Residential Air Pressure / Air Tightness Testing

The revised building regulations (24th January 2008 ) introduced mandatory air pressure testing for new dwellings. All new single dwellings will require air pressure test from the 1st of July. Guidelines have been set out in relation to developments. These guidelines are outlined below.

Benefits of Air Pressure Tests

• Air pressure tests can be used to increase the energy efficiency of existing dwelling
• Air leakage testing helps identify areas of a building experiencing heat loss.
• Air leakage testing helps minimise energy usage in a dwelling.
• Air leakage testing plays a vital role in achieving an "A" rated cert for a dwelling

Pre-test assistance:

• Office-based technical advisers
• Design detail evaluation
• Pre-test inspection
• Indicative testing, of components and/or sections of the building
• Identification of test programme (where required) and discussion with Client/Contractor as necessary
• Liaison with site directly
• Envelope area calculations
• Preparation of the building (where agreed in advance)

Post-test assistance:

• Results available immediately,
• Diagnosis - identification of failure points, ideally on the day with the opportunity to resolve issues and repeat the test (where possible)
• Smoke pens
• Depressurisation
• Smoke testing

Sources: ATTMA Technical Specification Standard 1, Measuring Air Permeability of Building Envelopes. July 2007

What preparation needs to take place in advance of testing?

We provide a simple checklist for building preparation, which includes the following:

• The building should be 'completed'
• All external doors and windows closed
• All internal doors wedged open
• All fire dampers, ventilation louvres and trickle vents closed but not sealed
• Mechanical ventilation turned off with inlet/outlet grilles sealed
• All combustion appliances switched off Drainage traps must contain water

Work Includes

• We calculate building envelope areas from architectural drawings or on site calculations.
• Air tightness testing to check compliance with Building Regulations Part L.
• Consultation is available before during and after testing.
• Employing diagnostic testing methods to accurately pin point problem areas Thermal
• Imaging or Smoke Pencil.
• An air tightness result and report is issued upon test completion.
• On Test Day

Step 1

Set up the blower fan, close all external doors and windows and tape up other intentional openings, such as bathroom extracts, cooker hoods and fireplaces

Step 2

Carry out the pressure test, measure the results and report to the client

Step 3

Dismantle the blower door and fans and remove all temporary seals

Air Tightness Testing FAQs