Residential Services

Air Tightness Testing & Sound Testing

Air Testing (otherwise known as Pressure Testing or Air Tightness Testing)

Under Part L1A of the Building Regulations, Air Testing is a mandatory requirement for all newly built homes.

Energy Rating Services have the tools and experienced consultants to support you in passing the Air Testing requirements and completing any remedial work if required. It is important to recognise the distinction between air leakage and ventilation when considering air testing:

Ventilation: The controlled flow of air through purpose built ventilators which are required for the comfort and the safety of the occupants.

Air Leakage: Measured in m³/m²/hour, this is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps, cracks and junctions in the fabric of the building.

Minimising air leakage plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions. By reducing this, the costs of fuel bills can be decreased significantly.

Conducting and Passing Air Testing

To carry out Air Testing, we use a door blower fan system and other UKAS calibrated equipment to provide the Air Permeability Rating. We carry out the test in accordance with the procedures detailed in ATTMA TS1 and BS EN:13829 (2001).

In order to pass the Air Test the Air Permeability must be less than or equivalent to the Design Air Permeability. Before a test, the following should be considered:

• An air tight barrier, should be formed by each of the surfaces in the room, including the walls, ceilings and floor. The property must be fully decorated and ready to move into at the point of the testing.
• It is advisable to have a skilled site worker available at the time of the test so any remedial work can be completed straight away if required to achieve a ‘pass’ result.

Energy Rating Services will support you through the Air Testing process and ensure that with our advice, you achieve a ‘pass’ result and reduce leakage where necessary.

Sound Testing

Assess the performance of your insulation and associated flanking elements.

There is a requirement for sound testing to be undertaken by an UKAS Accredited (or similar) company to show compliance with the Building Regulations Approved Document E 'Resistance to the Passage of Sound' criteria.

Energy Rating Services employ consultants who are specialists in sound testing. As the regulations require, we will conduct tests on party floors and walls which separate dwellings from one another and advise you on any further action required.

Need advice?

Please call 01865 378885 or email us today if you wish to discuss your air or sound testing project or would like us to quote for it. We will always provide tailored, competitive estimates promptly upon request.

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