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Measurement, monitoring and control of the escape of air from a home dwelling or commercial building is known as Air Tightness or also known as Air leakage Test is the uncontrolled flow of air that can migrate through any gap or crack within a building structure and fabric, thus affecting its air permeability or air tightness. A test can establish whether new homes and commercial buildings meet the required standard.
All new build premises now require Air Testing. An Energy Assessor who is surveying recently built property may request to inspect the certificate for calculation of SAP or for SBEM calculations for commercial buildings.
It is recommended that you commission a specialist consultancy for air leakage testing procedures. Air tightness consultants are registered with the British Institute of Non Destructive Testing (BINDT) and registered company's can perform a test on new dwellings and buildings. The testing should be in accordance with the guidelines found in ATTMA Technical Standard. testing procedures are also recognised by UKAS.
Buildings: Part L1A Regulations
The 2006 Part L1A Building Regulations required that new homes should be tested for air tightness to confirm the energy performance of new dwellings. As From 1st April 2006 it became mandatory to test a sample of buildings for new housing developments that are constructed. All new homes will have to prove that they have passed an air tightness test prior to occupation. The rate your property will need to achieve will be determined in your Target Emission Rate (TER). Building control will be unable to provide you with a completion certificate unless an air testing has been conducted, and the correct results have been achieved. In the event of failure, a smoke test can be performed to help identify problem areas in the property.
Air Leakage Control
Common causes of uncontrolled air leakage areas are detailed below, in addition, if these areas are not effectively sealed during the construction phase then the overall energy performance (SAP Rating) may be affected;
Many companies now provide Sound Testing (acoustic testing) in accordance with guidance in Approved Document E and the relevant standards – BS EN ISO 140 Parts 4 & 7 and BS EN ISO 717 Parts 1 & 2 if required. Find out more about Acoustic Testing.
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