Domestic Air Pressure Testing

Air Tightness Testing service covering the SE and Midlands. free expert Advice and booking call 01634 799115 - 8 am to 8 pm including weekends. Professional Low Cost Testing Service
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Booking a test is simple : Tel 01634 566215   available 8 am to 10 pm including weekends.
 
We  try to keep things as simple as possible. We will quote you  the best price. 

What we need

We need 2 things  -  a copy of your building plans  - and the Design Air Permeability that you need to achieve or exceed during the test.

We use the plans to calculate the envelope area which we require for the test. We also need the Design Air Permeability from  your SAP assessment. This is a value  of 10 or less and is quoted  in m3 / m2 .hr ( measured at a pressure of 50 pascals). This is the value set by your SAP Assessor.The design air permeability is shown on your SAP calculation.
 
Q Why are  pressure tests required?
A: We are testing for unplanned air leakage which  increases the heating load. This leakage is taken into account in the SAP calculation increasing the DER ( consequential  carbon dioxide emissions) . Regulation L1a sets limits to these emissions so  a  leaky building is less likely to pass . The test result is fed into the final SAP calculation is completed resulting in an Energy performance certificate.

Q When is a dwelling ready for testing? What should I do before a test?
A: Testing is typically performed post second fix  when the dwelling is complete.
1  All service penetrations should be  sealed
2. Trickle vents  installed
3. Loft access hatch  in place
 
Q Is there anything else that should be done?
A No, We will undertake any temporary sealing that is required, all we require is access to the dwelling.
 
Q: Does the dwelling have to be empty for the test?
A: No – Other people  can be working in the dwelling during the test provided that they do not open any
external windows doors or vents
.
 
Q: Does  the testing damage any of the internal finishes?
A: No – The testing is a totally clean process
 
Q: How long does a test take?
A: About an hour to complete each test
 
Q: Will we know whether we have passed or failed at the time of testing?
A: Yes – As soon as the test has been completed we are able to advise of the result

Q: If we fail to meet the required standard can you advise us on the required remedial works which should be
undertaken?
A: Yes of course  – We will provide every assistance  we can to ensure you achieve your target.
Our engineers are experienced in locating leakage - if the source of leakage is not obvious then we can perform  a smoke test.
If the problem can be fixed quickly then we will normally wait and retest free of charge .

Q: How many tests can you perform in a day?
A: We can perform up to 5 tests a day provided, all the dwellings pass and no further investigatory work is
required

Q: How long will it take to receive our test certificate(s)?

A: Test certificates can be supplied  on the spot or within   24hrs via email or posted next day.

Q: Do you test commercial premises?
A  No not at the present time we are specialists in domestic dwellings (flats houses bungalows etc).

Q: How do you test for air leakage
A  We temporarily seal up open flues and planned ventilation  and ensure that water traps are filled. We measure the internal and external temperatures and the atmospheric pressure  We  then  install  a fan in  an external door and apply a range of  air pressures to the building and calculate the results. We can not test in very windy weather  - we will advise .you  and rebook. The air pressures applied are  not large enough to cause damage to the building or health.
 
Q: Does every new dwelling require a test?
A No. Developments consisting of single dwelling will normally require a test if the Air leakage value on the SAP calculation is 10 or less. Developments of more than one dwelling, or a block of flats a sample of each dwelling type is tested. The number depends upon whether accredited construction details are being used or not. We can advise you and arrange a test plan with your building control.

 

Product price or special offer

please phone for the latest offers we provide discounts for multiple tests.