Air test: commercial
Tackling air leakage, where conditioned air is lost through gaps and cracks in the building fabric, represents an important method to improve the carbon footprint of a building.
Air leakage testing is the method used to quantify the amount of air that is being lost. This test, which is sometimes referred to as air permeability testing or air pressure testing, gives a result expressed as a quantity of air leakage (m3 per hour) per square metre of building envelope.
Under Approved Document L2, air leakage testing is a mandatory requirement for all newly constructed buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 500m2. Each building tested must achieve a maximum air permeability rate of 8m3/h/m2.
If the aim is to comply with a specific carbon emission target, then a lower air permeability rate may be required. The design-stage BRUKL report for each particular building will provide details of the required air permeability rate. For buildings with a floor area less than 500m2, the BRUKL report must show an air permeability rate of 15 m3/h.m2 for the building to be exempt from air permeability testing. If a lower air permeability rate is shown then the building must undergo an air permeability test.
Excessive air leakage can lead to:
- Unwanted heat loss
- Increased heating costs
- Colder buildings
- Greater CO2 emissions (resulting from additional heating)
Builders smoke shaft
It is increasingly common for parts of a building, such as a builders smoke shaft, to require a separate air permeability test as part of the commissioning process. Builders smoke shafts are often designed with a target air permeability rate of 3.8 m3/h.m2 to ensure smoke extraction fans operate effectively.
Room integrity testing
Similarly, it is often the case that individual rooms within a building will require their own air permeability test, and have their own individual target air permeability rate for this test, for example as part of room integrity testing.
Co-pressurisation testing
Buildings that are compartmentalised into self-contained units with no internal connections cannot undergo a single whole-building air permeability test. In this instance a co-pressurisation testing methodology can be followed to test the building in sections.
How to improve a buildings air tightness
- Refer to the Communities and Local Government accredited construction details.
- Seal gaps around pipes and cables where these pass through walls, ceilings and floors.
- Make sure all mastic and caulking has been applied.
- With drylining, if the plasterboard sheets have not been sealed at the junctions with the ceiling and floor (in addition to sheet to sheet) air can leak through the gaps.
- Apply draught proofing to gaps around doors and windows.
- Ensure any service hatches fit into their apertures and apply draught stripping between the hatch and frame.
- Repair damage to mortar joints and fill any holes in the external walls.
What happens in the event of a fail?
It is common to achieve a first-time pass. However, should this not be the case, then we will identify where problems exist and provide options for how these could be addressed. If improvements can be undertaken on the day, we will re-test at no additional charge. If the time-frame is more protracted, we will arrange for our test engineer to attend your site at a different day/time once the work has been completed.
For added piece of mind, we can provide design reviews prior to construction commencing, and support and advice thoughout the build.
Why choose Achieve Green?
We are members of the Air Tightness Measurement Association, meaning our test certificates will be recognised for Building Regulation sign-off.
Our experienced air test engineers have an extensive track history, testing all varieties of buildings.
Our test engineers will be on hand to answer any questions and provide free advice and support throughout the construction process.
We fit around you, attending site at a time that is convenient and ensuring test certificates are ready for issue within 24 hours.
All of our test engineers are CSCS certified.
By using an ISO 9001 accredited organisation such as ours you can be confident in receiving a consistently high quality of service.
COMPETITIVE
Fast and accurate assessments at a competitive price.
EXPERIENCED
Comprehensive advice and support to ensure you arrive at the most economic and feasible solution to achieve compliance.
QUALIFIED
You can take comfort that the certificates we provide will be accepted as evidence for Building Regulations sign-off.
VALUE
Best quality advice, at a price that offers real value for money.
Testimonials
We are an RIBA Chartered Architectural Practice based on the South Coast, and have used the services of the Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells on countless projects over many years, mainly for the preparation of SAP calculations but also energy statements and air pressure testing across a broad range of projects. They have offered us invaluable practical advice on more complex projects to ensure compliance with the ever evolving statutory standards and we have always found them to provide a prompt, efficient, friendly and cost effective service and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Lightbox Architecture Limited
We have found the Achieve Green team to be highly experienced, specialised and competent. Advice is constructive and their approach to projects is strategic, ensuring the most effective solutions are taken forward. The team has a comprehensive understanding of planning requirements and appreciates how these translate into technical and on-site delivery. We highly recommend the team and look forward to working with them on forthcoming projects.
Kitewood Estates Ltd
As a business we have been involved with Achieve Green for a number of years. Their proactive involvement in our projects from design through to completion has enabled us to continually improve the energy efficiency of all our homes. The prompt and efficient service has meant they have become an integral part of our design team.
Panfile Ltd
I have been working with Jonathan and his Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells since 2011 on a range of projects from Schools, new build housing to straightforward extensions. They are very knowledgeable and efficient and have provided invaluable input to projects over the years ensuring that as a designer I can put forward the most cost effective solutions to complying with Part L.I always recommend Jonathan if ever anybody is in need of SAP and compliance testing services.
Bradbury Design Ltd