Air Tightness Testing

Air Tightness Testing Services

APT Sound Testing offers comprehensive Air Tightness Testing services across the United Kingdom. We cater to projects of all scales, ranging from individual dwellings to expansive commercial structures. As one of the select few UKAS accredited companies, we specialise in both Air and Sound testing, ensuring full compliance with Building Regulations and Standards.

Our unique accreditation allows us to conduct Air, Sound, and Vent Testing all in one visit, offering clients cost efficiencies and streamlined on-site coordination. Unlike many firms, we handle all work directly without subcontracting.

Since its mandate in 2006 under Building Regulations Part L in England and Wales, achieving satisfactory levels of air tightness has become imperative. This requirement aligns with efforts to create environmentally friendly buildings by minimizing carbon emissions through the prevention of energy loss via air leakage. Part L defines ‘air leakage’ as the uncontrolled flow of air through a building’s gaps and cracks, commonly known as draughts.

Energy loss through the building fabric contributes to the building emission rate. New projects must adhere to specific air testing and emission rate standards. The typical target for a standard dwelling is 5.0m3/hr/m2, while commercial buildings often aim for lower rates, around 3.0m3/hr/m2.

Air infiltration usually accompanies exfiltration elsewhere in the building, potentially leading to issues like condensation, mould, or rot. Our consultancy services extend from the project’s design phase to pre-completion testing, ensuring compliance for building control signoff. For clients requiring weekend testing, we offer an ‘out of hours testing’ service to minimize disruption during weekdays.

Our combined air and sound testing packages provide substantial cost savings. With our engineers accredited in both disciplines, clients benefit from a streamlined ‘3 step’ pre-completion package, eliminating the need for multiple contractors. On-site coordination is enhanced, as both tests are conducted efficiently on the same day. Additionally, we offer out of hours testing to minimize disruption during standard working hours.

We pride ourselves on offering friendly, expert advice to help properties achieve required emission rates for air testing. Reach out to our knowledgeable team of air tightness consultants through our contact form or by calling our offices to discuss your specific air testing needs.

We can help with your Air Tightness Testing

APT Sound Testing we have large amount of experience in understanding the requirements of Approved Document L, along with extensive experience of carrying out thousands of successful air tightness tests on a wide range of developments across London and the UK.

In order to achieve the required air tightness target (which is getting lower all the time) and to avoid the risk of a failed air tightness test, we strongly recommend that early consideration is given to the design of the air leakage line within your project.

By working with our customers throughout their design and construction stages, we can provide advice and guidance on the most feasible ways to avoid air leakage and attain compliance for the air tightness test. Please download our air tightness checklist to help you prepare for your test.