Air tightness testing on domestic and commercial properties
Sadler Energy is an accredited air tightness testing provider, offering domestic and commercial air tests as required under Part L of the Building Regulations.
As an accredited Air Tightness Testing provider, we offer ATTMA air leakage testing as required under Part L of the Building Regulations. We test domestic, non-domestic buildings and commercial properties. Working with onsite teams to help achieve your target air permeability rate. Should we find any leakage paths, we'll offer guidance on fixing issues. We know how tight deadlines can be so aim to return the air test certification on the same day as the test. We will also liaise with your building inspector if required.
Why do you need to test for air tightness?
Airtightness testing of buildings was first addressed in the UK as part of the 2002 Building Regulations. The approved document Part L, Conservation of Fuel and Power introduced target air permeability through the building envelope. The minimum number of plots requiring air leakage testing on a single development is increasing. We're moving towards 100% of domestic dwellings under the requirements of the Building Regulations.
Airtightness is a measure of the air permeability of the building envelope. This is calculated using blower door tests to measure pressure difference measured between the internal and external environments. It is used to ensure that the building fabric is air tight. The measured air leakage rate is used to help estimate the Energy Performance of the building. An provides an indication of the build quality. Building to minimise the air leakage through uncontrolled air loss while providing efficient means for controlled ventilation. The occupants of the property will benefit from reduced energy bills, whilst maintaining a comfy flow of fresh air. It is also part of an overall strategy to reduce the UK carbon emission rates.
An ever increasing focus on energy efficiency of the buildings can be seen with greater Building Regulation targets. Air permeability of buildings is being pushed to the fore. A phrase used within the airtightness testing industry is 'build tight, ventilate right'.
Common Areas of Air Leakage Paths
- Leaky windows or doors
- Gaps around loft hatches
- Gaps around bathroom waste pipes
- Bathroom wall vent or extract fan
- Pathways through floor / ceiling voids into cavity walls and then to the outside
- Poorly installed / sealed air barriers
Part L1A of the Building Regulations: Air Leakage
Part L1A 2013 edition forms part of the Building Regulations detailing energy performance standards. These standards require tests for air permeability on all new build homes and commercial buildings. Building regulations require a design air permeability of no worse than 10m 2.h-1.m-2. at 50 pascals. We're registered under the (ATTMA) competent person scheme. The Air Testing and Measurement Association is the main body within the UK. Our air leakage tests comply with the requirements of the ATTMA technical standard TS1 and TSL1 and our certificates accepted by Building Control. We undertake air leak testing on all domestic dwelling types and commercial properties. You can download the technical information and standards from the ATTMA Website.
Our Air Pressure Testing Service
We provide a personal and cost-effective air testing service using the latest high power blower door fan systems. We test dwellings and commercial buildings. We'll provide practical information in advance so that the building is ready for testing prior to our site visit. This ensures the best test results possible. We understand the demands placed on site managers. Because we offer all services under one roof, it is possible to issue certificates and EPC on the same day. We've produced an Air Pressure Testing Checklist to help you pass first time.
Prior to the test we will need to know the target air leakage rate from the BRUKL Document or SBEM Calculations. If required we can also undertake the SBEM Calculation for the development which measures the energy efficiency and carbon emission associated with the building. The SBEM Assessor can then lease directly with the air test engineer to establish the air permeability rating. This should all form part of the construction process throughout the build phases.
When arriving on site we will introduce ourselves to the site manager and start temporarily sealing extract vents. Whilst we cannot guarantee a first time air test pass, we'll do our best to help you pass first time. If the buildings failing, we're happy to remain on site after the first fail to allow minor remedial works to be completed at no extra cost. Once the test is complete, we'll let the site team know whether the test passed, and if so can often return the certificate the same day.
Although we don't recommend having sound and air tests undertaken at the same time, as part of our acoustic consultancy service, we can undertake your acoustic testing.
We take health and safety very seriously for our staff, client and members of the public. We are CHAS accredited and our engineers hold CSCS Competent Person Cards as well as being members of the Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association.
L1A Air Testing Regime Schedule
We're happy to work with the testing schedule as set out via your Building Control Officer. If not we'll undertake a full L1A Compliance Testing Regime. We offer advice as to which houses will need testing during the construction programme. We will advise you which unit of each dwelling type will need testing. This can be 100% on site testing, or a sample test based on dwelling types.
Our air testing service is available to those with multiple dwellings and those who require one-off testing. We book an air test appointment within a week of quote acceptance. We're happy to work with the demands of the build schedule and can move things if an urgent test is required.
