Put simply, it’s the process of measuring how much air leaks through the building envelope. The building envelope includes the walls, roof, windows, and doors – essentially, anything that separates the inside of the building from the outside environment.
The testing is usually conducted using a blower door, which is a powerful fan that’s installed in an external doorway of the building. The fan creates a negative pressure inside the building, causing air to be drawn in through any gaps or cracks in the envelope. The rate at which air flows through the fan is then measured, and this provides a measure of the building’s air permeability.
Why is air testing so important?
Firstly, it’s a key factor in determining a building’s energy efficiency. If air is leaking in or out of the building, it means that energy is being lost. This can result in higher heating bills, as well as a less comfortable indoor environment.
Secondly, air leakage can also have an impact on indoor air quality. If outdoor air is being drawn in through gaps and cracks, it can bring in pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants. This can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the building occupants.
Finally, air permeability testing is a requirement under building regulations in the UK. In order to comply with these regulations, buildings must achieve a certain level of airtightness. If a building fails the test, it will need to be remediated to address the areas where air is leaking in or out.
Why You Need Air Testing For New Builds
Whether you’re building a new home or a commercial property, airtightness testing is an essential regulatory requirement. It helps you meet energy efficiency requirements and makes your building more sustainable, lowering your carbon emissions.
The Government has made energy efficiency a priority to help cut CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050, and part of this is ensuring buildings are built with energy efficiency in mind. This can be done through air tightness testing, which measures the total amount of air that is lost by leaks throughout the building fabric.
As well as being a cost-effective way of saving energy, airtightness testing can also identify any leaks within the building which can be rectified quickly and easily. This means that you can avoid expensive issues in the future.
Air testing Birmingham – Nationwide air permeability testing
In Birmingham, air permeability testing is carried out by Ratio Seven, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results. Working closely with building designers, contractors, and developers to help them achieve their energy efficiency goals and comply with building regulations.
Commercial air testing Birmingham
Commercial air testing is a recognised method of determining the total amount of air that escapes through gaps or air leakage paths within the building envelope, also known as the building’s fabric. It is a government requirement for all new builds and will help make your building as environmentally friendly as possible whilst also reducing energy bills for its occupants.
All new build buildings over 500 m2 are required to undergo commercial air testing in order to meet the Building Regulations and Part L. It is also used within SAP (for dwellings) and SBEM (for commercial buildings) calculations to assist in the overall energy rating of your new building.
Air permeability testing is a critical aspect of building design and construction, and it’s something that should not be overlooked. By ensuring that buildings are airtight, energy-efficient, and compliant with regulations, we can create healthier, more comfortable indoor environments, while also reducing the carbon footprint and helping to mitigate climate change.
Ratio Seven Limited Charles House, Princes Court Beam Heath Way Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6PQ
