AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING LONDON
Air tightness is the measure of how much air leakage there is from a building. This is determined by carrying out an airtightness test and the figure obtained from the testing is the air permeability value.
What Is Air Tightness Testing
An air tightness test measures the amount of air escaping from gaps in a building. Air tightness focuses on the amount of air leakage, which is the uncontrolled air movement in and out of a building. The leaked air is unrelated to the movement of fresh air from a ventilation system.
Air tightness tests aim to reduce this air leakage by identifying and sealing the gaps and crevices in the building’s fabric. A building may have gaps around its doors, windows, cables and piping, letting cool air in and warm air escape out.
Without fixing these gaps and cracks, your building will not be operating at its most energy efficient. Air testing is a regulatory requirement for all new builds in the UK, whether residential or commercial. This makes it even more essential to know about air tightness testing.
Pulse Background Ventilation Assessment
At Gio, we use top-notch Pulse equipment to capture the rate of air leakage. Pulse testing has been an accepted permeability testing method in England and Wales since June 2022. The Pulse system works on low pressure by measuring air leakage rates and the integrity of the enclosure. It’s an easily movable, compressed air-based system that measures the change in air flow rate very close to normal occupied conditions. This modular system helps understand the background ventilation and energy efficiency.
Using a pulse test is recommended before the removal of windows and after installation to check whether or not your dwelling needs door undercuts and trickle vents.
Blower Door Air Test
Another way to check how airtight your dwelling is through the blower door air test. This test works by installing specific calibrated fans called blowers at the external opening like a door or a window. The fabric around the fan ensures the opening is sealed before the test.
The fan blows air into the building which causes the air pressure to rise. The air pressure, measured in Pascals (Pa), rises to 50 Pa. Mark, our highly qualified air flow tester in London uses the blower door air test to determine how airtight a dwelling would be when strong winds blow. This can pinpoint any gaps in the building’s fabric that would otherwise look perfectly fine.
We use special equipment to measure the amount of air needed to keep the building at that constant pressure. The test results calculate the amount of air leakage, air volume within the dwelling, and the size of the envelope. Once the results are in, we depressurise the air out of the property to point out any flaws.
Contact Gio Property Solutions Today For Your Air Tightness Test Needs
Air tightness tests are used to quantify the amount of heated or cooled conditioned air that spreads and escapes from a dwelling due to uncontrolled leaks. The leaks pin-point to the openings or gaps in the building’s structure.
Not only are tests for airtightness in London and the rest of the UK a regulatory requirement under building regulations, but they are also a vital component of energy conservation initiatives. The more airtight your building is, the lower the building’s emissions.
Only rely on air tightness tests in London that are carried out by certified companies like Gio Property Solutions, who stand out for their professional services in London and beyond. Contact Mark from Gio today.
What Are The Benefits of Air Pressure Testing
The benefits of commercial and residential air tightness testing in London are immense. An airtight home or commercial space provides many advantages. Let’s explore them in greater detail.
The typical duration of an air pressure test in London varies according to the size of the dwelling and the level of air leakage. With all these various factors in mind, Gio conducts air pressure tests in London within a span of 2 hours.
All new builds, whether residential or commercial, must carry out an air-tightness test as mandated by the Building Regulations. Under Part L of Building Regulations, air tightness testing is compulsory for all new commercial buildings over 500 square metres and on floor area extensions that exceed 25% of the existing building.
This test is a must on all dwellings, with a representative sample testing for previous Building Regulations.
According to Building Standards, for new residential or commercial structures, new build air testing in London and surrounding areas is a must. The test measures how much air leaks through the floors, walls, and ceilings of the building so improvements can be made. For commercial buildings, multiple blowers are employed, whereas for residential structures, a single blower is sufficient.
PAS 2035 is the gold standard for energy-efficient retrofit standards for government-funded measures.
Gio’s air pressure testing in London and Essex ensures that your dwelling’s ventilation adheres to PAS 2035 standards. With accreditation from the IAA, the sole organisation behind the background ventilation and air tightness testing process, we are more than capable to conduct your air tightness test.
The pulse test process has also received technical support from Trustmark-approved Build Test Solutions (BTS) conforming to pathways A and B of the PAS 2035 but also providing an alternative for pathway C, without replacing the need for airtightness tests.
How To Prepare For An Air Leakage Test
Ensure All Doors And Windows Are Fully Fitted
Close All Windows And Doors Properly
Close Any Trickle Vents
Switch Off HVAC Systems
Fit Hatches Into Lofts
Seal Any Other Sources Of Air Leaks
Why Choose Gio Property Solutions for Air Tightness Testing in London
Air tightness testing in London and the rest of the UK is a non-negotiable task. It’s extremely vital to get this test done for new builds, but equally important for older homes, ensuring uninterrupted comfort for the residents and uncompromised safety of the property’s structure.
Mark, at Gio Property Solutions, is an accredited and qualified Ventilator and Air Tightness Tester. His competence and experience extends to dwellings of all types and sizes. Adhering to all essential regulations and requirements, Mark ensures quality air leakage tests in London, Essex and beyond. Following our reliable and accurate testing service, you’ll receive a certified report with reliable airtightness test results.
Trust Gio for the best air tightness tests in London. Contact Mark on 07510 060 669 today.
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