As a developer, whether you’re working on a new build estate or commercial premises, if the property is larger than 500m2, you will need air testing conducted. For large residential developments, there are nuances that mean not every property needs air permeability testing, however, a percentage of properties will need testing.
Primarily focused on reducing emissions, air tightness testing requirements were put into law in 2006 to help the UK meet its emissions targets. By testing for draughts and air leakage in properties, air permeability testing allows developers to pinpoint problem areas within the building, and insulate accordingly.
With 50% of the UK’s total carbon emissions stemming from power usage in the built environment, the goal is to reduce the heating requirements of residents, in turn cutting emissions.
As a resident, there are plenty of benefits to occupying a modern building. The requirement to pass air testing standards ensures that modern buildings are significantly more cost-effective to heat, reducing the consumer burden, both commercially and residentially.
Air permeability testing is a crucial aspect in all new build developments, with penalties being imposed on developers who do not meet Building Regulations/Standards requirements.
Here are our top reasons why you need air tightness testing in your development.
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1. Necessary for Buildings in the UK
The UK government has made air tightness testing a necessity as stated in Part L of the building regulations, since 2006, to improve energy efficiency in buildings. This rule was created to verify reduced emissions, standardise home efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
As a developer, you need to understand your legal obligation to conduct air tightness testing on your developments – whether commercial or residential. You need someone reliable in the industry, like the technicians at Gio Property Solutions, to conduct these tests.
Approved by the EAS and iATS for air tightness testing, rely on us for conducting air permeability tests on your developments. Our technicians will ensure that your buildings meet legal requirements and provide you with the necessary certification with your results.
2. Improves Energy Efficiency
The main benefit of air tightness testing is making your building more energy-efficient. Our extensive testing ensures that the structure doesn’t face air leakage.
Leakage is usually caused due to gaps left during construction and is commonly found at the edges of walls and floors. These air leakages can contribute to an increase in heating costs, contributing to further emissions and bills for occupants.
3. Better Quality of Life
As building technology advances, consumers expect higher quality in modern buildings. Air tightness testing gives assurances to buyers and tenants that modern buildings meet legal criteria for occupancy.
These tests allow you to find air leakage areas which need sealing to improve air flow and temperature within your building. Good airflow has become essential in modern buildings, to reduce the heating requirements of homes.
Air tightness testing also increases air quality, allowing ventilation to work more effectively, and reducing the opportunity for mould, pollen, and dust to accumulate in your home due to air leakage. These can cause severe health issues for your occupants and it’s better to get an air tightness test done to avoid this situation.
4. Sustainability
Air tightness testing allows you to gauge air leakage within your building by analysing the structure of the building. We test these leakages in line with Building Regulations and requirements and identify any potential leaks.
By standardising air tightness within modern building construction the UK aims to cut fuel wastage, thereby lowering carbon emissions through heating, and increasing sustainability. These tests help to reduce the amount of energy wasted and give residents more control over the temperature of your building.
These tests also help to improve the durability of your building. By minimising air leakage, air tightness testing can identify structural issues, moisture buildup and condensation issues.
Contact Gio Property Solutions for Air Tightness Testing Today!
Now that you’re aware of why modern buildings need air-tightness testing, it’s time to choose the right company for the job. Gio Property Solutions technicians have years of experience in the industry.
We are one of the few EAS/iATS-approved testers in the UK and can provide you with the best services for air tightness testing. We also provide energy performance certificate services to give an accurate test of your building’s energy efficiency.
To learn more about our services, you can visit our about us page or call us at 07510 060 669 for air tightness testing today!
