Air tightness testing measures how airtight a building is. It is this airtightness that helps keep heat in and weather out. In the UK, it's now a legal requirement to have your building tested for air tightness. So, what exactly does it involve? Let’s find out.
What Is Air Tightness Testing?
Air tightness testing is done on buildings to measure how airtight they are. This measurement is known as the air permeability rate of a building, which indicates how much air can escape from the building due to leaks in its envelope (walls, roof and floor). The higher the rate of air leakage, the less efficient your building will be at maintaining temperatures inside, as well as preventing infiltration of wind-driven rain or snow. These tests are carried out by accredited professionals such as local EPC assessors.
To meet the requirements of Part L1A of the UK Building Regulations 2010 (Conservation of Fuel and Power), all new dwellings must be tested for air tightness before completion. This regulation states that when tested at a pressure difference of 50 Pascals between inside and outside, an average dwelling should not leak more than 10m3/hr/m2 (air changes per hour per square metre). Tests are usually done using an inflatable balloon or fan pressurisation tests.
The Importance of Air Tightness Testing
The UK government requires that all new builds and renovations adhere to certain standards when it comes to energy efficiency, as outlined by Building Regulations Part L. One of these standards includes meeting an acceptable level of air tightness as measured by an appropriate test. This means that if you’re planning to build or renovate a property, you need to make sure you have your project tested for air tightness before completion so you can remain compliant with the regulations.
Failing an air tightness test can cause delays or even force you to go back and redo some parts of your project, so it's important to get it right from the start! Fortunately, there are companies like Metric Marketing that specialize in helping clients meet their energy efficiency targets for construction projects—including offering professional advice on how best to improve your score on an air tightness test if needed.
UK Building Regulations Around Air Tightness Testing
The UK Building Regulations set out a minimum level of performance that must be achieved for all new construction projects to ensure energy efficiency and achieve optimal thermal comfort within a dwelling. Part L1A states that all new dwellings must comply with an average rate of 10m3/hr/m2 through an accredited test ratings scheme such as BRE Global’s Domestic Ventilation Compliance Scheme (DVCS) or England’s Code for Sustainable Homes. For existing dwellings undergoing major renovation works, Part L2B requires them to achieve an average rate of 12m3/hr/m2 through one of these schemes too.
Conclusion
The importance of having your building tested for air tightness to meet UK Building Regulations cannot be overstated; it is essential for ensuring energy efficiency and optimal thermal comfort within your home or office space. Fortunately, there are accredited test rating schemes available so you can easily measure your building’s performance against required standards without any fuss or hassle – meaning you can rest assured knowing your building meets all legal requirements! With proper planning and diligent testing, you can ensure your build meets these regulations with ease.
