WHAT IS AN AIRTIGHTNESS TEST?

Air Tightness Testing quantifies the extent to which buildings leak air through gaps in the building fabric. Part L of the Building Regulations drives the requirement for Air Testing. Air Testing is carried out upon completion of a new build dwelling and the result is entered into the Design Stage SAP Calculation to produce the As Built SAP Calculation and EPC. Previously you only needed to carry out Air Tests on a sample of dwellings, but now every plot within development needs to be tested due to recently updated regulations. Air leakage is a vehicle for energy wastage, resulting from the increased loads placed on the space heating system. Improving air tightness is an essential factor in reducing carbon emissions in buildings.