Air Permeability Testing

Air Permeability Tests are principally conducted to measure the unintentional ventilation via a building’s envelope (floors, walls and roof), which can have a significant effect on heat loss (thermal efficiency), and ultimately reduce CO2 emissions to our atmosphere by reducing the amount of fuel used to space heat the building.

Equally, the test will identify any ‘over-tightness’ issues whereby the designed ventilation method employed is not suitable or capable of safely coping with the humidity levels created while living in and using a building. Mould and decorative damage are common occurrences in over-tight buildings without the correct ventilation strategy, potentially affecting health and occupant comfort. In extreme cases the fabric of the building can become seriously compromised over time.

Air Test failure or identification of an over-tight situation can be an expensive and inconvenient predicament. It can result in your local building control department being unable to issue a completion certificate until satisfactory remedial actions are completed.

In real terms, by understanding the requirements, planning, and constructing to the designed Air Permeability target specific to the building, you will be in a much better position to achieve test success first time. We cannot stress enough to self-builders, or any builders that may have doubts as to how to achieve the compliant results for their projects, to contact us as early as possible for free advice. We can also provide ‘trial’ or ‘sample’ Air Testing to establish a preliminary result at a build stage where any potential problems are more easily and less expensively identified and rectified.