Air Testing is sometimes referred to as Domestic Air pressure tests, Domestic Air tightness tests, Domestic Air tests, Domestic Air pressure testing, Domestic Air tightness testing, Domestic Air leakage testing.

Air Leaking Testing Across the UK

When Should The Test Take Place?

For obvious reasons, an air pressure test is generally one of the last surveys to be undertaken once all the walls, windows, doors etc. are complete and sealed to stop any air escaping and prevent drafts through the property. The building envelope will also need to be completed.

How Many Properties Need An Air Tightness Test?

If you have 4 or less properties of the same type then only one test needs to be undertaken per type. If you have more than 4 but less than 40 dwellings of a type then you need at least two tests to be done on each type. Finally, if there are more than 40 properties of a particular type then at least 5% of each type needs to be tested UNLESS the first 5 get a passing score - then this can be dropped to just 2%.

What Does An Air Leakage Test in the UK Involve?

Air tests cannot be carried out if the wind speed is more than 13mph - 3 metres per second is the ideal wind speed when undertaking an air test in the UK. An air test involves placing a large fan, or several fans, to an opening within the property; usually a doorway. The fans will increase and decrease in speed that will in-turn change the building's air pressure and record the results.

During an air test in the UK the pressure of the building will be tested and as such all windows and doors that lead outside must be securely closed to avoid them swinging open and the test being abandoned. Similarly, all internal doors should be wedged open to avoid being slammed shut. Furniture will not be affected during the test, but smaller items such as paper must be held down or removed completely so they're not blown about.

There should be no outside access once the test has begun for approximately 90 minutes so plan accordingly. Workers can still do their job inside the property, within reason, though may feel some discomfort due to the noise of the fan and the draught that will be felt throughout the building.

What Air Permeability Rating Do I Need?

Your air permeability rating resembles the amount of uncontrolled air that's leaking from the dwelling. A passing score in the UK is 10 m³/(h.m²). If the air test fails, we will help you identify where these leakage areas occur in the hope that a passing rate will be achieved following a re-test. The final target will be set by the design SAP Calculation (please contact us if you require one of these in the UK )

Why E2 Consultants?

E2 Consultants offer a range of services from desktop reviews of drawings to pre test inspections on site to advice on air tightness, how to improve and what needs to be completed and sealed for the testing to take place successfully.

All new buildings in England and Wales have had a mandatory requirement since 2006 (2010 in Scotland) that domestic and commercial buildings, must have a passing air leakage certificate before the property can be passed off by building regulations.

For a quote or for more information, call our air tightness / pressure testing consultants in the UK on 0800 043 8100 or email us on @e2consultants.co.uk

At E2 Consultants we offer Air Testing throughout the UK and surrounding areas. Our experienced air testing consultants will also be happy to offer advice on the best ways to gain your target rating.

For further Air-Leakage-Testing information for your area, be sure to check out Air-Testing-.co.uk.