AIR PERMEABILITY TESTING
The Basics
What is Airtightness testing and why do i need one?
What is Airtightness testing and why do i need one?
By now the airtightness test is somewhat a familiar sight on UK & Ireland Construction sites but as a
means of a quick recap, here is a brief summary; Air tightness, air leakage or air permeability all refer to the infiltration of cold air into the building and/or the loss of heated air from inside through gaps, cracks, holes, etc in the building fabric. This affects the energy consumption of the building, as additional energy will be required to re-heat the air. It also impacts on the comfort levels of the building and ultimately, left untreated costs property owners more to run their buildings. Air leakage is generally caused by the buoyancy effect of heated air (air rising within a structure) or by the pressure differential caused by wind blowing on a building. Unwanted air leakage significantly increases the space heating demand of a building, as well as causing occupant discomfort from cold draughts. Air leakage can also lead to long-term problems in the building fabric where it is repeatedly damaged by the transmittance of water vapour which results in interstitial condensation. In areas affected by atmospheric pollution unwanted air leakage can contribute to reduced levels of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Achieving an advanced level of airtightness (in conjunction with the use of appropriately designed ventilation systems) will help to eliminate these problems.
Airtesting is also a requirement of the UK Building Regulations when New Buildings are constructed. The Air Permeability figure is an integral part of the SAP (Domestic) and SBEM (Non-Domestic) Energy Rating Models and has an affect on the overall Carbon Emissions of the Building.
means of a quick recap, here is a brief summary; Air tightness, air leakage or air permeability all refer to the infiltration of cold air into the building and/or the loss of heated air from inside through gaps, cracks, holes, etc in the building fabric. This affects the energy consumption of the building, as additional energy will be required to re-heat the air. It also impacts on the comfort levels of the building and ultimately, left untreated costs property owners more to run their buildings. Air leakage is generally caused by the buoyancy effect of heated air (air rising within a structure) or by the pressure differential caused by wind blowing on a building. Unwanted air leakage significantly increases the space heating demand of a building, as well as causing occupant discomfort from cold draughts. Air leakage can also lead to long-term problems in the building fabric where it is repeatedly damaged by the transmittance of water vapour which results in interstitial condensation. In areas affected by atmospheric pollution unwanted air leakage can contribute to reduced levels of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Achieving an advanced level of airtightness (in conjunction with the use of appropriately designed ventilation systems) will help to eliminate these problems.
Airtesting is also a requirement of the UK Building Regulations when New Buildings are constructed. The Air Permeability figure is an integral part of the SAP (Domestic) and SBEM (Non-Domestic) Energy Rating Models and has an affect on the overall Carbon Emissions of the Building.
Click below to download our comprehensive guidance on airtightness testing, regulations and air sealing
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