Ensuring new buildings meet energy efficiency regulations.

Tyne & Wear

Air Testing
Sunderland

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Looking for air testing Sunderland, we can help. Ratio Seven offers nationwide air permeability testing, also referred to as air leakage or tightness testing, this is an integral component of building regulations. Not only does it reduce energy consumption but also enhances occupant comfort levels.

All new dwellings must meet ‘Part L’ of the 2006 building regulations, which were updated in June 2022. They must be energy efficient and have a design air permeability below 5 m3h-1m-2.

Airtightness Testing Sunderland

Air permeability testing, also referred to as air leakage or tightness testing, is the accepted method for measuring how much air has escaped through holes in a building’s fabric (also known as its building envelope). It serves as a quantitative quality control measure and ensures new buildings meet all necessary energy efficiency regulations.

A high airtightness score can save up to 50% of energy loss from within a building to the external environment, thus lessening its environmental impact and cutting energy bills for occupants.

According to the new ‘Part L’ of the building regulations, for air testing Sunderland, all new domestic properties must undergo an air test in order to reduce drafts and uncontrolled airflow through the fabric of the building. This helps improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Why You Need Air Testing For New Builds

When constructing a new dwelling or home, air permeability testing is one of the essential requirements to meet Part L of the Building Regulations. The goal of this testing is to guarantee that a dwelling is energy efficient and reduces carbon emissions.

Air permeability is the rate of airflow perpendicularly through a material when subjected to the pressure differential between two surfaces. It’s measured with blower door testing equipment that uses a fan to pressurise the fabric and record the differential in pressure.

Why Air Testing Important in Sunderland

Air permeability testing is an integral component of the building process, helping to reduce energy consumption and guaranteeing that a building’s Design Emission Rate meets its target emissions. It can be performed on any new build – residential or commercial – to help reduce emissions from a building and achieve higher energy ratings as well as environmental certification.

The air permeability test involves measuring fabric permeability at low pressure. This is typically done using a door blower fan, this portable compressed air-based system designed to measure air leakage and enclosure integrity directly at low pressure.

This system can be utilised for air permeability testing on buildings, with results usually completed in a short period of time. It may also be part of a comprehensive energy audit.

How We Carry Out An Airtightness Test

Air permeability testing is an integral component of building regulations, providing a quantifiable quality control measure that can help save you money on energy bills and enhance indoor air quality. Furthermore, it has an environmental benefit by reducing your home’s carbon footprint.

To conduct an effective air test, the entire exterior envelope and any openings such as windows or doors should be sealed for the duration of the examination. For optimal results, consult with a reliable firm using high-end equipment.

A thorough airtightness test is the simplest way to guarantee your new build complies with all building regulations and will be a pleasure to live in. We can also suggest the type of insulation best suited for you, as well as assist with any retrofit projects.

Commercial Air Testing Sunderland

Air leaks within commercial buildings can lead to higher energy costs, below-average heating performance and poor indoor air quality. They also invite water intrusion which may result in rot, mold and structural damage.

Furthermore, they can contribute to the production of carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. That is why air permeability testing has become such an integral part of building regulations.

The UK Government has implemented legislation which requires all non-domestic buildings with a useful floor area of 500m2 or more to be tested by an accredited specialist. This applies both to extensions to existing structures as well as brand new builds.

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