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Diagnostic Air Leakage Testing
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improve Building Performance with Professional Air Tightness Testing | By Armeec
We specialise in identifying air leaks and assessing the overall airtightness of your property, helping you comply with building regulations, improve energy efficiency, and reduce heating costs. Our team uses advanced equipment and proven methods to deliver accurate, reliable results—giving you peace of mind and a more sustainable building. Whether for new builds or existing properties, trust Armeec to provide professional testing that protects your investment and enhances performance. Let’s seal the deal on efficiency together!
What is An Air Pressure / Leakage Testing?
Air pressure testing, also known as air tightness testing or permeability testing, is a crucial diagnostic procedure used to quantify the rate of air leakage in a building. This process, sometimes referred to as blower door testing, is essential for understanding a building’s energy efficiency and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Purpose of Air Pressure Testing
The main purpose of air pressure testing is to identify leaks and gaps in a building’s structure. It measures how much air escapes through unintended openings, such as cracks, holes, or poorly sealed areas. By pinpointing these issues, the test helps improve energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and ensure compliance with building regulations like Part L in the UK.
How Does Air Pressure Testing Work?
During an air pressure test, a large fan (called a blower door ) is installed in one of the building’s external doors or openings. The fan either pulls air out of the building (depressurizing it) or pushes air into it (pressurizing it). This creates a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of the building.
- When the building is depressurized, outside air is drawn in through any gaps, cracks, or holes.
- When pressurized, air escapes through these same openings.
By measuring how much air moves through the fan to maintain the pressure difference, testers can calculate how much air is leaking in or out of the building. This measurement is called the air permeability or leakage rate .
Air Permeability and Building Regulations
The air permeability rating is typically expressed in m³/h/m² (cubic meters per hour per square meter). A building must achieve a rating of 10 m³/h/m² or lower to pass an air tightness test. This test, also known as the air tightness test or air leakage test, is a mandatory requirement of Part L of the Building Regulations 2021 for new build commercial buildings over 500 square meters and extensions with a floor area greater than 25% of the existing building.
Why Air Pressure Testing is Essential for Your Property
Air pressure testing is a vital process that ensures your property is energy-efficient, compliant, and comfortable. Here’s why it matters:
- It’s a legal requirement in many regions, including the UK, to meet energy efficiency standards. Failing to comply can result in fines, delays, or issues obtaining certifications.
- Air leaks lead to wasted energy, higher utility bills, and reduced comfort. Testing helps pinpoint gaps, cracks, or weak spots so they can be sealed, improving energy efficiency.
- A well-sealed building maintains consistent temperatures, reduces drafts, and blocks outdoor noise, creating a more pleasant environment for occupants.
- Reducing air leakage lowers carbon emissions and supports green building certifications, enhancing your property’s marketability.
- Sealing leaks prevents moisture ingress, mold growth, and HVAC system strain, saving on costly repairs in the future.
- A comfortable, efficient property leads to happier tenants, fewer complaints, and better retention rates.
When is Air Pressure Testing Done?
Air pressure testing is typically carried out when a building is structurally complete but before final handover. This ensures all windows, doors, and other elements are in place for accurate results. It’s mandatory for new builds, extensions, and certain renovations, often performed just before occupancy to meet regulatory requirements and avoid delays. If leaks are found, remedial work is done, followed by re-testing.
Explore Other Extensive Range Of Services
- Energy Statement
- Water Efficiency Calculations
- Overheating Assessments
- SBEM Calculations
- U-Value Calculations
- PSI Value
- Overglazed Extension Calculations
- SAP Calculation
- New Build Domestic EPC
- New Build Commercial EPC
- Pre Improvement Sound Insulation Testing
- Air-Leakage On Site Design Advice
- Diagnostic Smoke Testing
- Commercial Air Leakage Testing
- Residential Air Leakage Testing
- Retrofit Air Leakage Testing
- Passive House Air Leakage Testing
- Ventilation Flow Rate Commissioning
- Sound Insulation Testing
- Smoke Shaft Air Leakage Testing
- Smart HTC
- Background Ventilation
Who Needs Air Pressure Testing?
Property Developers
Developers need air pressure testing to ensure new homes or commercial buildings meet energy efficiency rules. It helps avoid fines, ensures compliance, and prepares the building for occupancy.
Architects and Designers
Architects use air pressure testing to spot areas where a building can be more airtight. This improves energy efficiency and ensures their designs are both functional and sustainable.
Landlords and Property Managers
Landlords benefit from testing by finding and fixing air leaks. This reduces energy bills, keeps tenants comfortable, and ensures the property meets energy standards.
Commercial Property Owners
Business property owners use testing to make their buildings more energy-efficient and attractive to eco-conscious tenants. It also lowers utility costs and boosts sustainability.
Homeowners (Extensions/Renovations)
Homeowners adding large extensions or renovating may need testing to ensure the updated building meets current energy efficiency standards.
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Why Do We Succeed
Our Process for Air Pressure Testing
01
Before the test, we provide you with a clear checklist to prepare your property. This includes closing all windows and doors, temporarily sealing vents, and switching off heating and ventilation systems.
02
Our certified technician arrives on-site, takes precise measurements of your property to calculate the building envelope (the total internal volume), and installs a UKAS-calibrated fan in an external doorway, usually the main entrance. This fan creates the controlled airflow needed for the test.
03
Before starting the test, we record key environmental factors like temperature, barometric pressure, and wind speed. These checks ensure the test is conducted under optimal and consistent conditions.
04
Using the fan, we depressurise and pressurise the building, taking 7-10 readings at different pressure levels, including the standard 50 pascals required by UK building regulations. The entire process takes about 20 minutes, and results are available instantly.
05
We analyse the data to calculate the air permeability of your property (measured in m³/h.m² at 50 pascals) and identify any areas of air leakage, such as gaps around windows, doors, or loft spaces. You’ll receive a detailed report with clear insights and actionable recommendations.
06
If your property meets the required standards, we issue a certified air tightness test report for compliance. If improvements are needed, we guide you on the next steps, such as adding sealants or improving insulation.
ARMEEC: Precision Air Pressure Testing – Expertise You Can Trust
Accredited Expertise
Our fully qualified technicians deliver accurate, compliant air pressure testing. We stay updated with the latest regulations, ensuring reliable results you can trust
Competitive Pricing
We offer transparent and competitive pricing for our air pressure testing services, providing excellent value for your investment.
Fast & Efficient Service
We know deadlines matter. That’s why we offer fast turnaround times for air pressure testing without compromising on quality. With Armeec, you get quick, reliable results—every time!
Tailored Solutions
We don’t just deliver air pressure test results—we provide practical, cost-effective advice to improve your building’s airtightness and energy efficiency.
Nationwide Support
Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the air pressure testing process, offering friendly and professional support every step of the way, across the UK.
Frequently Asked Queries About air pressure testing
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