Airtightness testing in Glasgow is mandatory for all new dwellings
All new dwellings in Glasgow and throughout Scotland must now be air tight, a measure which is also known as air permeability or leakage testing. This test is a legal requirement and forms part of the Building Regulations Part L1A 2010, which requires all new dwellings to be airtight. If your property does not have adequate insulation, it can lead to a range of problems.
All new buildings and extensions in Glasgow are now required to undergo airtightness testing, which is a legal requirement. This test is performed on the building fabric and membrane, as well as identifying any areas that may be inadequately airtight.
It also helps to know the progress of the construction, as gaps and leaks in fabric envelopes can cause energy losses and increase heating bills.
It helps to establish the energy efficiency of a building
Improving the energy efficiency of a building can help reduce costs and emissions associated with building operation. Buildings account for about 30% of global energy consumption and one-third of CO2 emissions.
Numerous studies have shown that the construction industry has great potential to improve energy efficiency. In addition to reducing emissions, increased energy efficiency can increase the longevity and durability of buildings, reduce maintenance costs, increase comfort and productivity, and increase property values.
Additionally, it can improve health and safety.
It identifies areas of excessive air leakage
The first step in achieving a high level of air tightness in a building is to conduct an airtightness test. A pre-test is recommended for all properties, but it is even more important for more complex projects.
Pre-tests measure the airtightness of building fabric and membrane to determine the status of a project before it is started. In addition, leakage of air occurs through the gaps and openings in a building’s fabric envelope, increasing heating bills and CO2 production.
An air test provides key information
A full airtightness test provides several key information, including the pressure difference between different areas of an enclosure, the total flow of air and the direction of that flow.
Airflow measurements are taken for a variety of pressure and flow directions, and the data is then plotted to calculate the relationship between airflow and pressure difference.
The data gathered from an airtightness test can be used to design mechanical systems for a building or to assess a building’s air tightness.
It is carried out in accordance with BS EN 13829: 2001
An independent airtightness test Glasgow company is accredited to meet all relevant standards and regulations, including BS EN 13829: 2001.
A member of the Independent Airtightness Testing Scheme (IATS) is a government-authorised competent person and will always perform testing in accordance with this standard. In addition, Scottish Building Regulations (SBR) Technical handbook section 6 sets out the guidelines for airtightness tests.
Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through the fabric of a building. It is important not to confuse this with ventilation, which is controlled airflow through a purpose-built ventilator.
Excessive air leakage is harmful because it leads to excessive loss of heat and cold draughts, reducing the comfort levels of occupants. As building regulations demand higher energy efficiency, airtightness is becoming more of a key consideration.
