Air Testing Birmingham & Air Permeability Tests Nationwide.
In the UK, air permeability testing is required for nearly all new non-domestic buildings under Part L of the Building Regulations. This ensures airtightness is properly controlled to reduce energy bills, improve indoor comfort and contribute to reduced carbon emissions.
An air permeability test is conducted by measuring the flow of air through a structure using pressure difference. The result is divided by the area of the building envelope to yield an air permeability rate at 50 Pa, measured in units of m3/m2h.
Measuring airflow rates within the property
The standard UK pressure test is based on the CIBSE TM23 method [6], an adaptation of the ISO standard for building air permeability measurements. It measures airflow rates and pressure differences through a building at multiple points to account for wind effects as well as background pressure changes by measuring changes in background air pressure before, during, and after the pulse test.
A typical pressure test involves seven measurements at various pressure differences between 20 Pa and 50 Pa. The results are used to calculate a building’s air permeability and, consequently, its energy efficiency.
Data Quality of UK Air Tightness Tests
In the United Kingdom, air permeability test results are often used as a benchmark to judge as-built performance of dwellings. This has led to mandatory schemes encouraging builders to meet design targets even though it can be challenging to set an exact minimum leakage level. Unfortunately, certain unanticipated mechanisms may distort data, making it essential to consider its quality before drawing any definitive conclusions.
Air Tightness Testing at Work
The Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA) administers the largest data set of airtightness test measurements in the UK, comprising 144,024 dwellings tested through this scheme. By analyzing this data, one can gain insight into what factors contribute to different test outcomes.
It is a well-known fact that, over the course of a building’s lifespan, untightness and air leaks can result in considerable heat loss, higher utility bills, as well as health and safety hazards like mould, rot and condensation.
Remedial Works to Address Airtightness Issues
We recommend that airtightness issues should be addressed immediately by installing either an internal or external air barrier and caulking up any gaps. Not only will these improvements enhance the accuracy of airtightness testing, but they save builders and owners money through reduced utility bills and increased property value as well.
Remediation work can be costly and time-consuming to complete. Therefore, having an independent contractor carry out this work is best in order to avoid any misunderstandings on-site.
When searching for air testing Birmingham the most commonly used air permeability test is through the Retrotec system, a highly portable compressed air-based instrument designed to measure air leakage rates and enclosure integrity directly at low pressure. This can be done within 10 minutes at 4Pa near ambient pressure – providing an air change rate measurement representative of normal inhabited conditions.
Why You Need Air Tightness Testing
Air tightness testing, or air permeability testing, is an essential building regulatory requirement. All new domestic and non-domestic developments must undergo this test to prove they have been constructed to a minimum standard.
Spend less money on energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and protect the structure and insulation of a building from moisture damage. An airtight building also significantly reduces the risk of condensation and rot.
A Requirement For All New Build Developments
Airtightness testing is a mandatory component for all new construction projects, so it’s wise to get started as soon as possible. Establishing an air tightness plan before construction begins can save time and money in the long run, so any construction company with even a modicum of knowledge should prioritise this step, particularly when working within a budget.
Thankfully, our team of knowledgeable and highly-credentialed engineers is available to provide assistance at every step along the way – from concept to completion. Reach out to us today to discuss your building requirements and if you would like to view some examples of our work, we offer a complimentary no-obligation consultation.
Our services range from air permeability testing and insulation inspections to noise reduction measures, ductwork and energy audits – all backed by an experienced and friendly customer service team.
Air Permeability Testing Process
Since 2006, all new buildings in Birmingham and around the UK must undergo an air tightness test (also known as air pressure testing or air permeability testing) at the end of construction before their occupier moves in. This not only influences a building’s energy rating but also serves to lower running costs, verify material and component quality, prevent uncomfortable drafts and minimise condensation issues.
Air Test Procedure
Mount a door with a fan into an exterior door opening of the building envelope, extracting air from within. A difference between external and internal pressure can then be measured using this instrument to assess the permeability of the building envelope.
The Door Blower Test is an efficient and accurate way to assess your home’s air tightness. It helps your energy auditor pinpoint any leaks so you can fix them and lower energy expenses.
Your home will be tested by a Registered Energy Advisor using a fan mounted in your main exterior door frame. This fan draws in outside air and blows it out of the house, decreasing indoor pressure while forcing higher-pressure outdoor air through any cracks, gaps, or leaks in your seals.
Your energy advisor will collect data on a pressure gauge that measures air changes per hour (ACH). This is an essential metric for assessing your home’s airtightness, helping you determine whether improvements should be made before other renovations take place.
Commercial Air Testing Birmingham
The air quality in a building, whether for commercial or domestic purposes, can have a profound effect on the health and comfort of its occupants. Poor indoor air quality can cause various short and long-term symptoms like itchy eyes, nose, throat irritation headaches fatigue dizziness asthma symptoms allergies asthma flare-ups.
Ratio Seven provides a wide range of environmental air quality testing and monitoring services to help identify and resolve these problems in commercial and residential settings. Our in-field experts utilise state-of-the-art indoor air quality equipment, computer modelling, and laboratory analysis to deliver comprehensive testing and monitoring solutions that enhance indoor environments.
The Benefits of Air Leakage Testing
Air tightness testing is a mandatory requirement for new build developments in Birmingham and across the UK, providing an opportunity to save energy and lower utility bills. Furthermore, it makes buildings more environmentally friendly – something the Government aims to achieve by cutting CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050.
Air leakage, caused by holes, gaps and cracks within a building fabric, can have an enormous effect on its insulation levels, significantly decreasing its efficiency and energy performance.
Air that escapes into a non-airtight structure brings heat, moisture and condensation with it; this can cause extensive damage to both internal building materials as well as the living space itself – leading to dampness, mould and rot.
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