Air Pressurisation Testing

From the 1st of July 2008 dwellings applying for planning permission will require an Air Pressure Test by law. Air pressure testing for existing dwellings is seen as a means of reducing draughts and improving general energy efficiency. Air tightness plays a key role in fire safety (an air-tight barrier doubles as an oxygen barrier - oxygen is required for combustion). Air tightness plays a key role in maximizing the efficiency of air conditioning (and heat recovery) units which are common in commercial premises. In an age where computers play a vital role in many organisations, air tightness also plays a key role in creating a controlled environment from which to operate computer servers in.
Air permeability can be measured by means of pressure testing of a building prior to completion. The revised building regulations (24th January 2008) introduce mandatory air pressure testing for new dwellings. All new single dwellings will require an air pressure test from 1st July 2008.
Air tightness testing highlights areas of heat loss. These areas are increasing your energy consumption and, with it, the amount of money your property is wasting. Air tightness and thermal imaging can locate these areas and therefore allow you to make the necessary changes to increase the energy efficiency of your property.

Air Pressure-Residential

The revised building regulations (24th January 2008) introduced mandatory air pressure testing for new dwellings. All new single dwellings will require air pressure test from the 1st of July. Guidelines have been set out in relation to developments. These guidelines are outlined below.

Number of Pressure Tests Required Per Dwelling Type

Benefits of Air Pressure Tests

• Air pressure tests can be used to increase the energy efficiency of existing dwelling
• Air leakage testing helps identify areas of a building experiencing heat loss.
• Air leakage testing helps minimise energy usage in a dwelling.
• Air leakage testing plays a vital role in achieving an "A" rated cert for a dwelling

Air Pressure-Commercial

Many commercial buildings require an air pressure test to ensure fire safety.

• Air pressure tests can be used to increase energy efficiency of existing buildings
• Air leakage testing helps identify areas of a building experiencing heat loss.
• Air leakage testing helps minimise energy usage in a building.
• Air leakage testing plays a vital role in achieving an "A" rated cert building

An Air tightness test measures the flow of air within a building. Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building. Improving air tightness in a dwelling can reduce air leakage. The aim of air tightness is to build tight, ventilate right. This means that there are no breaks or gaps in the envelope of the building fabric and there is complete control over the ventilation system within the building. Having an airtight property does not mean there is insufficient air flow, it means there is controlled air flow. The only satisfactory way to measure air tightness is by using blower door test equipment.
Air tightness testing highlights areas of heat loss. These areas are increasing your energy consumption and, with it, the amount of money your property is wasting. Air tightness and thermal imaging can locate these areas and therefore allow you to make the necessary changes to increase the energy efficiency of your property.
The revised building regulations of 24th of January 2008 introduced mandatory air pressure testing for new dwellings. All new single dwellings require an air pressure test from the 1st of July 2008.