Air Pressure Testing or Air Tightness Testing or Air Permeability Testing basically measures the amount of air uncontrollably escaping through gaps in a building’s fabric. It is a critical step in maintaining energy efficiency.
For property owners like you, having a sufficiently airtight building is a way to follow regulation and save you money in the long run. The specialists at Prop Cert are certified by the Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association or ATTMA to conduct air pressure tests on residential and commercial properties.
Air Pressure Testing is usually performed near the completion phase of a commercial or residential development. This is because the results’ success or failure will depend on the Standard Assessment Procedure or SAP calculations done in the planning stage for dwellings or on the Simplified Building Energy Model or SBEM calculations for commercial buildings.
To ensure the quality of the tests, we conduct site inspections at different stages of the building’s development. During testing, we use smoke to pinpoint air leakage paths. We share our findings with your construction team for the necessary adjustments to be implemented.
From an economic standpoint, a building that allows air to escape is not energy-efficient and therefore will cost more to maintain its temperature. In terms of comfort, escaping air causes cold draughts and heat loss. Air pressure testing can identify problematic areas so you can make sure to employ solutions before the building is in use.
Additionally, air pressure testing is a requirement stated in the Building Regulations. It has been mandatory for all residential and commercial developments since 2006 in Wales, Northern Ireland, and England, and since 2010 in Scotland.
Examples of Code C1 include exposed live wires that are accessible to human touch and conductive parts that have become exposed.
Examples of Code C2 include the absence or a reliable earthing, and when a metallic pipe is used for flammable
liquids like gases.
Examples of Code C3 include the absence of a \'Safety Electrical Connection - Do Not Remove\' sign, and socket
outlets mounted incorrectly.
More than just a business transaction, working with us means we genuinely invest in the success of your project. Our team of trained and experienced professional testers will guide you through the whole process and help you reach the best solutions for your building. We have the most competitive prices in the industry, too. We have worked with countless property owners and landlords across the UK and we take pride in their successful developments.
Call us today to book a visit or to learn more about air pressure testing and the wide variety of other services we offer.
hello@propcert.co.uk