Barnstaple - Air tightness tests - 01752 687 017

The office that covers this area is: Plymouth

Phone Number: 01752 687 017 Email: barnstaple@e2consultants.co.uk

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

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%.

When Should The Test Take Place?

A building envelope will need to be completed before the air test takes place - which should be one of the last surveys undertaken once all the walls, windows, doors etc. are complete and sealed. This ensures no air will escape and prevent drafts through the property which will in-turn improve your air permeability score.

What Does An Air Leakage Test in Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple. 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.

Employees can still do their job inside a commercial or domestic building in Barnstaple whilst the air test is being carried out, within reason, though may feel some discomfort due to the noise of the fan and the draught that will be felt throughout the building. There should be no outside access once the test has begun - which lasts for approximately 90 minutes, so plan accordingly.

Whilst the air tightness test is being undertaken, furniture will not be affected but smaller items such as paper must be held down or removed completely so they're not blown about. The pressure of the room 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.

What Air Permeability Rating Do I Need?

The air tightness rating of a property is not a fixed figure. This is set by the design SAP Calculation carried out (please contact us if you also require a SAP Calculation in Barnstaple ). However the worst acceptable standard for air tightness is 10 m³/(h.m²) which resembles the amount of uncontrolled air that's leaking from the dwelling. However this does not mean that it would pass the SAP Calculations Design Air Permeability standard. Should the test fail, our air tightness team will help you identify where the leakages are happening in the hope that a passing score will be achieved after a re-test.

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.

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

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 Barnstaple on 01752 687 017 or email us on Barnstaple@e2consultants.co.uk

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