Air Leakage Testing
From April 2006, Part L of the Building Regulations was amended to reflect Government commitment to continuing reduction of greenhouse gasses and energy use. Improvements made in dwelling design and construction to reduce air leakage are more cost-effective than further increases in heating efficiency and fabric insulation.
The new Building Regulations require a sample of new dwellings to pass an ATTMA test for air leakage prior to completion. Briary Energy Air Leakage Testing provides this service to demonstrate compliance with the changes to Part L. Our testing follows prescribed standards to ensure Building Control acceptance and our service is fully Bindt accredited which means that it has been assessed against internationally recognised standards to demonstrate our competence, impartiality and performance capability.
We can also provide consultancy advice to optimise your designs and reduce the risk of failing to meet the standards required.
What is air leakage testing?
Air leakage testing involves installing a powerful fan and sensitive pressure monitoring gear in a dwelling, which is then depressurised. The data is analysed on a computer to determine the leakage rate per square metre of external fabric.
Additional services include:
- Site Audit/ Inspection/ Testing
- Plans and specification audit
- Consultative advice to optimise rating
- Intermediate Floors- Use joist hangers where possible, if built into the walls seal with a flexible sealant.
- Behind Skirting Boards-seal between floors and walls
- Behind Coving-seal between wall and ceiling
- Boxed in Pipes & Soil Stacks-seal when pipes/soil stacks go out through the ceiling into the roof space
- Behind Bath Panels-seal all services and pipe work that penetrate the envelope of the building
- Kitchen Units-seal all services and pipe work that penetrate the envelope of the building
- All Other Services-pipe work and services that enters the building ensure a good seal
- Badly Installed Trickle Vents-the test only allows for trickle vents to be shut and not sealed
- Windows and Doors-ensure a good seal behind plaster board as well as decorators finishing mastic
- Recess Lights-ensure they are fire check fittings that are fitted correctly
- Loft Hatch-poor quality loft hatches often leak
- Any Remedial Work to Floorboards-make sure any holes in timber floorboards are refitted correctly and sealed
If you would like to discuss your project requirements, you can contact us on 020 3397 1373 or you can email us via our contact us page.
