FAQ

The testing process involves the use of a fan and a pressure testing kit to measure the air leakage of a building. The test is carried out while the building is under normal conditions and uses a set of measurements to calculate the air leakage rate.

We aim to schedule your test as soon as possible, often this can be within 1 week of contacting us. However, this may be dependent on the size of your project, location and even the time of year.

A test should be completed once the external envelope is completed, sockets are fitted, and loft hatches are sealed. We advise testing just before any carpets or kitchen cabinets are fitted as this makes any remedial work easier.

If you do not achieve your result on the day. Further remedial work will be advised and a re-test will be offered for 50% of your original test price once the work has been completed.

We can complete sealing ourselves, however, we advise clients to complete or partially complete temporarily sealing beforehand to allow us more time to diagnose any problems and get you passed on the day! Extractor fans, trickle vents and open flue fires can all be sealed.

We offer a test before competition of the build, this allows for an early diagnosis and remedy of problems that are often near impossible to fix during the final test. Electricity must be available on site (excluding generators) and a temporary external envelope may need to be created dependent on the stage of your project.

It is possible to stay in the dwelling during the test, it should be noted the front entrance will blocked off for the duration of the test so you may be required to stay in for the full period of time the test takes if there is not a secondary exit.

Only new builds or large extensions need testing for building regulations. However, it is not uncommon for enquiries on existing builds where we can use the equipment to diagnose drafts for potential remedial work.

Your Air tightness target score is set by your SAP assessor, this is a value between 0-10 (m3/(m2.hr)@50Pa). The higher the target score, the easier it is to achieve.

In the rare occasion It is possible to make your house too airtight, however, if the correct ventilation system is selected this ensures a steady flow of fresh air in the areas where it is needed the most such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Air leakage is the uncontrolled air movement between the inside and outside of a building, while ventilation is the controlled air movement within a building.

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is a method used in the UK to assess the energy performance of a building. The SAP rating is a score given to a building based on its energy efficiency.

SAP calculations should ideally be undertaken at the design stage. Sometimes changes in the original design of a building are needed to achieve a ‘pass’ and it is more cost effective and easier to make any alterations at this stage.

Once all the information is received, we can usually get your calculations to you within 72 hours

A set of scale plans with a completed SAP information checklist.

The design stage of the SAP’s is needed to produce an EPC in a new-build. As the information in the SAP’s is what produces the EPC. This should not be compared to an EPC in a existing build which follows a different procedure.

Once the design stage and as built stage of the SAP Assessment have been completed we can issue of the Energy Performance Certificate

The design stage of the SAP’s is part of the process to completing the as built stage and EPC. Without the work in this first process the EPC cannot be issued.

Part L1b of the Building regulations requires that areas of new glazing should not account for more than 25% of the new floor area. When this is the case, SAP’s are often needed to prove the energy efficiency of the build.

With the measurements of the test being so sensitive, it is advised to avoid any other work at the same time as this negatively affect your results. It is advised to suspended work for the duration of the testing which is approximately 2 hours

The external envelope should be completed with walls finished, sockets fitted and all doors and windows functional. Carpets and laminates should not be fitted as impact testing should take place on a bare floor.

Site testing is required under Part E for residential developments (new and change of use). It is required for residential separating (party) walls and floors, but not for internal walls and floors.

For a full set of tests, it usually takes up to 2 hours to complete.

Calculations should be completed once you know what products you desire but before they are fitted.

Often, ‘water consumption shall be no greater than 125 litres/person/day’ is used. However, this sometimes varies depending on building control and this should be checked before the completion of the calculations.

• Toilets
• Baths
• Washing machines
• Rainwater recycling
• Grey water recycling
• Taps
• Showers
• Dishwashers
• Water softener
• Waste water disposal

The most common ways for this are: reduced flow taps, showers and solutions where rainwater is harvested and reused.

Ventilation Testing refers to extractor fans that are found in toilets and kitchens. These are tested to see how much air they extract over a given time.

Part F of building regulations states all plots should be tested, however, this is not always enforced by building control.

Ventilation testing should be undertaken at the end of the build. Once your extractors are in, working and connected to duct runs. We will also need all windows and doors to be fitted and fully operational.

Research should be taken on which fans/units give the best performance. It is essential keep duct runs as short as possible, with as few twists and turns as possible.

The target emission rate (TER) is the maximum amount of carbon dioxide that a building can emit per square meter per year, based on the building’s energy efficiency.

The building emission rate (BER) is the actual amount of carbon dioxide that a building is expected to emit per square meter per year, based on the building’s energy efficiency.

A design stage SAP rating is a calculation of the expected energy efficiency of a building based on the design plans, while an as-built SAP rating is a calculation of the actual energy efficiency of the building once it has been constructed.

PAS 2035 is a specification for retrofitting domestic buildings for improved energy efficiency. It provides a framework for assessing the energy efficiency of existing buildings and making recommendations for improvements.

PAS 2035 requires that air tightness testing be carried out as part of the assessment process for retrofitting domestic buildings. The air tightness testing results are used to determine the energy efficiency of the building and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

Airtight Testing Staffordshire is a company that provides a range of air pressure and leakage testing services for buildings in Staffordshire and surrounding areas.

Testing the air tightness of a building is important to ensure energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and comply with building regulations.

Any building that is intended to be energy efficient can benefit from air-tightness testing, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

The duration of the testing process depends on the size and complexity of the building. Typically, it takes 1-3 hours for a small building and up to a full day for a large building.

It is recommended to test air tightness at the design stage and upon completion of the construction process. Additionally, periodic testing is recommended if significant changes are made to the building’s envelope.

The cost of air tightness testing depends on the size and complexity of the building. Please contact Airtight Testing Staffordshire for a quote.

You can book air tightness testing by contacting Airtight Testing Staffordshire via phone, email, or the online contact form on our website.

Booking air tightness testing as soon as possible is recommended to ensure availability. Please contact Airtight Testing Staffordshire to discuss availability and scheduling.