test for Air Leakage?
Most of the air leakage paths through the building fabric cannot be detected by visual inspection as they are often obscured by internal building finishes or external cladding. The only satisfactory way to show that a building fabric is reasonably airtight is to measure the rate permeability / leakage.

Obligatory Test:
Building Regulations Part L1A for new dwellings came into force in April 2006, requiring that standards of air tightness in new dwellings are both achieved and proven by the means of Air Permeability Testing and certification.