If you’re building your own home, getting an air tightness test is legally required. Air tightness testing, also known as air permeability testing, air leakage or air pressure testing, helps to measure if air escapes through the cracks and gaps in the building frame.
Air permeability test results will help determine your property’s energy efficiency, the heating and cooling costs and the comfort of the living areas.
However, sometimes, a property can fail an air tightness test.
A failed air tightness test can be an issue, especially when trying to sell or rent your property. A failed test can also impact your EPC rating and increase your energy bills. If you’re looking to obtain an air pressure test certificate, contact Mark at Gio Property Solutions. We’ll conduct air tightness tests and offer solutions if it fails.
Common Reasons for A Failed Air Tightness Test
Gaps Around Pipes
Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, gaps around pipes can lead to a failed air tightness test. A cold drought can enter through these gaps and cool your home, making your home heating system work harder to maintain the optimal temperature.
Eaves Access Door
This is the door that separates the heated and unheated spaces in loft eaves. To create an effective barrier, add a weather strip and a strong latch. Without an effective barrier, you can fail your air tightness test.
Unfitted Electrical Sockets
Before an air tightness test, ensure all electrical sockets are fitted. Any holes in the wall where sockets will eventually be fitted can lead to a failed air tightness test.
Testing Conducted in Unfavourable Weather Conditions
An air tightness test can fail if conducted under unfavourable climate conditions like snowfall, heavy rainfall, strong winds or extreme sun and heat. For example, if the test is carried out during a storm, a strong gush of wind could blow cold air into the house when this ordinarily wouldn’t occur.
These conditions could lead to a failed test and money wasted on fixing a ‘problem’ that isn’t actually there.
Faulty Air Leak Test Equipment
Sometimes, working with the wrong provider can lead to inaccurate air permeability test results. Moreover, if the equipment being used is faulty, this can also create incorrect results. Therefore, working with a reputable and genuine company like Gio Property Solutions is essential.
How to Fix a Failed Air Tightness Test
If your property has received a failed air tightness test result, you can do the following things:
Seal Any Leaks
If you find any leaks, you can fix them using weather-stripping, caulk or foam. This usually means sealing pipes, electrical cables, skirting boards, and around doors and windows. This will prevent cold air from entering the building and cooling your home, ultimately putting more pressure on your heating system.
Reinsulate Your Home
Start by insulating your property, especially areas like the walls, floor or roof/attic. You can also check the loft and pipes to see if there are any gaps or cracks in these areas where cold air can enter the building.
Check Common Problem Areas
Some common problem areas where you can feel any draughts from outside entering your home include the bathtubs, fireplaces, toilets, sinks, and the intersection of walls, ceilings and floors. Access doors or kitchen cabinets are other common problem areas that must be checked.
Take a Retest
Once you’ve done the necessary repairs, you need to book a retest. Check that the air leak test equipment being used is updated and in proper condition so you don’t get any false results. Consult a reliable air testing company like Gio Property Solutions to undertake the retest. Also, ensure you have the right floor plans and the most current building codes in place before applying for a retest.
For Genuine Air Tightness Testing, Contact Gio Property Solutions
Are you looking for a professional air pressure test certificate provider? Have you received a failed air tightness test? It’s time to work with reputable experts. Gio Property Solutions is accredited by the IAA, the only organisation that has developed verified Ventilation and Air Tightness Testing Training.
Our comprehensive solutions and modern air leak test equipment ensure you get the best results every time. At Gio Property Solutions, we also offer EPC assessment for both commercial and residential properties.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
