Air Tightness Testing NI

What is Air Tightness Testing NI?

Air Tightness Testing (Statutory Assessment Procedure) is the UK Government’s recommended method system for measuring the energy rating of residential dwellings. The first version was published in 1995, and was replaced by newer versions in 1998, 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2012.  SAP 2012 has been used as the basis for checking new dwellings for compliance with building regulations in the United Kingdom.

Why is Air Tightness Testing important?

Air Tightness Testing NI

Pressure test being carried in low energy new build. First air test achieved was 1.5 m3/hr. Plastering not completed yet.

Because it saves money, simple.  A high leakage means the loss of energy and therefore a waste of money and resources.  We at Quinair specialise in air pressure testing and can conduct a leakage test to determine your points of loss and provide the necessary advice and guidance to fix any issues.

The current building regulations requirement is a maximum air leakage of no more than 10 m3/hr @ 50PA (pascals – this is the recognised measurement of air pressure).

If you make your house more air tight you still require some kind of ventilation.  If you have no ventilation you will get mould and mildew in your property caused by poor airflow.  We can rectify this problem in existing properties through positive input ventilation and on new builds with HVAC Unit(Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning).

Why choose Quinair for your Air Tightness Testing?

Quinair have had over 15 years experience in meeting building regulations through air tightness testing.  We are iATS registered which guarantees the quality of our work.  We are locally based and offer a free consultation on your needs either by phone or in person.  Contact us for more information.

Some of our clients have achieved a pressure test of 0.6 m3/hr.  This is the passive house institute requirement.  To achieve a measurement as low as this, additional air tightness measures must be taken to help reach the passive standard of 0.6 m3/hr.  This will assist in reducing your heating bills dramatically as there is no air leakage.