Air Tightness Testing
Part L-compliant air tightness testing and consultancy for all building types, from a leading UKAS-accredited specialist …
Air Tightness Testing
Air tightness testing is undertaken to determine a building's air permeability rating, most commonly in order to demonstrate Part L compliance. Air leakage is a significant cause of heat loss, and is therefore a major contributor to energy inefficiency in buildings. For this reason, Part L of the Building Regulations requires new buildings to meet specific air permeability targets.
The test itself is a relatively straightforward process; most tests and any post-test leakage diagnosis are completed in a day or less. Air tightness testing should be undertaken when buildings are virtually complete and under calm weather conditions. Depending on the size, complexity and height of the building, either large trailer-mounted fans or smaller electric 'blower-door-fans' are used to undertake the test.
Operating throughout the UK and Ireland, Stroma Technology is UKAS-accredited (Lab No. 2731) and has delivered air leakage testing and consultancy for over 10,000 buildings including dwellings, office buildings, educational establishments, hospitals, superstores, factories and warehouses. We are a member of both the Air Tightness Testing & Measurement Association (ATTMA) and the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT), giving you assurance of a high-quality service and a robust test result.
Air Tightness Services
Design Reviews: A comprehensive review carried out by experienced air tightness consultants who study and comment on the relevant drawn details.
Design Workshops: A simple but effective method for interrogating the air tightness strategy and key drawn details in the presence of relevant members of the project team onsite.
Training Seminars: Short training presentations aimed at both designers and construction staff which can prove invaluable in raising awareness among those most able to influence building air tightness.
Pre-Test Inspections: An inspection, prior to the test, carried out by our air tightness consultants who scrutinise the 'air barrier' details throughout the building and record all observations to be conveyed in a detailed, illustrated report.
Sample Area or 'Comfort' Testing: A 'dress-rehearsal' air permeability test carried out on a representative area to give an indication of how the whole building will perform and what the key air-leakage issues will be.
Final Acceptance Air Leakage Testing: The final test includes all necessary building envelope calculations and is carried out using multi-point testing methods to ensure an even pressure distribution and, thus, reliable results. In large complex buildings, this approach, along with our ability to depressurise the building, can be vitally important.
Post-Test Air Leakage Diagnosis: As required if a building fails to achieve the target permeability rate upon testing, Stroma technicians generally employ localised, internal smoke testing methods to identify the main air leakage areas and the remedial works required. All findings can be presented in an illustrated report.
Our Credentials
- Market leader, established in 2002.
- Full accreditation (UKAS, ATTMA, BINDT).
- Consulting experience – the ability to give meaningful design advice.
- In-house air sealing capability.
- One-stop-shop for SAP, SBEM, EPC, and acoustic testing services.
- National coverage (inc. Ireland & Scotland).
- Competitive prices.
- Service levels.
Service Levels
- Fast report turnarounds of 24/48 hours.
- Envelope calculations included.
- All-day audits, with report delivered on site.
- Initial briefing meeting.
- Thorough site inspection.
- Very detailed, fully referenced report written on site.
- Same-day handover – for immediate and full comprehension.
- Free of charge post-test audits after failed tests – only reports are charged extra.
- Fan hire service.
- Component testing.
- Project management of more challenging jobs.
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Stroma Technology is a UKAS accredited test laboratory No. 2731, a member of ATTMA and a member of BINDT. |
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To take a look at an average day in the life of an air tightness tester, please click here. For further information or to request a quotation, please call 0845 621 22 22 or alternatively email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
