Energy Surveys

Air Tightness

Air Tightness Testing Air leakage is defined as the flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building fabric. Uncontrolled air leakage increases the amount of heat loss (up to 60% heat loss) as warm air is displaced through the envelope by colder air from outside. Air leakage of warm damp air through the building structure can also lead to condensation within the fabric (interstitial condensation), which reduces insulation performance and causes fabric deterioration.

We have experience in one off, medium and large residential developments. Different approaches are required to the design and construction depending on the construction system being used, whether traditional masonry, timbre frame or concrete/ICF. We have found from experience that some construction systems do have inherently better air tightness performance than others. Energy Surveys can provide full technical support on the design/detailing and construction stages of a project and offer a service which is built on experience and a rigorous quality management system.

Air Tightness Testing Implementation Dates

Domestic Buildings
Airtightness testing applies to works to new dwellings, where the work commences or takes place, as the case may be, on or after 1st July 2008.

Non-Domestic buildings
Airtightness testing applies to works, or non – domestic buildings in which a material alteration or
change of use takes place, where the work, material alteration or the change of use commences or takes place, as the case may be, on orafter 10 July 2008.

Technical Guidance Document L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy (May 2006 edition) ceases to have effect from 9th July 2008.

However, this document may continue to be used in the case of buildings:
- where the work, material alteration or the change of use commences or takes place, as the case may be, on or before 30 June 2008, or - where planning approval or permission has been applied for on or before 30th June 2008, and substantial work has been completed by 30th June 2010.