Professional Air Pressure Testing In Hythe & Beyond

Why is air leakage important?

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Air leakage in dwellings through cracks around doors, windows, service entry points, and poor construction sealing leads to higher energy bills. Our heating systems within houses produce CO2 emissions which is a Greenhouse Gas and contributes to global warming.

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Reduced air leakage results in reduced heating energy use and saves money and the effects on the planet.

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The purpose of reducing air leakage is to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce heating bills and improve occupant comfort.

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What standards are to be achieved?

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The maximum air Leakage rate acceptable under the Building Regulations 2021 Part L is currently a leakage rate of

8 m3 / (h.m2 ) @50Pa. Previously 10 m3 /(h.m2 )@50Pa under 2010 and 2013 versions. This level is the same across all of the 2006, 2010 and 2013 versions.

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However, some architects & designers stipulate a rate of lower than 8 m3 / (h.m2 ) @50Pa as part of the overall SAP Rating in order to assist with SAP Compliance – which is also under part L of the Building Regulations.

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At the design stage and within the SAP Rating Design Documentation package, the ‘Design Air Permeability Rate’ will be identified. If this standard is lower than 8 m3, this is the target rate for the Air Pressure Test and this figure will be required by the tester.

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If the Air Pressure Test does not achieve the Design Air Permeability Rate then it is likely that the dwelling will fail the SAP energy rating. In which case remedial works will be required in order to reduce the leakage rate to lower than the design level.

 

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Do all new dwellings need to be tested?

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All dwellings constructed under Part L2021 are to be tested and certified.​

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When should I contact the air pressure testing company?

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It is a good idea to contact and appoint the air pressure testing company early on in the construction phase.

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Depending upon your knowledge and experience within the industry you might want advice and tips on the items that you and your builders should be addressing as part of the construction.

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Nobody wants the completed dwelling to fail which will require some form of remedial work and a re-test.

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Information that we require:

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In order to provide you with an accurate quotation we will require a copy of the Building Regulation drawings for the dwelling/s. These should indicate the floor plans, sections, and elevations of the dwellings at a recognisable scale of generally either 1: 50 or 1: 100. Over the phone, we will only provide you with a guide price.

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We will still require the drawings before we attend to conduct the test as there are calculations that we must undertake prior to conducting the test.

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What happens if the dwelling does fail the test ?

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Remedial works will be required and a re-test.  If this cannot be achieved quickly at the time of the test and we have to revisit, then additional charges will be made. Please use our contact page to send us an email or call us on 01303 260656.