01621 810231

About Air Tightness Testing – Finding Air Leakage Areas

Here at Air Tightness Testing Ltd. we carry out industry-recognised tests to determine the extent to which air leaks are present in the fabric of a given building. A majority of our tests are implemented on new builds in order that developers meet minimum standards – as detailed in Part L of the building regulations – so they can place their properties on the sale or rental market.

iATS Registered and UKAS Recognised

We are an iATS-registered company and use equipment that is calibrated by UKAS laboratories. Our testing procedures are also recognised by UKAS. Many of our clients are based in the southeast and London – including Essex, Kent, Sussex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Surrey. However, we cover all of mainland England. Our personnel are fully qualified and will assist you in resolving any issues in the event of a failed test.

The certified results we issue are accepted by building control throughout the UK.

Possible Air Leakage Areas

How do we detect air leakage areas? If an issue arises following a test, there are a number of locations where a leak is most likely to be found. The areas listed below are common hot spots for uncontrolled air leakages. We recommend you ensure these areas are fully sealed during the construction process.

  • 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 they are well sealed
  • Trickle Vents – the test allows for trickle vents to be shut and sealed
  • Windows and Doors – ensure a good seal behind plasterboard; decorators should finish in mastic
  • Recess Lights – ensure re check ttings are tted 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

Tell Us About Your Project Today – Call 01621 810231

Contact us if you have questions about sealing any air leakage areas in preparation for the air tightness test.

Elmhurst Energy Approved

Affiliations

We are registered with Elmhurst Energy and use equipment calibrated by UKAS laboratories.